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The CBA’s 75th Anniversary written by Ken
Epp for Canadian Winds – September 2006 It’s
been given up for dead more than once—and been put on life support a few
times—but today, 75 years after its founding, the Canadian Band
Association (CBA) is alive and doing well. With a growing list of programs and services and programs to more
than 1,500 members and 100,000 musicians, it’s hard to believe that there was a
time when the CBA’s very survival was in doubt. But on at least two occasions
the association was almost given up for dead, and all but one chapter has
withdrawn its membership or ceased to exist at one time or another. Yet the CBA has persevered and prospered—a testament to the
hard work and hopes of so many key people who have prodded and pushed the
organization to succeed. The concept of the Canadian Band Association dates back to 1918
when Captain John Slatter proposed the formation of an association of Canadian
bandmasters. Three years later Andrew "Al" Robertson and several
Toronto businessmen arranged for the Canadian National Exhibition to offer cash
prizes for a band contest. In 1924
competing bandsmen at the CNE formed the Ontario Amateur Band Association
(OABA), electing Charles Thiele as president. On September 1, 1931, 35 bandmasters gathered at the CNE to form
the Canadian Bandmasters Association and elect Slatter as President. Since
their membership base was primarily in Ontario and Quebec, the new group
focused on activities in those provinces. In 1937 the CBA successfully amended
the Municipal Act of Ontario so that any community could vote to provide
permanent support for their local band—something done by about 50
communities. However interest in the association faded, and in 1942, 18
remaining members met to consider surrendering the charter. Thiele and T. E. Jackson encouraged the
organization to carry on. Jackson was elected as President and Robertson was
appointed Secretary/Treasurer. In 1948 the CBA absorbed the OABA and the CNE band contest became
a CBA project. There was a flurry of
activity in 1954, beginning with an application for chapter status from
Alberta. Over the next four years bandmasters from other provinces applied to
join and, by 1958, the CBA had coast-to-coast representation. A national
council was formed as a parent body with E. Von Ayres elected the first
National President. First Provincial Presidents
British Columbia - Lt. S. E. F. Sunderland, Esquimalt Alberta - F/Lt. Carl Friberg, Edmonton Saskatchewan - J. Norman Lehman, North Battleford Manitoba - C. P. O. Thos. I. Tucker, Winnipeg Ontario/Quebec - Paul Pratt, Longueil, QC Maritimes - Lt. K. A. Elloway, Halifax *
Ontario and Quebec became separate chapters in 1963 In the years that
followed school band programs were introduced. Since there was little formal
training available for teachers, the CBA responded by introducing its own
Course of Instruction. Courses and
examinations were developed and diplomas of L.C.B.A. (Licentiate) and F.C.B.A.
(Fellowship) were granted. The death of Al Robertson in February, 1967 was hard on the CBA.
As editor of the The Canadian Bandmaster and Secretary/Treasurer for
25 years, he was the face of the association to many members. That summer’s
edition of The Canadian Bandmaster was almost entirely dedicated to Robertson’s
memory, and included a testimonial from each chapter. Robertson’s
passing, illness among several chapter leaders, and the growth of school based
band proved challenging for the CBA. The publication ceased and, within two
years, Nova Scotia reported it had separated from the Maritime chapter, and
B.C. and Manitoba reported their chapters to be inoperative. In 1969, partly in an effort to connect with school teachers, the
CBA changed its name to the Canadian Band Directors Association and briefly
affiliated with the Canadian Music Educators Association. The effort to attract
teachers wasn’t successful; by 1971 both Saskatchewan and Nova Scotia were
inactive, no meetings were being held by the Maritime chapter and Quebec had
relinquished its charter. Only Alberta and Ontario remained. There
was little CBDA activity in the early 1970s, although it appears that Keith
Mann was working to rekindle interest in the national association. By 1975
British Columbia was talking of reconstituting its chapter, and there was
interest in Prince Edward Island and Saskatchewan. The following year
representatives from B.C. and Manitoba received a travel subsidy to attend a
national meeting. This renewed interest
led to discussion of a national syllabus and a National Youth Band and, in
1976, Mann released the first Canadian Band Journal. It was printed as a high school
project. The next year Manitoba
became the first province to rejoin the CBDA. Yet
more challenges lay ahead. Two
years after the first National Youth Band was held at the 1978 CBDA Conference
in Toronto, Ontario reported that its Treasurer had taken out a personal loan
to cover the chapter's debt. To make matters worse, the CNE discontinued its
band contest in 1981. Organizing
this event had long been a source of pride for the association, and for 15
years the contest had contributed 7 percent of the prize money to the
CBDA. Ontario was on the verge of
surrendering its charter. CBA Chapter History
British
Columbia
- joins in 1956, inactive in 1969, rejoins in 1999 Alberta – joins in 1954,
withdraws in 2000, rejoins in 2002 Saskatchewan – joins in 1957,
inactive in 1971, rejoins in 1983 Manitoba – joins in 1957,
inactive in 1969, rejoins in 1977 Ontario – joint chapter
status with Quebec begins in 1956, separates from Quebec in 1963, a second
Ontario chapter joins in 2004 Quebec
–
joint chapter status with Ontario begins in 1956, separates from Ontario in
1963, relinquishes chapter status in 1971, rejoins in 1986, a second Quebec
chapter joins in 2004 New
Brunswick
– joins as part of Maritime chapter in 1957, inactive in 1971, rejoins as
part of Maritime chapter in 1986, forms provincial chapter in 1991 Prince
Edward Island
– joins as part of Maritime chapter in 1957, inactive in 1971, rejoins as
part of Maritime chapter in 1986, connects through Nova Scotia chapter
beginning in 1991 Nova
Scotia–
joins as part of Maritime chapter in 1957, inactive in 1971, rejoins as part of
Maritime chapter in 1986, forms provincial chapter in 1991 Newfoundland/Labrador – joins in 1995,
inactive in 2003 At the 1982 annual general meeting, held at the Midwest Band
Clinic in Chicago, the discussion focused on the CBDA's future. Although some
feared the association wouldn’t survive, the lengthy meeting resulted in a new
constitution, the election of an Executive representing the three member
provinces, and the appointment of cabinet designates from the five non-member
provinces. Soon
after the Chicago meeting Saskatchewan rejoined the association and, by late
1984, CBDA had established ties with the Federation des Harmonies du Quebec,
begun discussions with the Canadian Stage Band Festival regarding a National
Concert Band Festival, and hired Guy Mallabone as part time Managing Director. In 1986, under the leadership of President Larry Pearen, the CBDA
changed its name to the Canadian Band Association. Soon after, the Federation
des Harmonies du Quebec and Maritime Band Association were accepted as
chapters. A sponsorship agreement
with Air Canada followed and Saskatchewan's Band Week project was adopted as a
national celebration in 1987. As the 1980s came to a close, several chapters secured government
funding, while a new focus on school band led to a surge in membership. A chapter was resurrected in British Columbia
and discussion turned to reviving the National Youth Band and establishing a
chapter in Newfoundland/Labrador. The first NYB in 13 years performed at the 1991 CMEA conference in
Vancouver. (For a more complete history of the NYB see Jim Forde's chronicle in
CW 3.1) Later that year the CBA's
first Directory was printed and the Maritime Band Association was dissolved to
allow Nova Scotia and New Brunswick to pursue funding as separate provincial
associations. As well, PEI became part of the NSBA. By 1994 the NYB had found a home at MusicFest and, in 1995, the
birth of a CBA chapter in Newfoundland & Labrador connected every province
to the national association. As the new millennium approached, the CBA sought to secure its
long-term stability by introducing a new dues formula, approving a chapter
travel subsidy for the semi-annual national meetings, and creating a Long Term
Plan. In May, 2001 Keith Mann passed away. Mann had been a pillar on the Canadian band scene and among
many other things, served as editor of the Canadian Band Journal for 25
years. When the CBA had been
unable to sustain the journal financially, Mann insured continued publication
and sent a copy to every CBA member.
His passing was mourned by the band community from coast to coast. Recognizing the importance of a national journal, Don Harris put
in place the groundwork for a new publication. Tim Maloney and Denise Grant
were invited to serve as co-editors and, in 2002, the first issue of Canadian
Winds was dedicated to the memory of Robertson and Mann. Later that year the Newfoundland/Labrador chapter ceased
operation, but Alberta rejoined the CBA after a two year absence. In 2003 the CBA adopted a National Voluntary Curriculum and
Standards for Instrumental Music (Band). Chapter dues were increased to re-establish a part time
Executive Director position and ensure the long-term survival of Canadian
Winds and the National Youth Band. The following year the Quebec Band Association and Ontario Band
Association joined the CBA.
Although both provinces were already represented on the board, the
support of existing chapters in those provinces enabled the QBA and OBA to be
included in the national association.
Today
the CBA's strength lies with its chapters and the 100-plus programs and
services the provinces offer. Semi-annual meetings provide an opportunity to
share information about these activities, and it is not uncommon to see
projects replicated in other chapters. 2006 CBA Programs & Services
• Awards program • Canadian Winds • Concert Band Festival Repertoire List. • Directory • Monthly member Enews • National Youth Band • National Voluntary Curriculum and Standards for
Instrumental Music (Band) • Online theory project (in production) The dedication of numerous volunteers has enabled the CBA to face
and surmount many challenges. Today the association, with its expanding roster
of national programs and services, is well positioned to meet the challenges of
the next 75 years. Canadian Band Association
Historic Dates
compiled by Ken Epp 1918 - Captain John Slatter suggests a Canadian
association of bandmasters be formed. 1921 - Al Robertson and several Toronto business
men arrange for the Canadian National Exhibition to offer cash prizes for a
band contest. 1924 - Competing bandsmen meet at CNE festival
to form Ontario Amateur Band Association. Charles Thiele elected president. 1931 Sep 1 - Following the CNE Band festival, 35
bandmasters gather to form the Canadian Bandmasters Association. Slatter
elected President. 1933 - Formal application made for a national
charter. 1934 Apr 20 - Letters Patent received from Ottawa. 1937 - CBA successfully amends Municipal Act of
Ontario making it possible for any community to vote on permanent support for
the local band. About 50 communities use the Ontario Band Tax Law to support
local bands. 1942 - Eighteen members meet to consider
surrendering charter as interest in CBA fades. Thiele and T. E. Jackson
encourage organization to carry on. Jackson elected as President. Robertson
appointed Secretary. 1948 - CBA absorbs OABA and authorizes a
committee to run CNE band contest. 1954 Oct 16 - Alberta applies for chapter status. 1955 Apr/May - Jean Bach of Quebec advises Ontario that the Amateur Bands Association of Quebec will send a delegation to all CBA conventions and gatherings. Aug
13 - Ontario/Quebec request joint chapter
status. 1956 Oct 10-12 - Ontario/Quebec combine as second CBA
chapter. Oct
27 - Dominion Council renamed National
Council. Dec
27 - BC meets to form chapter. 1957 Jan 25 - Manitoba meets to form chapter. Feb
3 - Saskatchewan meets to form chapter.
Quebec requests their own chapter and Ont/Quebec chapter is dissolved. Oct
5 - Bandmasters meet in Amherst discuss
formation of Maritime chapter. 1958 - CBA bank account split equally between
National and Ontario/Quebec chapter. 1963 Jun 29 - Quebec formally requests chapter status. 1964 - National Convention discusses the
possibility of a National Youth Band. 1965 Jul 16 - Agreed that after 1965, conferences will
be held bi-annually. 1967 Feb - CBA newsletter editor, Robertson passes
away and after a memorial issue, newsletter is discontinued. 1968 Nov 11 - CBA agrees to change its name to the
Canadian Band Directors Association.
CBDA affiliates with the Canadian Music Educators Association. Manitoba
reports that it has been inoperative since late 1966. 1969 Aug 25 - BC reports it is inoperative. Nova Scotia
requests and is granted permission to create chapter separate from Maritime
chapter. 1970 - Alberta expresses concern about lack of
communication with National. 1971 Nov 11 - CBA feels CMEA cease their affiliation.
Nova Scotia reports to be inactive. No meetings being held in NB or PEI. Quebec
has relinquished charter. Saskatchewan apparently inactive. Alberta and Ontario
are active. After much discussion
it was agreed that the National Council continue. 1972 - Alberta votes to remain connected with National. 1974 - Ontario and Alberta begin exchange of
newsletters. Keith Mann reports BC chapter may soon be established. 1975 - Bob Brown to reconstitute BC chapter.
Alberta to refund $5 per BC resident currently an ABA member. Keith Mann
reports on CBDA interest in PEI, SK and BC. National meeting costs are paid by
CBDA (1/2), chapter (1/4), individual (1/4) 1976 Jan 16 - Martin Boundy suggests a NYB be formed
for '78 convention. National syllabus to be created. MB & BC travel costs
are reimbursed. Keith Mann to edit a national newsletter. Sep - Mann publishes first Canadian Band
Journal. Nov
4 - Mann reports that Manitoba wishes to
initiate a chapter. East Kootenay
applies as CBDA chapter. 1977 Feb - Manitoba forms new chapter. 1978 Aug 19-22 - Ontario oversees creation of first NYB
for national conference. 1979 Dec 15 - Harry Pinchin, Dennis Orr, Vondis Miller
and Duke Pier meet to set time line and contract a 1980 NYB director. 1980 - Alberta unable to access provincial 75th
anniversary funds for 1980 NYB. Ontario is in debt and considers surrendering
charter. ABA hosts national convention in Calgary. National Executive reactivates constitution and sets up a
Trust Deed and Declaration for NYB. 1981 Aug 30 - CBDA discontinues operation of CNE
contest. 1982 Nov 5 - Saskatchewan begins to form a chapter,
Manitoba has a charter. Discussion
of whether the Alberta chapter can provide enough delegates to form a quorum at
upcoming CBDA meeting in Chicago. Suggestion to move CBDA head office to
Calgary. Dec
12 - Alberta nominates Bob Eklund as CBDA
President. Dec
15 - New constitution ratified after 6 hours
of discussion. 1983 Nov - Ontario chapter has 150 members and
Saskatchewan holds first conference in Regina on September 24. 1984 Feb - CMEA approached about NYB performing at
national conference in London in spring 1985. Oct
26 - National meeting in Red Deer draws
representation from 4 western provinces. Dec
12-15 - It is agreed to develop a National
Concert Band Festival with the Canadian Stage Band Festival, strengthen ties
with the Federation des Harmonies du Quebec, and hire a part time CBDA Managing
Director (Guy Mallabone). 1985 Dec 19-20 - CBDA enters into gentleman's agreement
with the Canadian Music Festivals Association (formerly CSBF). Agreement says
participating bands must be members of CBDA or affiliate chapter. 1986 May 8 - Name change to Canadian Band Association
is approved in letters patent. Oct
23-24 - Under the leadership of CBA President
Leary Pearen, and following visits to their provincial conferences, the
Federation des Harmonies and Maritime Band Association joined the CBA. Dec
18-19 - MusicFest asks CBA to be involved with
selection of concert band syllabus.
Each chapter to submit additions and deletions to CBA President and
MusicFest Concert Band Festival chairperson, Keith Mann. - CBA Journals distributed to prospective
BC members. 1987 May 30-31 - Plans made for Canadian Band Week project
in fall. Air Canada terminates sponsorship. Dec
17-18 - CBA agrees to leave membership dues at
$10 (25% of provincial fee). 1988 Nov 11-12 - Keith Mann offered a contract to be
Publications Officer for both the Directory and Journal. CBA spends a day with outside
facilitator developing a Long Term Plan 1989 Dec 15-16 - BC rejoins CBA and there is discussion about possible new chapter in Newfoundland. Discussion to revive the National Youth Band. 1990 Jun
9-10 - Discussion with Joan Therens regarding
CBA's involvement in the '91 CMEA convention in BC. Frank Dunnigan presents a proposal for a 1991 National Youth
Band. The 52-member band would be for 16-18 year olds and cost $700 per
student. Dec
21-22 - National Music Award renamed National
Band Award. 1991 Jan - MusicFest prints CBA Directory. May - First NYB since 1978 held in conjunction
with CMEA conference. CBA sponsors sessions at the conference. Nov
2 - CBA advised that Maritime Band
Association will be umbrella group for associations in Nova Scotia, New
Brunswick and PEI to pursue provincial government funding. Dec
21-22 - CBA asks President (or designate) to be
CMEA liaison. CBA prints 20,000 Instrument Care Brochure 1992 May
26 - MusicFest invites National Youth Band to
play at festival. Dec
18-19 - Manitoba membership survey is the basis
for a complete review of CBA focus. - Distinguished Student Musicianship
Certificate introduced 1993 Apr - Lack of registration causes cancellation
of 1993 NYB in Quebec. Jun
12-13 - Plan for NYB to be held in conjunction
with MusicFest. Sep
30 - United Musical Instruments agrees to
print Directory. MusicFest Canada continues to prepare Directory database. 1994 May - NYB plays feature concert at MusicFest in
Toronto. 1995 Jun
3-4 - Long Term Plan Developed. CBA subsidizes Doug Vaughan's meeting
expenses in hope of developing a new chapter in Newfoundland. 1997 Dec
19-20 - New dues formula approved; 1998 Jun
5-6 - Subsidy travel plan introduced to cover
50% of chapter rep's airfare. Nov
27-28 - CBA considers invitation for NYB to play
at ISME 2000 conference in Edmonton.
1999 Jun
4-5 - Tim Linsley appointed to produce
Directory. CBA purchases a
liability insurance policy and makes it available to chapters. Oct
29 - ABA withdraws from CBA noting provincial
finances and lack of support for Alberta proposals. 2000 Jun
1-2 - CBA considers a SBA initiative for a
National Administrative Guidelines document for instrumental music
programs. CBA establishes a
website. CBA provides honourarium
for NYB Manager. Dec
1-2 - UMI asks that Directory be printed every
second year. 2001 May - Keith Mann passes away - Canadian Band
Journal ceases. Jun 1-2 - Chapters invited to bid to host NYB. Newfoundland/Labrador Band Association (NLBA) reported in difficulty. Mark Friesen and Steve Sherman (Alberta) attend CBA meeting as guests. Oct - Alberta rejoins CBA. Nov
30-1 - CBA archival material sent to National
Library of Canada. CBA considers Don Harris and Denise Grant's proposal for a
CBA national journal. 2002 May
31-1 - Jim Forde reports on effort to keep NLBA
alive. Don Harris reports on
developments regarding new journal.
CBA allocates $3,000 as seed money for Canadian Winds. Denise Grant
and Tim Maloney named as co-editors. Richard Soren hired to handle production. Oct - First issue of Canadian Winds. Nov
10-11 - Connie Turner leads development of CBA
Festival Repertoire List. 2003 Oct - Denise Grant resigns as co-editor. Daniel
Doyon and Fraser Linklater appointed as Assistant editors. Nov
28-29 - Chapters approve 80% increase in dues to
support CW and hire an Executive Director. Tim Linsley hired as Publications Manager (CW and
Directory). Ken Epp contracted for ad sales. - CBA adopts National Voluntary
Curriculum and Standards for Instrumental Music (Band); A Creative Project;
and Technical Standards for Percussion. 2004 Jan
1 - Ken Epp contracted as part time CBA
Executive Director. Jan
12 - First issue of CBA monthly Enews. May
7-8 - CBA approves application from the Quebec
Band Association and Ontario Band Association to join CBA. CBA approves dues of
$12/person based on number of CW mailing labels from each chapter. Dec
3-4 - Travel subsidy plan increases funding for
chapters to attend meetings. Donation program launched for on-line theory
program. Board approves updated Repertoire List developed by Jacquie Dawson and
a national committee. 2005 May
13-14 - Donations for on-line theory project reach $10,000 goal. 2006 October - CBA celebrates 75th anniversary. Nov
23-25 - CBA meets with CMEA in Winnipeg to
discuss cooperative projects. Adrian Bourgeois replaces Elizabeth Sayrs as
on-line theory program production manager. Canadian Band Association Council Meetings AGM Year Mid
Year Meeting Location AGM Location
1931 Sep
1 Toronto 1 1932 Dec
27 Toronto 2 1933 Jul
9 Waterloo 3 1934 Aug
31 - Sep 1 Toronto 4 1935 Oct
26 Montreal 5 1936 Jul
22-24 Chatham 6 1937 Jul
23-24 Owen
Sound 7 1938 Jul
9-11 Sarnia 8 1939 Sep
1-2 Toronto 9 1940 - 10 1941 - 11 1942 - 12 1943 Jul
16-17 Chatham 13 1944 Jul
14-16 Stradford 14 1945 Sep
14-16 Belleville 15 1946 Sep
6-8 Waterloo 16 1947 - 17 1948 Aug
13-15 London 18 1949 Aug
5-7 Peterborough 19 1950 - 20 1951 Aug
10-12 Midland 21 1952 Jul
25-27 Wallaceberg 22 1953 Aug
14-16 Owen
Sound 23 1954 Jul
30-1 Barrie 24 1955 Aug
12-14 London 25 1956 Aug
10-12 Midland 26 1957 Jul
26-28 Gravenhurst 27 1958 - 28 1959 Jul
17-19 Banff 29 1960 Jul
15-17 Oshawa 30 1961 Jul
8-10 Halifax 31 1962 Jul
6-8 London 32 1963 Jun
28-30 Moose
Jaw 33 1964 Jul
17-19 Orillia 34 1965 Jul
16-18 Quebec 35 1966 Apr
Waterloo 36 1967 Jul
7-9 Moose
Jaw 37 1968 Nov
10/11 Toronto 38 1969 Aug
25 Toronto 39 1970 - 40 1971 Nov
11-13 Banff 41 1972 - 42 1973 - 43 1974 - 44 1975 ? Ontario 45 1976 Jan
16 London Nov
4-6 Edmonton 46 1977 - 47 1978 Aug
19-22 Toronto 48 1979 - 49 1980 Nov
19-22 Calgary 50 1981 - 51 1982 Dec
15 Chicago 52 1983 Dec Chicago 53 1984 Oct
26 Red
Deer Dec
12-15 Chicago 54 1985 Dec
19-20 Chicago 55 1986 Oct
23 Calgary Dec
18-19 Chicago 56 1987 May
30-31 Saskatoon Dec
17-18 Chicago 57 1988 Nov
11-12 Toronto 58 1989 June
2-3 Montreal Dec
15-16 Chicago 59 1990 June 8-9 - Regina & Oct 26-27 - Dartmouth Dec
21-22 Chicago 60 1991 May
10-11 Vancouver Dec
21-22 Chicago 61 1992 June
12-14 Toronto Dec
18-19 Chicago 62 1993 June
11-13 Toronto Dec
3-4 Edmonton 63 1994 June
10-11 Montreal Dec
2-3 Regina 64 1995 June
3-4 Halifax Dec
2-3 Toronto 65 1996 May
31- June 1 Vancouver Dec
20-21 Chicago 66 1997 June
6-7 Edmonton Dec
19-20 Chicago 67 1998 June
5-6 Winnipeg Nov
27-28 Fredricton 68 1999 June
4-5 Saskatoon Nov
26-27 Montreal 69 2000 June
1-2 Halifax Dec
1-2 Toronto 70 2001 June
1-2 Vancouver Nov
30 - Dec 1 Hull 71 2002 May
31 - June 1 Moncton Nov
10-11 Winnipeg 72 2003 May
30-31 Edmonton Nov
28-29 Toronto 73 2004 May
7-8 Halifax Dec
3-4 Montreal 74 2005 May
13-14 Regina Dec
2-3 Vancouver 75 2006 May
12-13 Edmonton Nov
23 & 25 Winnipeg 76 2007 May
4-5 Halifax | ||
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