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History of the Lethbridge Community Band Society

 

 
 

The LCBS was founded in 1987 by Robert M. Cook former Director of Fine Arts at the University of Lethbridge, in collaboration with Bob Lewis, principal of the Gilbert Paterson Community School program and Barbara Walker, Director of music programs with the Lethbridge Public School Division . At inception, the organization attracted about 35 interested but rusty adult enthusiasts. That group formed the 'Thursday" or what was later to become the Gold Band. The Society members and many hard working Board members eventually built on a common love of excellence in music to achieve the more bands and ensembles which defined the LCBS in the years to follow. Following Bob Cook's retirement in the tenth year of the organization, Don Robb took over conducting duties of the Gold Band.

In 1988 a second band, the 'Wednesday" or Silver Band was formed under leadership of Arland Mangold, who offered an opportunity for a different level of musical experience and skill. Several years later Arland was succeeded by Ken Rogers who lead that band until 1999. Since that year conductors of the Silver Band have included Dennis Orr, Betty Upton and Don Robb, as well as numerous clinicians.

The organization was established as a charitable society in 1989 and thereafter has been run under a Board structure, largely comprised of members of one or more of the bands.

The Society has through hard work, many fundraisers, and many successful performances garnered much respect in Southern Alberta. Its efforts have been fruitful in gaining community financial support to assist in the acquisition of what is now a very substantial collection of concert music arrangements, and some very fine equipment and instruments of the type not normally owned by individuals.

The Bands perform extensively at public, private and school events all focused on the ultimate objective of playing increasingly challenging music, learning and sharing our love of music of all kinds.

The Society has a membership of almost 100 players.

New members are always welcome; experienced or not.