3 Scout House Groups Swing Into Routine, 2 Remain Inactive

Three Preston Scout Band Inc. groups are back in the swing of their summer rehearsal and performance schedules, but Scout House Alumni Band and Heritage Drill Team will remain inactive following almost three years of inactivity caused by the worldwide COVID 19 pandemic.

Silver Leaves Brass and Scout House Youth Band were able to re-establish their regular rehearsal schedules earlier this year as COVID restrictions in Ontario were gradually eased over the winter. Magic of Scout House winter guard is scheduled to begin rehearsals at its usual August starting time, in preparation for the contest season beginning in January 2023.

Aging, various physical ailments, absence of the long established weekly rehearsal schedule and other individual interests arising during the pandemic all helped bring the alumni band and drill team to the point where there is no longer the interest or capability to maintain the two programs.

The Scout House alumni era began in 1993 with a heritage colour guard marching in local parades and special events to the accompaniment of recorded music. The alumni band began rehearsing in the fall of 1998 in preparation for a stage performance at the 1999 Great Alliance of Seniors (GAS) reunion in Mississauga, Ontario.

Over the following 20 years, Scout House Alumni Band performed 20 or more times per year in street parades, Royal Canadian Legion ceremonies, concerts and field shows in two Canadian provinces and 10 American states. Performances by the Heritage Drill Team were a highlight of the annual GAS reunions, with members wearing the tight black shorts, white gauntlets, Aussie hats and short-sleeved shirts of the 1950s while performing the knees-up marching and choreography routines that helped make Preston Scout House Band internationally famous.

Preston Scout House Band Inc. is a non-profit corporation with registered charity status able to issue tax receipts to donors, incorporated under the Corporations Act of the Province of Ontario on November 29, 1956. The multi-unit organization offers individuals the opportunity to “Arrange the soundtrack of your life” in marching arts activities starting at a young age and continuing throughout life.

The three active units are: Scout House Youth Band for young men and women up to age 22; Silver Leaves Brass, an award winning brass ensemble; Magic of Scout House competitive winter guard, winner of five consecutive North East Color Guard Circuit championships since 2015.

For more information about Preston Scout House Band Inc. activities, contact telephone (519) 653-3376, email PSHBAND [dot] INC [at] outlook [dot] com