Norwich Musical Society Band - almost a century later...

The Norwich Musical Society Band performs at a variety of functions, both indoors and outdoors, and also has two annual performances. The band is currently looking for new band members to join. (Contributed Photo).

Rebecca DeWaele, Post Contributor

The Norwich Musical Society Band continues the legacy, 95 years from when it all began. And with the unofficial 100th Anniversary coming up in 2030 (the official coming up in 2033), the band is looking forward to celebrating this incredible accomplishment, but how did it all begin?

The band originated as a high school brass band in 1930, which included instruments such as trumpets, trombones, baritones, and tubas. During this time, it was originally a boys’ band. They would eventually become the Norwich Musical Society Band in 1933 which included more instruments like the flutes, clarinets, saxophones, etc. The band would eventually include women, and anyone at any age was able to participate.

The band had many conductors who led them over the many years of their existence. Conductors included Wilf Manning, who started the Norwich Musical Society Band and helped the band win many trophies during music competitions; James Ford of London; Cameron Marchant, a trombonist who brought a new style of music to the band; James McLellan; Doug and Ginger Pullen; Clarie Martineau, a beloved conductor who had the ability to find music that suited well with the band; Tim Nicholls; Matthew Nace; and Henry Breitkopf, manager of the Long & McQuade Music Store in Tillsonburg. As of July of 2025, the band is now under the leadership of retired music teacher Diana Haandrikman, who is eager to share the band’s musical talents.

Today, the Norwich Musical Society Band is well known in Oxford and neighbouring counties. They continue performing at nursing/retirement homes, churches, schools, cemeteries for decoration days, parks, and special occasions such as Christmas parades and Canada Day festivities. The band hosts two annual concerts per year, a spring concert and a Christmas concert, usually collecting donations for local organizations. In recent years, they’ve also teamed up with the Mitchell Band, conducted under Nathan Pol, who is also seen performing with the Norwich Band from time to time.

The band’s members are known for their dedication to music and their communities, and not only do they come from Norwich, there are members who come from various places throughout Southwestern Ontario, including Delhi, Scotland, Tillsonburg, Brantford, Woodstock, Springfield, Sweaburg and, the furthest yet, Welland.

The band is currently looking for new members, from woodwinds to brass, and anyone can join, regardless of their level of expertise. It’s a great way to socialize, not just with the other band members but with other people in the community. The band also encourages high school students to participate as it would help with their 40 hours of community service, one of the criteria needed to graduate from high school.

If you or someone you know would like to participate in the Norwich Musical Society Band, practices are on Tuesday nights from 7 – 9 p.m. in the band room at the Norwich Community Centre (53 Stover St. South, Norwich). The band is looking forward to meeting new faces, and they hope to see you there!

Want the latest updates about the band? Or find out about their next concerts? Visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ TownshipofNorwich.