14

"Mr. Music" - Jack Pickersgill Sr.
Jack Pickersgill was born in Yorkshire, England where he found an outlet for his impressive musical talents during the era of brass bands in coal mining towns. He came to High River in 1929 at the request of Dr. Bedingfield. Mr. Pickersgill organized and led the Elk's Band, bands at the #5 E.F.T.S. flight training school, the reserve army band and the Air Cadets band. He was the leader of the Okotoks/High River band and the High River Boy's Band. He played many instruments, but his instrument of choice was the euphonium. His two sons - Jack Jr. and Peter both played trumpet in his bands.

15

Lillian Knupp Interviews Jack Pickersgill Jr.
1920s - 1930s
High River, Alberta, Canada

Credits:
Museum of the Highwood

16

Sheet music, "Our Prince", written by Jack Pickersgill Sr.
Circa 1930
High River, Alberta, Canada

Credits:
Courtesy of Kathleen Couey.

17

High River band conductor Jack Pickersgill Sr. makes a presentation to band member Andy Wallace
Circa 1958
High River, Alberta, Canada

Credits:
Museum of the Highwood Archives 989-001-699

18

Andy Wallace, Jack Pickersgill Jr., and Jack Pickersgill Sr. receive long service metals.
Circa 1960
High River, Alberta, Canada

Credits:
Museum of the Highwood Archives 999-037-075

19

Military Bands

During the war years, patriotism was fueled by the stirring strains of "The Last Post" and the uplifting sounds of a full military band. The Highwood area has been home to many military bands over the years. The #5 Elementary Flight Training School has it's own band under the direction of bandmaster Jack Pickersgill Sr. Also during the Second World War, High River and Okotoks residents put their rivalry aside to play together as the High River/Okotoks band, and welcomed returning soliders home.

20

#5 E.F.T.S. band, Jack Pickersgill Sr. conductor.
Circa 1942
Highwood Area, Alberta, Canada

Credits:
Museum of the Highwood Archives 989-073-042

21

Air Cadets, Band, and Officers seated in front of a bi-plane near the Town Hall
Circa 1943
High River, Alberta, Canada

Credits:
Museum of the Highwood Archives 980-116-002

22

Peter Pickersgill talks about the High River/Okotoks Band
late 1940s - early 1950s
Alberta, Canada

Credits:
Museum of the Highwood

23

High River / Okotoks Band
Circa 1948
Alberta, Canada

Credits:
Museum of the Highwood Archives. Courtesy of Bruce Miles.

24

A band marches past the C.P.R. station during a parade
Circa 1955
High River, Alberta, Canada

Credits:
Museum of the Highwood Archives 989-037-146

25

The 153 Coy Militia parading down 4th Ave. S.W.
Circa 1957
High River, Alberta, Canada

Credits:
Museum of the Highwood Archives 989-002-200

26

Bill Holmes talks about his first band experience - The Tipper Company Band
Circa 1951
High River, Alberta, Canada

Credits:
Museum of the Highwood

27

153 Coy RCASC band - Bill Holmes front right of bandleader playing the baritone
Circa 1967
High River, Alberta, Canada

Credits:
Photo courtesy of Bill Holmes.