Did you know that the Guelph Concert Band has been around since 1878?

The Guelph Concert Band was established in 1878 as the result of a petition signed by ratepayers who demanded that Guelph have its own community band. With the help of Capt. David McCrae (father of the famous Col. John McCrae), William Philp (founding conductor) and George Howard (then mayor of Guelph), the Guelph City Band was founded and an annual grant from city council established. After being renamed the Guelph Musical Society Band in 1899, the Guelph Concert Band finally adopted its present name in 1968. The band has a rich and well-documented history including many tours, performances for royalty, tattoos, concerts in the community and parades.

Please feel free to browse through these pages, to get a sample of the history of one of Canada's oldest community bands. If you have futher questions about our history, we have a band archivist/historian. His name is Rob Penfold, and he can be contacted via our normal band e-mail address.

Today, the band sports a membership of over sixty-five volunteer musicians (both amateur and professional) who comes from all ages and walk-of-life. In the form a large symphonic wind orchestra, and various other smaller ensembles, the Guelph Concert Band performs upwards to 20 concerts per year. The band performs at a high level and maintains a professional-standard of performance. The band provides live performances of high-calibre band music to the citizens of Guelph surrounding area. Performances include appearances: in Guelph's River Run Centre and other formal settings and at free community events and civic ceremonies. The band also puts on concerts for shut ins, and other persons of limited financial means.