The history of bands in Goderich stretches away back to 1856, when the first Citizen's Band was formed. Even before that, there are records of Goderich bands playing to honour the birthday of King George IV in 1832, and of musical interludes between rowdy skirmishes during our first elections.
In 1927, under the direction of C. R. Wilkinson, the Goderich Band won third prize at the C.N.E. In the Twenties, the band sometimes performed as a Clown Band, and was extremely popular. In the Fifties, the band became known as the Bluewater Band, and many fine musicians got their start in this band. One of them, W.O. Bob Fowler CD joined the Central Band of the Canadian Armed Forces, playing harp and percussion. Along with the Bluewater Band, there was a girls trumpet band here. This band of about thirty girls travelled about the area, and was a good will ambassador for Goderich.
In 1960, interest in bands waned in this area, and all the bands folded. It wasn't until 1967 that a group of citizens got together and formed a new Band, under the leadership of Charles Kalbfleisch. They were supported by the Kinsmen, and met in the High School. Music was taught after hours and early in the morning before classes. Many young musicians first picked up a horn to play with this new band. This was also the start of what has grown into the music program at G.D.C.I.
The band took the name of the Goderich Laketown Band when the Town took over supporting it. Since that time, the Legion took a turn as sponsor, and for the past decade, the Lions Club has helped support it. We have been fortunate with our leaders - all of them have been excellent musicians who have demonstrated a keen interest in instrumental groups.
The Lions Club built a bandshell in Harbour Park in 1974, and the recently formed Goderich Laketown Band started sponsoring summer concerts there every Sunday night. This proved to be very popular, and has become part of the summer attractions to Goderich.
The Laketown Band takes part in many parades in this area, and is a participant in the annual Christmas concert, as well as sponsoring the Sound of Goderich every spring. In 1983, the Band travelled to Truro as guests of the Truro Citizen's Band. There they played many concerts, including one in Halifax in front of the Bluenose II, and participated in parades as well. The following year, the Truro Band returned the visit to Goderich. The Band has played in Toronto, Niagara Falls, and Bay City, as well as many closer to home localities.
We are a group who has a lot of fun.
Bandmasters of Goderich
Z.E. Osmond (1856)
A. Heindike
George Stewart
Reg Blackstone
M. Scott
Wm. Davis
Harvey Jenner
C.R. Wilkinson (1927)
Gethin Davis
John Huckins
Charles Woods
Frank Shubert
Cap Bishop
Al Close
Charles Kalbfleisch (1967)
Irla Stewart
Wayne Taylor
Al Mullin
Marlene Storey
Robert Blackwell
Jim Ford
Hugh McGregor
Blake Smith
Bruce Cookson
Elayne Ras
Order is general; many directors have retired and come back over the years.