The Canadian Staff Band was supported by a composite band and male chorus selected from local corps bands. The Inaugural Festival was held in Toronto's Bramwell Booth Temple on January 18, 1969, to a capacity crowd. This studio was excellent for detecting any errors. There, each man's name appeared on his appointed chair. Then, following a cup of tea and prayers, each bandsman made his way to the film room in 2B – the second basement. Those invited were addressed by the chief secretary, Colonel Leslie Russell. Invitations and phone calls resulted in a meeting at THQ in the fourth-floor cafeteria in October 1968. This, together with a generous gift of three instruments and music, set the stage for the first rehearsal. The Army's financial secretary agreed to a loan to fund the band and the trade secretary helped supply some converted pitch instruments. Major Bearcroft casually visited a number of corps within easy reach of Toronto, listening to the players to ascertain their ability and potential role in the new group. Although there was some opposition, a few key musicians, officers and leaders were brought together in late summer to plan the formation of a new staff band. Norman had been appointed as Territorial Music Secretary, and following a number of interviews with the Territorial Commander, Commissioner Clarence Wiseman, the concept soon became a reality.
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