Feb 6th Meeting - Worlsey Elementary School Band Performs

Great to have the Worsley School Band to perform at our meeting.  George Watson was on hand to introduce the band a give a brief history of Rotary involvement in the band.  The history is listed below. 


HISTORY OF THE WORLSEY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL BAND

In the early 1990s, Brian Hamlin, music teacher for Worsley Elem. School, was advised that the School Board had cut the music programme & his attempt to form a school band was not going to happen. Brian approached George as a parent and Rotarian to see if Rotary would be interested in becoming a sponsor of some sort. At that time, our youngest children were in that school and were to be part of the band. Rotary agreed, a committee was formed with Brian, other school parents & George as the Rotary liaison. The music programme first operated out of what was then Byrnes Ave School, which held grades 6-8.

The band was originally called the Wasaga Rotary Youth Band, and Rotary bought the original instruments for the students, adding a few each year. The students would lease or rent those instruments from the school & eventually through that process. the band became and still is self-sufficient. The last request for funding from Rotary was to sound-proof the music room when grades 6-8 were moved back to the 39th St location. That was done & a plaque put outside the room giving Rotary the credit for the creation of the band.

The students performed at several events over the early years, including Rotary meetings. They still participate in local parades as well various school concerts.