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March On! ...the history of the

Toronto Optimists Drum & Bugle Corps

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Toronto Optimists' Photo Gallery

Photos of the Toronto Optimists, the Seneca Optimists, the Optimists Alumni and many others!

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Barry Bell


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Barry's been with Optimists since its inception. For much of the time he was the corps' horn instructor. In the eyes of many, Barry is the heart and soul of Optimists. Finally, with the Alumni corps, he can actually play a horn (baritone)!

Did you know that Barry designed the original Corps uniforms as well as the Optimists logo?

21 files, last one added on Nov 18, 2016
Album viewed 531 times

Berger, Sweeney & Ibitson


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The Three Muchachos

2 files, last one added on Nov 30, 2005
Album viewed 316 times

Bob Carell


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Bob marched with Toronto Optimists from 1963-67. He carried a flag in '63 (usually the Optimists club flag). From 64 through 67 he played soprano. In June 2004 he joined the alumni corps and is, once again, learning to play. This time around he started on Alto then moved to Mellophone.

8 files, last one added on May 12, 2008
Album viewed 445 times

Brian Adam


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3 files, last one added on Oct 28, 2010
Album viewed 297 times

Dave Kirton


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As a junior, Dave was with York Lions. These days he spends time with us and time in Thailand (but mostly Thailand).

3 files, last one added on May 23, 2007
Album viewed 288 times

Dave MacKinnon


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8 files, last one added on Dec 19, 2011
Album viewed 323 times

Doug May/Toby Frechette


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Those of you who know him from Toronto Optimists and Seneca Optimists know him as Doug May. Those in the Alumni corps know him as Toby Frechette. By either name, he's the same good-hearted and good-natured guy.

6 files, last one added on May 04, 2010
Album viewed 294 times

Frans Rood


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Frans started in Columbus Drum Corp in 1957 where he played Tenor Drum/Bass. In October 1960 he joined Optimists Drum Line as Bass Drummer and left the Corps at the end of 1963. In 1967 he was the Corps photographer and CDCA Photographer. He joined the Alumni Corps in Nov. 2005

5 files, last one added on Jun 10, 2022
Album viewed 307 times

Gareth Skipp


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2 files, last one added on Mar 16, 2009
Album viewed 279 times

Jack Roberts


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Jack played lead soprano in 1963. Later on, he designed and instructed drill for the corps.

4 files, last one added on Sep 11, 2011
Album viewed 269 times

Jamie Oatt


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11 files, last one added on Jun 27, 2010
Album viewed 1827 times

Joe Gianna


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Joe marched with Toronto Optimists from 1958-63, played solos and, later, instructed Optimists' horn line. Currently he is a solist with the Alumni Corps.

7 files, last one added on May 17, 2014
Album viewed 256 times

28 albums on 3 page(s) 1

Random files - Individuals
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Warren Berger, Terry Sweeney, Neil Ibitson at the 2003 reunion picnic966 views
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Barry and Pat Bell (1961)864 views
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Terry Sweeney (Waterloo, 2011)725 views
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Lovebirds. Betty is pinning the Championship metal on Phil's uniform (about 1956)940 views
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John Giblin (Seneca College, 2010)681 views
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Lorne Ferrazzutti in the early 60s, perhaps753 views

Last additions - Individuals
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Phil and Betty Hennings (unknown)368 viewsJun 01, 2025
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Lorne Ferrazzutti (1961)483 viewsFeb 14, 2024
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Frans Rood with Mark Penberthy of the Bantams sitting on his bass drum (1962)384 viewsJun 10, 2022
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John McAlpine in his uniform for the North Carolina State Pipe Band (Memorial Day, Raleigh, NC, 2022)483 viewsJun 02, 2022
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Frans Rood and David Johns (2008) (they were Optimists bass drummers in 1962 and 1963)393 viewsFeb 24, 2022
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John McAlpine when he was in Del, before a Christmas parade (1961)472 viewsSep 23, 2020