HISTORY OF THE WEST VANCOUVER POPS (THURSDAY NIGHT) BAND
In the spring of 1969, a group of 40 West Vancouver residents formed the West Vancouver Adult Community Band, as an extension of the popular West Vancouver Youth Band. Enthusiastic former musicians, who were on the Board of the West Vancouver Youth Band, were the first members of the adult band, which provided an opportunity for adults with previous experience to play their instruments again in a band, and hopefully regain some of their former proficiency. The first rehearsal was held in the Irwin Park Elementary School's band room at 8:30pm on May 6th, 1969, with the Youth Band conductor leading the Adult Band.
In the fall of 1969, the Beginners Adult Band was formed, with men and women starting on instruments new to them and with over half the members having no previous formal musical training. This founding group (the Thursday bunch) never looked back. They won a parade medal and award for their May Day float in their first year! Every year more challenging music was attempted, and the Thursday night Beginners Band has developed into the West Vancouver Pops (Intermediate) Band that practices today (with a few original members).
The West Vancouver Pops Band provides an opportunity for adults to enjoy playing and performing music together and to participate in sustaining a self-supporting, amateur, musical organization.
We currently have about 40 members, and practice on Thursday evenings from 7:30pm - 9:30pm at the West Vancouver Community Centre, under the direction of Tak Maeda.
Contact us at westvanpopsband@gmail.com
