University Band

Prominent date(s) of activity: 1956 - 1969?

History: While the history of bands at UNB dates much earlier than 1956, the first official organized band was formed upon Lord Beaverbrook's procurance of H. A. Trythall as Director of Music at UNB.

Activities: The band played at sporting events, the Fall Convocation, and the Winter Carnival. During sporting events, the University Band became a marching band, which was accompanied by the Majorettes. Practice was twice per week in the 1960s.

An annual summer festival of concerts and workshops was organized in 1966 by Joseph and Arlene Pach and held annually till 1983. Originally a three day festival, grew to two weeks of events in various locations including: Memorial Hall, the Fredericton Playhouse, and Christ Church Cathedral. The first four festivals hosted by R. Murray Shafer. Jazz was introduced in 1969 by Phil Nimmons and remained an integral part of the festival. The festival was known as the "Summer Chamber Music Festival" from 1966-1968; "Summer Festival of Chamber Music" in 1969; "Annual Festival of UNB Chamber Music and Jazz" in 1970; "Summer Festival of Chamber Music and Jazz" in 1975; "Festival of Jazz and Chamber Music" in 1975; "Chamber Music and All That Jazz" from 1976-1983; "Festival of Chamber Music and All That Jazz" from 1976-1983; and then the "New Brunswick Summer Music Festival".

Notes: Lord Beaverbrook outfitted the band with a complete set of instruments in the winter of 1957. By 1962, the band comprised reed, brass, and percussion instruments. A set of instruments was maintained for use of students who did not possess private instruments.

See: UNB Centre for Musical Arts

Source(s):

• Up the Hill, 1957.
• UNB Calendar, 1962, 1969.
• UA Case 174.