Band History    

The Pembroke Legion Band has been in existence since 1950. From it's inception in 1950 until 1977 it was under the direction of Mr. Doug Lowe and from then until 2001 it was directed by Ms. Linda Casselman. The current director of music is Mr. Gordon Tapp.

The band has participated in Legion parades and ceremonies, such as Remembrance Day and Legion Day, without fail since 1951. Every year, without exception, a Legion trumpeter has performed the Last Post at veterans events as required. The Pembroke Legion Band has also performed ceremonies on Nov 11th for many surrounding communities in Renfrew County and in West Quebec.

The band has represented the Legion at annual community events such as the Santa Claus Parade, the Strawberry Social, the Canada Day Concert in the Park, Christmas, Spring, and Summer Concerts, the Stations of the Cross event at Easter time, Jeanne Lajoie School Graduation and Algonquin College Graduation. The band has provided musical and ceremonial services to these events for the past twenty years.

Every year the Pembroke Legion Band has worked in partnership with the local military forces, providing music for the annual inspection for 2677 Army Cadet Squadron.

The Pembroke Legion Band community involvement has included concerts in Seniors' Homes in Pembroke and the area.

Highlights in the Band's History

May, 1978
On Legion Day in May 1978 The Pembroke Legion Band was proud to represent Branch #72 at Olympic Stadium in Montreal, where legion bands from far and wide were to congregate. Pembroke's Legion Band was the only band to show up. In spite of the awesome task of playing for more than 20,000 people the Pembroke Legion Band did itself and its home branch proud.
1990
A Legion band reunion was held in 1990. Sixty-five past and present Pembroke Legion Band members attended the event. Many fond memories were recalled as stories wre shared.
1994
In 1994 the Band paid tribute to it's longest serving member, Mr. Dave Trimble. Dave was not only a tremendous asset to the band with his trombone playing but he held the record for long service with the Pembroke Legion Band. It was the initiative of Mr. Trimble that actually launched the the Pembroke Legion Band back in 1951. Dave passed away in the fall of 1997.

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