THE SATIN SERENADE, THE ADULT BAND and other groups (by leader/director, Don Scott) "...Other than teaching Jr. and Senior High Music and Band in Digby from 1970 - 1985, I was the instigator for many varied musical groups in the area...Before me, I believe that a Mr. Elton Arnold and a Mr. Dave Daley were the "music people" in the area...1. DIGBY CHORAL SOCIETY: was formed with myself as the Director. Vocalists from most of the churches and from interested singers in Digby made up the 35 - 40 voice choir. We rehearsed a varied program of musical styles and were popular at concerts and other venues.2. ADULT BAND: began around 1975(?)...classes were held at the DRHS each Wednesday evening. I taught the members music theory for 3 or 4 evenings and then started them out on their choice (?) of instrument. I was pleasantly surprised to hear the progress of these adults. From this beginning, the DIGBY CIVIC CONCERT BAND: was formed with myself as Director. This band was well received and played Pops concerts and exchange concerts with other parts of Nova Scotia for the next ten years. A very high degree of musicianship was attained by many of the players...3. DIGBY DIXIELAND EXPRESS: as the name implies, was put together for Scallop Days' Parades and other such events, both in and out of the area. The members of that group were perhaps some of the better instrumentalists from around Digby. Myself on Trumpet, Flugelhorn and Leader, Doug Myra on Trombone, Carl Saulnier on Tuba, Tim Wright (Cornwallis) on Clarinet, Ted Lacey on Tenor Sax, Willard Bishop (Kentville) on String Bass and Gene Hay (Annapolis Royal) on Drums. Other players were used at different times depending on who was available. This was a pretty decent sounding group! We did engagements from Yarmouth through to the South Shore, the Annapolis Valley and in Halifax at different times!4. SATIN SERENADE: was a big band featuring 5 saxes, 5 - 7 Brass and 3 piece rhythm section. This group was formed about 1975 and was popular at dances and other functions throughout Nova Scotia... [Members, if memory serves-]Bill Sherman, Alto Sax, Carolyn McClafferty, Alto Sax (Also her son Michael played trumpet), Kathy [Kathleen] Troupe , Tenor Sax, Ted Lacey, Tenor Sax, Bill Troupe, Baritone Sax. Myself, Trumpet and Leader. (My son Paul also played trumpet), Ted Dakin, Trumpet, Paul Snow, Trumpet, Doug Myra, Trombone, Rob Fadelle, Trombone, Jack Ritcey, Trombone, Frances (Puss) Peters, Piano, Willard Bishop, Double Bass, Carl Saulnier, Tuba and Eugene Hay, Percussion...I have always [been], and still am, amazed at the musical talent that has shown itself in the students and indeed the adults of the Digby area! I am proud and pleased to have been a small part in bringing this talent out! The above is mostly about the adults of Digby, although some of the names included students who played in the various groups. THE DRHS JUNIOR AND SENIOR CONCERT BANDS AND STAGE BANDS were also known to be among, not only Nova Scotia's, but the Maritimes best...." Submited by Donald K. Scott - September 4, 2000 R.C.M.P. (N.W.M.P.) bands have been a Canadian musical treasure for over a century (1876)*. A big success from the beginning, when they boosted morale and eased the loneliness of remote posts (as well as establishing a friendlier contact between the police and the public), they have become well known for the high calibre of their musical talent. Few today would be unable to personally attest to this undeniable fact. Police bands (and latterly, choral groups) have travelled wide and far in our vast country, appearing at schools, exhibitions and concert halls. Ordinary citizens, local and foreign dignitaries alike, have thrilled to their superior sound, fine musicianship and always appealing repertoire, never too avante garde, nor too passe. Literally and metaphorically they always hit the right note! It is an especially happy coincidence that a number of Digby and area people have become band members. No one can deny our own, particular musical prowess. Just look around you at other articles in this exhibit. We can be truly proud in the knowledge that, thanks to the aid of the R.C.M.P., the benefits of our musical legacy have been heard throughout the land.*Band size has varied, currently being a 45 piece concert band. There are smaller band offshoots, or divisions, such as the Dance Orchestra, the Drum Corps, et cetera.