Founding Conductor R.W. Roelofson 1902-1912

W. R. Roelofson was the founder of the Galt Kiltie Band. This essay chronicles the first ten years of the band as Roelofson as the bandmaster.

Prior to 1902

The immediate predessor of the Galt Kiltie Band was the Galt City Band, which was formed by a union of the Musical Society Band and the Galt City Band; but all of the members of these two organizations did not enter heartily inot the union and in addition the BAndmaster secured by the committee did not prove to have the executive ability to hold the players. The results were that after running along in a half-hearted manner for about two years, the committee called all equipment in and then sold it to a small town in British Columbia for a sufficient sum to cover the liabilities. Thsu colsed another chapter in the band history of Galt. This happened in the spring of 1899. Up until that point, the Galt City Band had collected from citizens $258.82 and a grant of $150 per annum.

1902

In the month of July 1092, Mr. R. W. Roelofson was requested to get a Band together for the MacGregor-Gourlay excursion to Elora. Between fifteen and twenty ex-bandsmen responded to the call and held two rehearsals in the Amity Club with had been kindly loaned for the occasion. They turned out on a bright July morning attired in white coats and marched to the Grand Trunk Railway Station and went to Eloria with the picnic. The boys were so well pleased with the results of their efforts that they immediately talked among themselves of trying to keep the Band together. It was under such existing circumstances that the players who accompanied Mr. Roelofsh to Elora met in the Ikey Club rooms on August 15th, 1902 with the dtermination ot organize an BAnd. Mr. Toelfson was elected to the chair, and Mr. A. B. Scott secretary. Among those present were: Otto Schultz, John Dryden, Richard Austin, Allan McDonald, Robt. Dryden, Leonard Orton, Leonard Orton, George Woods, Alex Faser, Alfred Disch and Joh n Shcultz. At this meeting a motion was passsed resolving to make the present gathering a permanent organization; that it should be known as the "Galt Band". Mr. Roelofson was appointed bandmaster and a committee was chosen and instructed to procure a band room. The members of the Ikey Club kindly offered the free use of their rooms, and two rehearsals each week were held thereafter.

1903

Splendid progress was made during the winter and spring and the committee felt the great need of additional instruments and the secretary went to Toronto and returned with a mellophone which cost $40.50. Later a double Bb Bass was purchased at a cost of $90.00. Later, other equipment was acquired which with music stands, music and other necessities run the total up to over $800.00. These expenditures required some financing and moneys were collected by the boys from some fo the merchants and workmen in the shops responded with the following amounts: Goldie & McCulloch's $44.00, McGregor Groulay's $27.00, Cowan & Co. $17.00 and Mr. Andrew Newlands $25.00 and Miss Milks $25.00. During the winter of 1903-04 the band playedsix nights in the rink to pay for one slide trombone.

1904

On January 5, 1904 a meeting was held at which the following officers elected as members of a citizen's committee: Honary President Rank Slade; President A. M. Edwards, vice-President Leon Shupe. The committee felt at this time that in order to assure permanence ofthe organization it shoudl be recognized by the Town. An application for a grant of $300.00 was made in return for which the Band agreed to play a series of free concerts in the parks. As there was not a that time a Band Stand in the town the Band was under serious handicap in furnishing the promised concerts. there only lights were torches which they had to furnish and care for themselves. They also had to pay for carting of chairs and other equipment necessary for such performances. On April 20th, 1904 the committee accepted the tend of W. H. Kennedy to furish 28 uniforms for the total sum of $387.40 and these were worn for the first time on May 24th, 1904. The Band had secured several new instruments and when the Band made its first appearance with these new instruments and uniforms they makred improvement was a subject of general comment. The Band secured many out of town engagements during the summer and showed constant improvement musically and closed the season with assets of $1,202.00 and liabilities of $420.00. In July 1904 the Council granted the use of the Market building for a practice hall, but during the fall months the building was too cold and the Council Chamber was granted. This was inconvienent on account of the many meetings being held there.

1905

In the spring of 1905, a room in the rear of the Royal Band was secured, for which the Band had to pay rent for the first time. At the annual meeting in March, the following officers were elected: Honerable President A. M. Newlands; President H. R. Riley; vice-President Dr. H. F. McKendrick. Citizens Committee: F. D. Palmer, A. G. Donaldson and Dr. D. Buchanan. Many engagements were played through the year. Two new uniforms and a number of instrumetns were purchased and in July the Band ran its first Military Tattoo resulting in a next gain of $404.73.

1906

Early in 1906 the committee considered the desirability of having the Band equipped with Highland Uniforms. A great deal fo care was given as to the details to the Uniforms and after receiving samples from several British Manufacturers an order was placed with Fraser Ross & Co., Glasgow, Scotland. Many new instruments were purchased throughout the year. A bit celebration was arranged for May 24th at which the band were to wear their new Uniforms for the first time. Through the assistance fo Mr. J. H. Frayer the Dominon Express landed the Uniforms in Galt on May 23rd. The Galt Kiltie Band made their first appearance as Kiltie Band attired in their new uniforms on May 24th, 1906. On March 6th, 1906, the annual meeting was held, President H. R. Riley in the chair. Treasurer's statement showed outstanding liabilities to be $637.00. The following officers were elected: Honourable President A. M. Newlands, President H. R. O'Riley, vice-President Dr. H. F. McKendrick. Citizen's Committee: F. D. Palmer, A. D. Storon, A. G. Donaldson, D. hastings, and Dr. D. Buchanan. This Committee together with the Bandmaster and Band Committee wer responsible for the design and detials of the Highland Uniform which was admitted to be the finest in Canada at that time. The tattoo of 1906 was made up of Highland Bands and soldiers, the net gain being $311.80. the town grant for this year was increased to $400.00.

1907

The Parks Commission had erected a fine band stand in Dickson Park with the results that the weekly concerts were much more enjoyable. The net results for the tattoo this year were only $227.00 but indirectly the resutls were good as one fo the visiting bands rendered a selection with Tubular Bells and Mr. A. M. Newlands immidated instructed the band to order the best set of Tubular Bells which the Band could buy. An order was placed with Hawkes & Sonds for a special set of 2-inch Bells which were delivered in November.

1908

This year of 1908 was unmarked of anything of special importance, only that the improvement of the Band was marked as ever, and so many important engagements were played.

1909

The 1909 records contain nothing of special note. Among the many engagements played in the year was the threee days engagement at Ridgetown Old Boys Re- union. This trip and the Band's stay at Hotel De Kiltie with long be remembered by the Bandsmen. A condensed statement showed that during the seven and one half years of the existence of the organization there had been purchased property amounting to the value of $3700, had paid $800 in running expenses making a total of $4500. Amounts collected in subscriptions solicited $779.80 and voluntary $130.00 making a total of $909.80. This means that bandsmen by engagements, concerts and public entertainments had purchased and paid for $3600 of property. This ammount includes the annual grants which the committee feels were earned by the bandsmen the same as any other engagements and which in many towns go direct to the musicians. On Feb. 12th a meeting was held at which the following officers wer elected: Honourary President A. M. Newlands, Presdient A. M. Edwards, vice-President F. S. Jarvis; Citizen's Committee: R. D. McGill, W. H. Kennedy and Dr. Charlton. The matter of new instruments was, at a suggestion of the Bandmaster R. W. Roelofson, given careful consideration. After carefully considering the matter of cost and merit an order was placed with Mr. R. W. Williams for a complete set of Brass instruments to be furnished by Boosey & Co. of London, England.

1910

The year 1910 was a most important one from many angles. The band now well equiped with new instruments, a well stocked library, and their beautiful uniforms were as well equipped as any Band in Canada. AFter putting in a most intensive training during the previous winter by them on the concert stage to be equal to any band in Canada. Many important engagements were played during the year at which the engagement of the year was the one week's engagement at Madison Square Gardens for the New York Horse Show, which they filled with great credit to themselves, and the Town of Galt. Many press commetns from the N. Y. Press stated taht the music furnished by the Kilties was the best taht they had ever had at the Show.

1911

1911 was another most important year for the Kilties. A most intensive winter's work was put in by the Band under the direction of the Bandmaster, who conducted two rehearsals per week for most of the winter; one night brasses alone, andthe other night Reed section. This brought out wonderful results. When the two sections commenced rehearsing together the full importantace of this training was apparent for the badn played their numbers with the tonal qualities of a great organ. Many engagements were booked by the Band and the season was a most successful one. As a result of satisfaction of the Horse Show officials and the many Press comments which the Band received followign their engagement in New York they recieved an inquiry from the Officials of the Iowa and Minnesota State Fairs for a week's engagement at each Fair. After quoting prices adn terms the Officials of each Fair signed contracts for the engagement of the Kilties for one week at each fair for 38 men. This madea solid three week's engagement for the Band for they were also booked for the Western Fair at London, Ontario.

1912

During the Fall and Winter of 1911 and 1912 the band again put in an intensive winter's training with good results and the Band in the spring of 1912 was in the best shape that it had ever been, with 42 members, uniforms and instruments in first class shape and free from debt of any kind. At the annual meeting early in the eyar Mr. Roelofson was again appointed as Bandmaster. a few weeks later owing to the fact that Mr. Roelofson who as President and Managing Director of the Galt Machine Screw Co. Felt that his duties in the business were very heavy, he felt he coudl no longer spare tiem to do ustice to the duties of Bandmaster of the Kilties, tendered his resignation which was accepted with regret by the directors of the Band.

Sources:

Probably written by Frank Gadd in the early 1960s (former Bandmaster, deceased 1970), according to Bob Fox.

Retyped by band member, Graham Nasby, in 1999.

Posted to the web in 1999.

Reformated for new website on April 3, 2005.