The East York-Riverdale Mirror

This year marks the 60th anniversary of the founding of the East York Concert Band, whose history is deeply woven in to the community that it is named after.

The band had its origins in 1948 as a night school course offered by the East York board of education, where musician Norman Tuckwell taught people to play musical instruments.

Many local people who joined the course already possessed musical skill and talent, and Tuckwell quickly realized that he had the core membership for a viable band.

Originally called the East York Citizen's Band, the group began by playing with "war surplus" musical instruments purchased from the Canadian military and wearing distinct band uniforms of their own making.

In 1950 they became an official part of the township's recreational program and changed their name to the East York Concert Band.

Over the years, the band has been a fixture at many East York events, notably at the Nov. 11 Armistice Service at the East York Municipal Cenotaph (until 1985) and the July 1 Canada Day Celebrations, at which they still perform today.

They also play regularly at East York nursing homes and seniors residents, as well as local events.

After amalgamation, the City of Toronto chose not to fund the band and as a result it has increasingly drawn support from groups and events outside of the East York community.

The Royal Canadian Legion has provided important financial support over the years and much appreciated fees have come from playing live performances for skaters at the Scarborough Centennial arena.

In 2005 the band performed a special program of music to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, which was attended by an appreciative audience of nearly 500 people.

In 2007 the band became a registered charitable organization in order to encourage local support, and welcomes sponsorship from local groups or businesses.

One way in which you can provide personal support is by attending the band's official anniversary performance on Monday, May 5 at 8 p.m. at the Q-ssis Banquet Hall, 3474 Kingston Rd. in Scarborough.

Tickets are $15 for adults (children 12 and under get in free) and may be purchased at the door or by contacting band president Russ Welton at 416-439-3542.

The evening's program will feature a selection of music that spans the band's history, from the Big Band sounds of the 1930s and '40s through to popular contemporary movie sound tracks.

Conducting will be newly installed Ramona Ehlert, a 15-year member of the band, who will lead the 53 musicians in the entertaining and lively way that has been the band's signature style all these years.

Do come out and support the band on this historic evening, or check for future concerts online at www.eastyorkconcertband.ca.