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Listen Up! Musical Memories of the Highwood
Museum of the Highwood
High River , Alberta

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   Music has woven its
threads through the rich
tapestry of the history of
the Highwood (the area around
the Highwood River in
southern Alberta) since
pioneer days.
   Out on the open range,
cowboys “jammed” around
campfires, with the owners of

instruments ranking highly in
the social structure,
talented or not. Many
settlers to the area brought
music from home along with
their household goods, their
precious instruments and
music devices somehow
managing to survive the
arduous journey.

   Music was central to
early social life at the
dances and entertainments
that Highwood residents
enjoyed in homes, theatres,
dance halls, hotels and even
barns. In High River, the
Wales theatre served as a
“Temple of Refined
Entertainment and Education.”

Highwood boasted an abundance
of local talent who made
their homes in the area,
including world-renowned
opera singer Odette de Foras
and bands such as the Pekisko
Kids, Pickersgill’s
Orchestra, the Be-Bops and
The Amazing Fox Trot Band.
   During the wars, music

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