HOW IT ALL BEGAN…….
A MEMORY BY STAN PASSFIELD
By the early 1980’s, The Orillia Kiltie Band and the Orillia Silver Band had both ceased operations. Since the 3 high school music programs at Orillia District Collegiate and Vocational Institute (ODCVI), Twin Lakes Secondary School (TLSS) and Park Street Collegiate Institute (PSCI) were flourishing, by 1986 there was a large cadre of unemployed band musicians in the community looking for a place to play.
I was chatting with Susie Horne, a former PSCI trombonist, during the PSCI 25th anniversary celebration. She remarked that there was a need for a community band. By chance, a friend of mine, Bob Plunkett had retired as head of music at Parkdale Collegiate in Toronto the previous year. He and his wife Gladys had moved to Bass Lake. I suggested that we approach him about forming a community band.
I arranged a meeting with Susie, Jeff Day (Packet and Times editor) and myself with the Plunkett’s. We explained what we had in mind and asked if he would consider conducting such a band. Before he had a chance to respond, Gladys interjected that he “sure would”. It seems that Bob did not have enough to do in retirement and was getting underfoot with Gladys.
Jeff immediately put an article in the Packet to announce the formation of a civic band. A meeting date was selected and 55 people showed up in the music room at PSCI. Rehearsals began on Monday nights immediately.
The first concert was a benefit concert for the Heart and Stroke Society in Feb 1987. They played 5 concerts by the summer. Concerts were held in Midland, Gravenhurst, and in Orillia. The concerts at the Aqua Theatre started at this time and continue to this day.
The band has remained strong. Members change as the years move on, but the music continues.
Stan Passfield
Gratefully submitted to the OCB in Spring 2025
Stan Passfield OCB Founder 1986
Randy Hoover (current OCB music director) with his high school music teacher Stan Passfield (OCB Founder 1986) Picture taken Oct 2022
Thank You Stan Passfield for the Following Archives
OCB information letter Circa 1998
OCB July 28, 1987 at the Aquatheatre
OCB July 3, 1987
OCB Bob Plunkett first conductor Jan 1987
Thank you Cheryl Behan who has been an OCB member for 40 years and counting for this article from 2011
