Edmonton
Swing Band
In 1913 the Edmonton Journal Newspaper formed the
EDMONTON JOURNAL NEWSBOYS BAND. The band developed into
such a proficient group of musicians that in 1916 they
were asked to accompany the Shriners, to their
convention in Buffalo, New York.
In 1926, the Band was reorganized as the EDMONTON
NEWSBOYS BAND. Acclaimed as one of the finest bands in
the world, and Canada's largest, the band concerts sadly
came to an end with the Stock Markets collapse in 1929,
and the start of the depression years.
In 1936, the EDMONTON SCHOOLBOYS BAND got its start.
The Band's showing in the 1936 Edmonton Exhibition
Parade so impressed officials of the Edmonton Public
School Board that they decided to take over the
trusteeship of the Edmonton Newsboys Band. The Band
continued until 1969 when the Edmonton Public School
Board decided to place its support within individual
schools.
In 1996, the EDMONTON SCHOOLBOY'S ALUMNI BAND was
formed as a result of a 60th anniversary reunion that
attracted over 400 former members. Today, this Concert
Band has a membership of over 50 and performs numerous
concerts in and around the city of Edmonton and has made
several recordings. The average age of the band members
is approximately seventy.
In 2003, members of the ALUMNI BAND started the
EDMONTON SWING BAND. This is a Big Band of 16
experienced musicians focusing on Big Band music,
primarily from the 30's to the 50's. Most of the players
perform also in the ALUMNI BAND. The EDMONTON SWING BAND
has had significant success in its short existence
playing at several dances and concerts.
Aidan McGarrigle
Glenwood Crescent, St Albert, Alberta, T8N 1X5, Canada
Tel: 780 460 9238
eMail:
aidanmcgarrigle@shaw.ca Aidan
