National Band of the Naval Reserve

A member of the NBNR speaking at an event in August 2011.

The National Band of the Naval Reserve (NBNR) (French: Musique nationale de la Réserve navale (MNRN)) is a military band of the Royal Canadian Navy currently based in the Naval Museum of Quebec at the Naval Reserve Headquarters (NAVRESHQ) of the Canadian Forces Naval Reserve in Quebec City.[1] Being a reservist band, it is usually at full composition during the summer months, acting as a touring band composed of musicians from the following six active reserve bands:[2]

  • HMCS Chippawa Band (Winnipeg)
  • HMCS Donnacona Band (Montreal)
  • HMCS Montcalm Band (Quebec City)
  • HMCS Star Band (Hamilton)
  • HMCS Tecumseh Band (Calgary)
  • HMCS York Band (Toronto)

It is also designed to augment the Naden Band of Maritime Forces Pacific and the Stadacona Band of Maritime Forces Atlantic on their leave period.[3] It was established in 1976, eight years after the Unification of the Canadian Armed Forces in 1968, with the Music Branch of the Department of National Defence sponsoring an ad hoc amalgamation of naval bands to serve as a central band alongside the Royal Canadian Air Force Band and a public duties band like the Band of the Ceremonial Guard.[4] Today, it takes part in public concerts and local events with its company sized unit that consists of around 75 musicians who, make up different ensembles as well as the main parade and concert bands.[5] It has performed during graduation ceremonies of all RCN personnel and the regular routines of the service.[6]

As per community and national events, local parades and tattoos are priority,[7] such the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo and the annual St. Patrick's Day Parade in Montreal.[8][9] Its joint performances with foreign units have seen It work with reserve bands such as the Marine Corps Band New Orleans.[10] It has performed for many governors general of Canada, most recently with a Canadian Armed Forces guard of honour during the visit of Julie Payette to New Brunswick at the lieutenant governor's residence.[11]

Notable members of the band include François Ferland[12] and Lieutenant Commander Alex Kovacs, the latter having been the principal director since 1990 and the first female director in the RCN.[3]

Standard repertoire

The following is a list if the standard repertoire of the band:

See also

Links

  • Official Website

References

  1. ^ Performance Report for the Period Ending. Government Review and Quality Services, Treasury Board Secretariat. 2001. ISBN 9780660621241.
  2. ^ "La Musique nationale de la Réserve navale en concerts à Québec – 45eNord.ca".
  3. ^ a b https://ufdcimages.uflib.ufl.edu/AA/00/06/78/39/00513/08-13-2018.pdf&ved=2ahUKEwjjo5uitcrmAhVKYKwKHciwAZUQFjACegQIAhAB&usg=AOvVaw3EMu7mGcz0QdlIfZqljSbW [dead link]
  4. ^ MUSICAL PERFORMANCE IN THE CANADIAN MILITARY: A PRELIMINARY ANALYSIS OF AN INSTITUTION
  5. ^ "Defence". 1986.
  6. ^ "La Feuille d'érable". 16 September 2020.
  7. ^ "Courir les vedettes et les fanfares". 26 August 2012.
  8. ^ "NS Tattoo: Naval Reserve Band | Watch News Videos Online".
  9. ^ https://www.connexionfac.ca/Region-Montreal/Ma-Communaute/Journal-Servir/Articles/2019-03-27-La-St-Patrick-celebree-a-Montreal-et-Hudson.aspx
  10. ^ "Marine Corps Band New Orleans sweeps through Canada, northern U.S. During annual Spring to".
  11. ^ "Visite officielle à l'Île-du-Prince-Édouard et en Nouvelle-Écosse". 21 June 2018.
  12. ^ Gimblett, Richard H.; Hadley, Michael L. (16 November 2010). Citizen Sailors: Chronicles of Canada's Naval Reserve, 1910-2010. Dundurn. ISBN 9781459705333.
  13. ^ "The National Band of the Naval Reserve". 17 August 2003.