Canadian Grenadier Guards Band
| Canadian Grenadier Guards Band | |
|---|---|
| Also known as | His Majesty's Canadian Grenadier Guards Band |
| Origin | Montreal, Quebec, Canada |
| Genres | Classical, military |
| Years active | April 26, 1913–1974 |
| Labels | His Master's Voice, Victor Talking Machine Company, RCA |
| Associated acts | Montreal Garrison Band |
The Canadian Grenadier Guards Band (sometimes referred to as His Majesty's Canadian Grenadier Guards Band) was a Canadian military band that was active for more than 60 years during the 20th century. In addition to performing for military events, the band had an active concert schedule which brought them to performance venues throughout North America. The group also made several recordings on a variety labels and appeared on numerous radio broadcasts in both Canada and the United States.
The Canadian Grenadier Guards Band (CGGB) was founded in Montreal on 26 April 1913 through the financial support and initiative of Frank Stephen Meighen. The regimental band's initial purpose was to accompany parades and other regimental activities. However, while the group performed this function, they became more well known for their performances as a concert band. The ensemble played an unusually varied repertoire for a band of its time period, playing both new music and works by major composers like Ludwig van Beethoven, Hector Berlioz, Jules Massenet, Giacomo Meyerbeer, Camille Saint-Saëns, and Richard Wagner. They also incorporated music by Canadian composers into their programs, such as Alexis Contant's Marche héroïque. Composer Claude Champagne was an original member of the band and he notably wrote Ballade des lutins for the grenadiers in 1914. Other notable band members included Hervé Baillargeon, Francis Boucher, Gérald Gagnier,René Gagnier, and Paul Pratt.
Conductor J.-J. Gagnier was appointed the CGGB's first director by Meighen upon the ensemble's founding in 1913. He remained in that post for the next 34 years. During his tenure the ensemble toured throughout North America and appeared on CBC Radio, CBS Radio, and NBC Radio. They also made appearances at the Canadian National Exhibition in 1921 and 1929. During World War II the band was stationed the 2nd Battalion of The Royal Canadian Regiment. Gagnier's last appearance with the CGGB was in 1947 for a meeting of the United Nations at the Montreal Forum. He retired soon after with the rank Captain.
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