From Inside Toronto
JOE COOPER
Apr 29, 2010 - 10:48 AM
WATCHDOG: Band celebrates spring with classic and contemporary music
East York has been notable for being the home of some very creative people who have expressed themselves in many creative ways, particularly through music.
A good example of this is the East York Concert Band, whose 60-plus-year history is deeply woven into the community that it is named after.
The band had its origins in 1948, when it began 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 Citizens 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 it became an official part of the township's recreational program and changed its 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.
It also played regularly at East York nursing homes and seniors residences, as well as other local venues.
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 support and welcomes sponsorship from local groups or businesses.
On Monday, May 3 the band will be playing at the On the Park Centennial Ballroom, 1075-1095 Leslie St., just north of Eglinton Avenue East, and there is free parking.
Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for students (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 or 416-266-1958.
The concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. The evening's program will feature a selection of classical favourites, marches and contemporary band arrangements.
Conducting will be Ramona Ehlert, a 15-year member of the band, who will lead the band members in the entertaining and lively way that has been its signature style all these years.
Emily Summers, one of the bands clarinetists and also a music teacher in the school system, is acting as the new assistant conductor.
Come out and support the band on this historic evening, or check for future concerts on its website at www.eastyorkconcertband.ca