Waterloo Musical Society Band

Waterloo Musical Society Band

Waterloo Musical Society Band. Civic band normally of 32-45 players, founded in 1882 under the auspices of the Waterloo Musical Society. In its early years it participated in many competitions or tournaments, winning nine prizes in a single year during the 1880s. It accompanied Waterloo singing societies at Sängerfeste in Michigan and New York State, played on pleasure boat excursions on the Great Lakes, and began to perform annually at the CNE. During the first part of the 20th century, and especially under the leadership of Charles F. Thiele, it achieved new promince. (See Waterloo Band Festival.) In the 1970s the band continued to present a concert series, each summer in Waterloo, to appear for armed forces veterans' events and civic gatherings, and to participate in Waterloo County Music Festival competitions. During that period membership began to decline and the band became financially dependent on the City of Waterloo's Recreation and Culture Dept. In the 1980s the band continued its activities, though reduced membership (under 20 at times) curtailed participation in competitions. A revitalization of the band began in the early 1990s. New educational initiatives were undertaken which offered bandsmen individual or small-group training sessions with section leaders. By the end of 1991 the band had regained financial health and it had 40 members. Conductors have included Noah Zeller 1882-1900, W.H. Walker 1900-1, Arthur Stares 1902-3, Henry Restorff in 1903, W.J. Philip 1903-10, W.A. 'Fritz' Paul 1910-15, J.E. Pillar 1915-16, Enea Trovarelli 1916-18, Thiele 1919-51, Fred Roy 1951-5, William Gallagher 1955-62 and John T. Conrad 1963-91. John Tickner succeeded Conrad in 1991.