“Dedicated to the memory of Robert Hartford Plunkett 1921 to 2002 Founding Conductor of the Orillia Concert Band Composed by Bruce Sutherland” 2004. 4 Movements
1- The Majesty of Canada
2-The Dance Hall
3-Hymm to Huron Waters
4-Coast to Coast
OCB Inside the Conductor’s score of The Plunkett Suite
OWE April 2003
OCB band members May 4 1997 at St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, Orillia, Ontario
OCB band members May 4 1997 in above picture
OCB band members June 10, 1995 in Toronto, Ontario
OCB band members June 10 1995 in above picture
OCB Early 1990 St Paul’s United Church, Orillia, Ontario
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
Thank You Stan Passfield for the Following Archives
All concerts are at St. Paul’s Centre, 62 Peter Street North in Orillia except the Concert in the Park, which will be played at the Rotary Aqua Theatre in Couchiching Park, Orillia. Saturday December 7 2024, 3:30 – Afternoon Christmas Concert Saturday December 7 2024, 7:30 – Christmas Prelude Concert Saturday March 8 2025, 7:30 – Winter Concert Saturday May 3 2025, 7:30 – Spring Concert Sunday evening June 22 2025, – Park Concert (at Rotary Aqua Theatre)
Since 2021 the Orillia Concert Band have been recording its concerts on YouTube and they are available for viewing on the Orillia Concert Band’s YouTube Channel.
It costs extra money to record a concert and the band requests your assistance in offsetting those costs. To show your support please make a donation at the Orillia Concert Band Livestream Donation Page.
Please subscribe to the Orillia Concert Band YouTube Channel (subscribing is free) so you can easily return to find more great content in the future.
If you wish to help support the Orillia Concert Band’s mission to bring live big concert band music to Orillia and area, you may make a tax deductable donation on the Orillia Concert Band Donation Page.
There are a lot of expenses running a concert band, including music costs, rehearsal space rental, percussion equipment storage rental and insurance costs, just to name a few of the major ongoing expenses. Your contribution goes a long way to defraying this expenses allowing the band to keep tickets affordable. Thank you for your assistance!
Alternatively, you can donate to the Orillia Concert Band by sending a cheque (payable to “Orillia Concert Band”) to the following address. Tax receipts will be issued for donations $20 or greater if you include your name and address on or with your cheque.
Orillia Concert Band PO Box 2416 Orillia, ON L3V 7A3