A Brief History of The Old Elgin Band
1984 - 2002

 

The history of The Old Elgin Band is essentially a two-part story, this being the second part. For more information about the historical roots of The Old Elgin Band, follow the link at the end of this page. The Old Elgin Band, formed in 1984, is comprised of former members of the Elgin Regiment Trumpet Band and new recruits, interested in preserving and upholding a tradition which has endured for more than one hundred and twenty-five years.  The formation of the Band was originally intended primarily for the fellowship that a band offers to its members but its popularity in the community soon changed the Band's mandate to one of Community Service. Since its inception, The Old Elgin Band has put on numerous performances in and about the city of St. Thomas, the county of Elgin, and other places throughout Canada, The United States, and overseas. The Band has performed on various occasions for the patients and staff of the St. Thomas Psychiatric Hospital, private and County Nursing Homes in Elgin County, and  have donated their services to Scouts Canada Elgin District Council for their annual church parades. Other performances have taken place at the Klompenfiest Celebrations in Clinton, Ontario; the Homecoming festivities in Durham, Ontario; and the Canada Day Celebrations on Parliament Hill in Ottawa. In 1993, the Band travelled to Scotland at the request of Lord Elgin, the Earl of Elgin and Kincardine, to perform at his home, Broomhall, as well as other locations in the area of Edinburgh and Newcastle, including such places as Blair Castle and Glamis Castle, home of the Earl of Strathmore and birthplace of Her Majesty, The Queen Mother. Upon their return to Canada, the Band was requested by Lord Elgin to take part in the International Ploughing Match Parade in Walkerton, Ontario. Two years later, in 1995, The Old Elgin Band was invited to represent Canada at the 50th Anniversary Celebrations of the Liberation of Holland. For several members of the Band who served in Holland with various detachments of the Canadian Army at the time of its liberation in 1945, this was a particularly memorable occasion. The Band participated in many local celebrations throughout the Province of Overijssel, including concerts in Nijverdal, Rotterdam, and Appledorne. In the most recent years, the Band has travelled to Midland-Penetanguishene for The Battle of Georgian Bay events in addition to local concert performances at St. Thomas' Pinafore Park and London's Western Fair. In 1990, the City of St. Thomas bestowed its highest civic honour upon The Old Elgin Band, for their continuous contributions and dedication to this community. The Old Elgin Band is, today, a household word in St. Thomas and its environs, being held in high esteem by everyone who has heard them perform.

Historical Roots of The Old Elgin Band