Written by Kerry Turner, September 2024
The New Westminster and District Concert Band has a long and proud history, providing musicians of all ages the opportunity to be a part of a concert band. The City of New Westminster first saw a youth band in the 1920s, one sponsored by the Boy Scout organization. Through the 1930s and into the 40s, the Terminal City Concert Band gave the young people in the community an opportunity to be involved in a band.
The band continued through the 1940s under the direction of Fred Turner. The Lion’s Club took over the sponsorship of the group again offering boys and girls of the city the chance to be in a band. During those years, the band established and maintained a true city concert band, involved in a great many of the civic activities of the day. Prior to the Lion’s Club involvement, the band depended upon the support of volunteer parents to maintain a solid financial structure.
In the early 50s, the band established itself as a registered society and the business of the band was handled by an elected executive body. This continues to today, where the executive body handles the business end of the organization, providing a solid foundation for the musical experience.
Currently, the band offers a senior concert band and a jazz band to area musicians. Unfortunately, Covid reduced the number of performing groups the society operated and the beginning level and intermediate level (Forte Wind Ensemble) bands ceased operations.
Membership in the bands sees representation from across the Lower Mainland with a mostly adult membership, although university and high school players are welcome if they can achieve the level of musicianship expected of the concert band.
Over the years, the New Westminster Concert Bands have been consistent winners in regional, national and international competitions and festivals. While not the only measure of the band’s success, it does support the belief that this has been a solid musical group throughout its history.
Travel and performance by the band has always been a common experience over the years. Local, provincial, national and international tours presented many outstanding musical experiences for the band. Destinations included Europe, England, Japan, Australia, and the United States, often in conjunction with other musical ensembles.
The New Westminster Concert Band is proud of the fact that it has provided an excellent opportunity for all ages to enjoy the experience of music making. Former members of the band can draw upon their musical experiences in many ways as they continue as citizens in this world of ours.
Over its long history, the band has been privileged by the work and leadership provided by its musical directors. The list included below includes many outstanding musical educators and reflects the wide variety of experiences they brought with them in their work with the various levels of young and old musicians who enjoyed a musical journey in one or more of the band’s groups.
Musical Directors
Junior Band (Beginners)
Fred Turner
Kerry Turner
Lorne Cooke
Stephanie Olsen
Paul Dudley
Sandy King
Dan Hearty
Curt Jantzen
Intermediate Band (Forte Wind Ensemble)
Earle Peterson
Lloyd Abrams
Tom Furness
Tom Turner
Kerry Turner
Dan Hearty
Dick McManus
Dave Pollard
Carrie Taylor
Gerry King
Kevin White
Senior Band
Fred Turner
Kerry Turner
John White
Kevin White
For a more extensive history of our band, click here to read a 2011 Canadian Band Association feature.