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The 589 Carbonear Air Cadet Marching Band began the first year the squadron was in existance. At that time it had only 4 old drums. Bugles were added the next year and symbols in the late 1950's. The squadron always prided itself in the performance of the band. It has now become one of the best marching bands in the province. Of course, over the years, there was volunteer help from music teachers, civilian instructors, and former band members.2
March past, 1955.20 May 1955
U.C. playground, Carbonear, NL
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The First Annual Inspection attended by the band was in May,1955. Wing Commander Pleasance was the inspecting officer. There were only 3 snare drums and a bass drum.4
Before Annual Inspection, 1955.20 May 1955
Carbonear, NL
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Three band members at the first Annual Inspection in 1955 were l/r: Reg Parsons, Willis Howell, and Jim Penney. They can be identified by the white belt.6
New Drums.25 November 1955
Carbonear, Conception Bay, NL
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Early in the Fall of 1955 funds were raised to buy 4 new drums; 3 snares and a tenor. However, the bass drum was found in a closet in the Academy and was put to good use for many years.Audio Transcript:
My name is Fred Saunders. I was a member of the squadron when the drums were presented. The presentation of our first drums was a very special occasion. Several cadets were involved in the band over the years, and we had some great drummers and buglers. The band was the highlight of our street parades and provided a niche for the cadets who were musically inclined. There were several instructors who volunteered to teach the band, and I recall the band grew to a complement of approximately 25 in the late '50s.
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Four New Bugles.6 November 1956
U.C. Academy, Carbonear, NL
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On November 6th, 1956, four new bugles were presented to the squadron. These bugles were gifts from Dr. A. T. Rowe, Dr. George Kennedy, Bob Nutbeem, and the local sponsoring committee. They were presented to band members l/r : Fred Rossiter, Fred Penney, Wilbert Pye , and Harris Hiscock.10
Leamon, John. Band Instructor.1 August 1969
U.C. Academy, Carbonear, NL
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When The Squadron began training in September of 1958 there was no permanent band instructor. Mr. John Leamon, music teacher at the United Church Academy, took on the task full time on Janurary 5, 1959. All previous band members had left the squadron and new band recruits were desperately needed. In a short 5 months Mr. Leamon did a tremendous job in training a new band. During the Annual Inspection that year the band played several marches, one of which was composed by Mr. Leamon.Audio Transcript:
Hudson Davis recalls... In 1959, music teacher John Leamon joined the squadron as Band Instructor with immediate improvement in the band's performance. We had now added trumpets and a new bass drum to our band's strength, which now numbered at least 12 cadets.
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A Band Member.2 June 1961
Long's Hill, Carbonear, NL
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In the early years all band members wore white gloves and a buckle-on white web belt. Their bugles had to be shined before every inspection and parade. Most band members used Brasso on their bugles and shined them for hours. Their pride was evident in the condition of their instruments.14
Broken Drum.12 November 1959
Harbour Grace, NL
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