The Toronto Optimists' Photo Gallery

The Toronto Optimists began as a Boy Scout Band in 1952. The band was founded by Bud Parker, the Scout Leader for the 18th Boy Scout Troop. Mr Parker used his own money to purchase the instruments. Over time, the Band changed homes and became the 157th Boy Scout Band.

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While the official name of the band was the Optimist Trumpet Band, most people referred to them as Opti-Corps. In fact, almost 70 years later there are still people who refer to the Toronto Optimists as "Opti-Corps".

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Toronto Optimists first instructors, Barry Bell and Lorne Ferrazzutti had been instructors at Danforth Tech for their Drum Corps, the Crusaders. When Barry and Lorne moved to the Toronto Optimists after the 1957 season, many members of the Crusaders followed them.

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Toronto Optimists first instructors, Barry Bell and Lorne Ferrazzutti had begun their drum corps careers with the Western Tech Trumpet Band. When the Toronto Optimists was created and Barry and Lorne because the corps' first instructors, many band members from Western joined them.

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