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Historical OverviewFounding of the BandIn July 1902, Mr. R.W. Roelofson was requested to get a band together for the MacGregor-Gourley excursion to Elora. Between fifteen and twenty ex-bandsmen responded to the call and had two rehearsals in the Amity Club which was 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 Elora with the picnic. All the bandsmen were pleased with their efforts and wanted to keep the band together. It was hard to organize a band as the supporters in Galt were disgusted with the results of the Galt City Band. (In 1899 the previous Galt City Band had folded up and sold all equipment to a small town in British Columbia -- enough to cover expenses that they had incurred).On Aug.15 1902 the players met in the Ikey Club rooms determined to organize a band. Mr. Roelofson was elected to the chair and Mr. A.B. Scott secretary. At that meeting a motion was passed resolving to make the present gathering a permanent organization; that it should be known as the Galt Kiltie Band. Mr. Roelofson was appointed bandmaster and a committee was chosen and instructed to procure a band room. The members of the Ikey Club kindley offered the free use of their rooms, and two rehearsals each week were held thereafter. The Kiltie UniformThe band made splendid progress during the winter and spring and began purchasing additional instruments. At that time a mellophone cost $40.50, double b flat bass $90.00 and the band ran up a bill of over $800.00. Band canvassers went out and collected donations -- Goldie & McCulloch $44.00, McGregor Gourlay $27.00, Cowan & Co. $17.00, A. Newlands $25.00 and Miss Wilks $25.00 just to mention a few. During the winter of 1903/04 the band played six nights at the rink to pay for one trombone!! Twenty-eight new uniforms were purchased for total sum of $387.40 and were worn for the first time on May 24th.1904. With a new look and new instruments the band secured many out of town engagements and at the end of the year had $780.00 to the good. In July 1904 the council granted the use of the market building for a practice hall but in the fall and winter it was just too cold and the Council chambers were granted for this time of year -- very inconvenient as many meetings were held there. In the spring of 1905 the rear of the Royal Bank was secured and the band had to pay rent for the first time. In July of that year they held their first military tattoo andmade a net profit of $404.73. Early in 1906 it was decided to obtain the Highland dress and after receiving quotes and samples an order was placed with Fraser Ross & Co. in Glasgow, Scotland. The uniforms were to be worn for the first time on May 24th. and with the assistance of Mr.J.F. Frayer the Don Exp. Landed the uniforms in Galt on May 23rd. or they would not have been here on time. These uniforms were the finest in Canada at that time. The Early YearsThe new look of the Band, combined with its musical ability, made it much in deman, and in 1910, resulted in the engagement at Madison Square Gardens, New York, followed by a mid-western American tour in 1911. During 1912-1922, Mr. W. S. Sheppard assumed the post of Bandmaster,a nd during the years of the First World War, the Kilties took part in the musical duties of the local Militia. Bandsman Tom Porter and a goodly number of the Kilties formed the nucleus of the the 111th Battalion Band which saw service overseas. Upon the return to Galt, Mr. Porter became the Bandmaster of the Highland Light Infantry Brass Band. Mr. R. W. Roelofson returned in 1922 to head the Galt Kilties once again, and remained Leader until 1945. During the Second World War, the BAnd almost collapsed because so many young players enlisted. Howevef, throught the great efforts of Mr. Roelofson, the Band held together until the players returned after the War. In 1949, Mr. W. J. McFadyen became Leader, and under his direction, the Band was coached to perform music more in keeping with modern trends in music. As well as being a Church Organist, Bill McFadyen, in his capacity as Music Supervisor of Schools, met with great success in his direction of the Annual School Children's Concert at Dickson Park. In this event, the Galt Kilties lead the Parade to the Park, and played the accompanying music for the Concert. Mr. McFadyen was succeeded in 1956 by Mr. Frank Gadd. Mr. GAdd had also directed the Galt Kiwanis Youth Band since 1949, and was able to bring along a number of young players for the Kilties and other district Bands. Present & FutureThe Centennial year, 1967, was an active time for the Band. In addition to 5 Outdoor Concerts, the Band took part in numerous Parades, including Rockton, Hespeler, Preston, Galt, Kitchener, Teeswater, and Toronto. The Band also performed at the Eventide Home, the Ontario School for Girlsm and the Gore Centennial Fountain Opening. the Band also takes part in all Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 121, parades and many of its Social evenings at the Legion.
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