Davenport Trumpet Band (and others)

Recorded at the 1955 Waterloo Band Festival

Scout Master Bud Parker is wearing the kilt.

This video footage from the 1955 Waterloo Band Festival was supplied by Phil Hennings. Phil played played in the 18th and 157th Scout Troop Bands, the Davenport Trumpet Band and Opti-Corps. These groups were the precursors of the Toronto Optimists. Phil was also the first Drum Major of the Toronto Optimists. Here's a bit of the history.

The 18th Troop Scout Band was formed in 1952, under the guidance of Mr. Bud Parker. In 1955 it morphed into the 157th Scout Troop then, later that year, it left scouting. In late 1955, when they gained the sponsorship of the Downtown Toronto Optimists Club, they became known as Opti-Corps. In 1958 the band entered the Junior "A" class as the Toronto Optimists. For a few months in 1955, after the guys had left scouting but before the Optimists Club became their sponsor, the boys performed as the Davenport Trumpet Band. Mr. Al Baggs was their business manager. He later became the Corps Director of the Toronto Optimists.

This video includes footage of the Davenport Trumpet Band, Preston Scout House, the Western Tech Trumpet Band, Second Signals, Niagara Miltaires and others. I've used titles to identify as many of the bands as possible.

The audio track is the only known recording of the Davenport Trumpet Band. It was recorded during a performance at the Dufferin Race Track in Toronto. That site, on the west side of Dufferin between Bloor and College, is now the Dufferin Mall. Rick Allen has identified the song that the band plays as "The Old Oaken Bucket", often referred to as "The Bucket".  If you listen closely to the announcer you will hear him talking about the band needing a sponsor.