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Bernie Burke
Bernie Burke (1923 - 2002) was the voluntary director of the Parrsboro Citizen’s Band for 47 years. He was responsible for hundreds of young people gaining proficiency and appreciation for music of many styles.
In addition to this incredible commitment Bernie, the father of five children, managed to find time to do the following: manager, Nova Scotia Liquor Commission (retiring in 1983); organist and choir director at St. Brigid’s Church for 40 years; organist at the Springhill Institution for 10 years; brass player with a community band in Sackville, NB, bandmaster, training officer and commanding officer of the Parrsboro Sea Cadet Corps; official bugler for the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #45 and Provincial President of the Canadian Bandmaster’s Association. In recognition to these, and many other contributions to his community, Bernie was named Parrsboro Citizen of the Year in 1987. Bernie Burke served his country in the 4th Canadian Armored Division and saw action in France, Belgium, Holland and Germany.
I remember Bernie Burke as a gentle man with a strong sense of duty and a terrific sense of humour. It was very difficult to keep up to him. He moved quickly with intention and purpose. Ken Foote had this to say after meeting Bernie: “Like all great teachers, Bernie will never know how many lives he touched and changed. Be it an appearance in a parade or patiently teaching a child to march, Bernie touched many. I know there is a special spot in my heart for him.”
At present there is a great void in the community of Parrsboro as the citizens mourn their loss. Before Bernie passed away the town honoured him with a scholarship in his name. It is good to know that his efforts did not go unnoticed. There was a reception held at the Parrsboro Citizen’s Band Hall after the funeral. Many photos, plaques and trophies were on display, but the most fitting tribute was a performance of “Bernie’s March” by the combined Parrsboro and Sackville, NB Community Bands. This piece was written a number of years ago by Ron MacKay.
Contributed by David Pos
Bernie Burke was awarded a Life Membership to the Nova Scotia Band Association in 2000. -
Cy Campbell
In February, 1999, Cy Campbell reluctantly resigned as NSBA President due to ill health. The NSBA owes a great debt to Cy for his outstanding leadership and progressive vision of what NSBA could become. When Cy assumed the Presidency he accepted the challenge with enthusiasm and a sincere desire to see our association grow to its full potential. Cy worked tirelessly and unselfishly for the NSBA and all its members.
I would like to share a few of the highlights of Cy Campbell's lifelong commitment to music, music education and to the youth of Nova Scotia and Canada. Cy was born and raised in Halifax and in 1953 became one of the first candidates to enter the Royal Canadian Navy's new Bandsman Apprentice Programme. Cy, and three other young Canadian musicians, became members of Class 1 at the newly formed School of Music at HMCS Naden, in Esquimalt, British Columbia. After graduating, Cy returned to Halifax, where he served in RCN Bands at Stadacona, Shearwater and Cornwallis and in a variety of RCN Bands serving at sea.
Cy left the Stadacona Band in the early 1970's to assume the position of Bandmaster at Canadian Forces Base Greenwood. While at Greenwood, he attended Acadia University and in 1976, after retiring from the Canadian Forces, accepted and instrumental teaching position in Corner Brook, Newfoundland. Cy completed his music and teaching degrees at Saint Francis Xavier University and then began teaching instrumental music in Port Hawkesbury. A short time later, Cy became involved in Canada's Cadet movement and spent many summers at Cornwallis as Officer in Charge of the Cadet Summer Music Programme. Cy's well-respected leadership skills and strong commitment to youth resulted in his appointment as Camp Commandant, a position which he held for three consecutive summers and one which had never before been held by a Music Officer.
In Port Hawkesbury, Cy's Straight Area Region Educational Centre Bands became well-known throughout Nova Scotia for high quality performances and extraordinary involvement in their home community. When the Maritime Band Association was formed, Cy quickly became a staunch supporter and spent a great deal of time ensuring that the Cape Breton Music Programs were recognized as an integral arm of that association. With the formation of NSBA, and retirement from full time teaching, Cy became even more involved in our association's activities.
Cy Campbell contributed in a monumental way to the mission, ideals and goals of the Nova Scotia Band Association.
Contributed by Jim Forde (May 1999)
Cy Campbell was awarded a Life Membership to the Nova Scotia Band Association in 1999. -
Professor James H Hargreaves
Professor Emeritus, Music Department, St. FX University, Life Member of the Nova Scotia Band Association, passed away at home, Saturday, December 13, 2003, after a protracted and valiant battle with cancer.
Born in Perth, Scotland, in 1934, educated in Scotland and England, he emigrated to Canada in 1959. James Hargreaves was prominent in the Canadian world of music as a virtuoso performer (trumpet), renowned conductor and gifted teacher. He was considered one of the foremost music directors of wind ensembles in Canada. He built programs that trained a generation of instrumental teachers and helped to establish a strong band component in areas where there had been none. He was a graduate of the Royal Academy of Music, the Royal College of Music and Trinity College of Music in London, U.K. A gifted soloist in all styles he was principle trumpet in Her Majesty's Scots Guards and a CBC Radio recording artist.
In 1970, he attended Crane School of Music, State University of New York and was hired by St. FX in 1971 where he became a full professor in 1992. After retiring in 1999, he spent many hours in his workshop, Ash Lane Atelier, turning beautiful things from exotic woods for his family and friends. He was an avid, adventurous sailor who enjoyed a single handed voyage to Bermuda and family trips in Maritime waters. During the 1980s, he served as chair of the Music Department and among his other activities, arranged repertoire for wind ensemble. His forte, however was teaching. Whether at the podium or in the classroom, he was a master teacher, respected by his colleagues and loved and admired by his students who will remember him for the inspiration, support and impact he had on their musical lives.
He was the founding Music Director and Conductor of the Nova Scotia Youth Wind Ensemble from 1991 to 1999. The N.S.Y.W.E. has achieved national acclaim and has established a reputation as one of Canada’s premiere youth wind ensembles. He was conductor of the National Youth Band of Canada in 1996. He was also a member of the Maritime Jazz Orchestra (trumpet), 1996 to 2000 and an adjudicator and clinician across Canada. His many awards included the Canadian Band Association Distinguished Band Director Award, 1998 and the Nova Scotia Music Educators' Association Musica Viva Award in 2001.
He is survived by his wife, Donna (Bjorgan) Hargreaves, a musician and educator. They met while establishing the music program at Canterbury High School of the Arts in Ottawa and were wed in 1972. He is the father of five surviving children, Stewart (Barbara), Antigonish; James (Lisa), St. Petersburg, Fla.; Richard (Marion), Brockville, Ont.; Heather (Stephen), New Glasgow and Alexis (Colin McNeil), Churchville. His body has been donated to Dalhousie Medical School.
James Hargreaves Memorial Scholarship Fund
Jim Hargreaves was awarded a Life Membership to the Nova Scotia Band Association in 1998. -
Don Hughes
April 11, 1941 - June 27, 2005
I'll never forget the first time I met Don. In 1994, I had just completed my Bachelor of Education at Dalhousie University and was looking to put my new-found skills to work in an instrumental music classroom. Don was the Supervisor of Music for the then Dartmouth School Board and he graciously agreed to meet with me. Right away, Don put me at ease and welcomed me into the world of public school music education. I learned over time that Don's genuine interest in learning about people gave him this unique ability to make those around him feel valuable - a rare and amazing talent.
What I didn't realize at that time was the extent of Don’s own musical life experience. In conversation with his wife Beverley and children Jennifer, Heather and David, a snapshot of his musical journey was put in focus. Don played with the Regina City Police Band from the time he was 12 and won many awards for his skill playing the saxophone. He joined the RCMP Band in 1959 and toured with them until 1967. He then left the RCMP Band to study at McGill University for 4 years, and continued his education at the Eastman School of Music in New York where he completed his Masters. Afterwards, he taught at McGill, then St. Francis Xavier, where he founded the Jazz Studies program in 1980. In 1985, he relocated to Dartmouth and became the Supervisor of Music for the Dartmouth School Board until he retired in 1997. Don continued to teach at Acadia University until 2003.
I was fortunate to work with Don as a member of the Nova Scotia Music Educators Association and traveled with him to Truro and New Glasgow to attend meetings. While the meeting agendas have long been forgotten I do remember the wonderful conversations with Don in transit. Some of my Bands and many others across the municipality had the unique opportunity to host the "Ron and Don" show, where Don and Ron McKay (who sadly passed away this year) shared their motivation, inspiration, experiences and deep love of music with hundreds of young musicians.
But there's more to a man than his education and work experience. He enjoyed golfing, curling, camping and travel. He was a loved and loving husband, father, grandfather and friend; it is the friendship that I have personally missed. I was very lucky to play beside Don with the Sackville Community Band for two seasons. When his health began to decline, Don's love of life and sense of humour never faltered. We had many discussions about the medicinal benefits of drinking red wine - the more the better - and when Don began coming to practice with an oxygen tank at his side, he offered to share it with me when I couldn't keep up with him. Some would say he was brave and stoic during his battle with cancer and I would certainly agree, but I think he chose to live his life the way he always had - with zest, energy and passion for all the things that mattered to him.
When someone inspires us to be better in life, the biggest compliment we can pay them is to pass it on. From all of us touched by Don Hughes, I offer a toast, red wine of course, and a promise that his gift to us is never lost.
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Ron MacKay
Please see the Ron MacKay memorial page.
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Dr. Fred Prince
Doctor Fred Prince, a family physician who served Bridgewater residents for more than 40 years, passed away at age 81 on June 5th, 2009. Fred was born in Kentville but served tirelessly as a family doctor in Bridgewater for decades after graduating Dalhousie medical school in 1956. In 1963, he organized the first medical clinic on the South Shore on Hillcrest Street, which housed three general practitioners and a dentist.
He was elected life class president by his own Dalhousie Medical School class, was appointed to the Provincial Medical Board and was a director of Maritime Medical Care. He also served as chairman of the Bridgewater Board of School Commissioners for 10 years.
Fred was a huge supporter of music. Over the years, he was a member of the Gentlemen of Swing, the Don Warner Orchestra, the Chester Brass, the South Shore Concert Orchestra, the Bridgewater Fireman’s Band, and the Big Sound Band. While at Acadia University before he went to Dalhousie, he was leader of the swing orchestra and marching band.
Fred received the NS Music Educators' Musica Viva Award in 1993 and a Life Membership Award from the NSBA in 2004. In 2006, he received a senior membership award from Doctors Nova Scotia to honour the significant contributions he made to his community and the medical profession.
Doctor Fred Prince is survived by his wife of 57 years Beatrice along with his children and grandchildren.
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Herbert Schoales
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the death of Herbert Schoales on September 23, 2004, after a brief illness. Herb had a long and rich career in music, both as a professional trombonist and as a music educator.
He began his career in the 1930's, playing jazz trombone with various notable big bands, including the Tommy Dorsey Band. He then served his country during the Second World War as a member of a U.S. Army band with rank of Staff Sergeant. After the war, Herb attended Julliard School of Music in New York City, graduating with a diploma in brass instruments. He then attended Columbia University majoring in music education graduating with a B.A. and an M.A. While living in New York City, Herb played trombone at the Metropolitan Opera, the Long Island Symphony and Radio City Music Hall. He also played with Arthur Fiedler in the Boston Pops. Later, Herb entered the teaching profession, rapidly rising to the position of supervisor of music education in Babylon, Long Island, N.Y. This led to subsequent supervisory positions in the Locust Valley and the Merrick-Belmore school systems, both in New York.
In 1976, Herb moved with his family to Halifax, where he became a teacher of brass instruments for the Halifax School Board. Following this, he became a part-time professor at Dalhousie University. Herb loved to teach and loved all aspects of music. He composed and conducted a number of small musical pieces, as well as larger symphonic works, including a fanfare for the visit of Pope John Paul II to Halifax.
Herb is survived by his wife, Jeanne; son, Gary and daughter-in-law, Virginia; daughters, Audrey, Melissa and son-in-law, Charles Bishop, and son, Glenn; grandchildren James and Emilie Bishop, Richard and John Bump. He was predeceased by granddaughter, Allison. In lieu of flowers, please make any donations to Canadian Diabetes Association -
Susan Taylor
Susan Lois Taylor passed away in the QEII Health Sciences Centre, Halifax, on Wednesday, September 2, 2009, due to complications related to a boating accident which occurred earlier this summer. She was the youngest daughter of Conrad and Lois Taylor of Windsor, born on August 20, 1962 in Montreal. Susan attended high school in Windsor, obtained a Bachelor of Arts (Recreation) degree at Acadia University and a Bachelor of Education degree from St. Thomas University. She taught school in Hay River, NWT, Brampton, Ont., Port Hawkesbury and has been the band director at Amherst Regional High School since 1992.
Susan received the "Excellence in Teaching Award" in 2006, recognizing her dedication, devotion and tireless hours which resulted in numerous gold standard awards. The praise and commendations that she received from adjudicators at various festivals were a credit to her leadership. She was considered a great ambassador, not only for the band program, but also for her high school and the town of Amherst.
Susan has left a legacy of excellence that will continue to challenge and inspire the hundreds of lives she has touched. Susan's family, friends and students came first in her life, followed by her love for boating, snowmobiling, traveling, Evangeline Beach, and of course, MUSIC. She was also a valued member of the Trinity St. Stephen's United Church choir.
Susan is survived by her parents, as well as sisters, Janet Gagnier (Lonnie), Nancy Delahunt (David); nieces, Jane Delahunt and Sarah Gagnier; nephews, Mark, David, John, Michael Gagnier and Kevin Delahunt, as well as several uncles, aunts and cousins. Susan enjoyed very special friendships and support from the Milner and Crossman families. Susan's family is filled with sadness; however we will remember and celebrate Susan with the same spirit, determination, integrity, respect, and humour that Susan gave to each and every aspect of her life.
Donations in memory of Susan may be made to the QEII Foundation, Neuro Surgery Dept., 1276 South Park St., Room 1-040, Centennial Building, Halifax, NS B3H 2Y9 or the ARHS Band and Parent Association, c/o Amherst Regional High School, 190 Willow St., Amherst, NS B4H 3W5.
The family is grateful to the extraordinary medical staff of the QE11, and we also greatly appreciate the hundreds of cards and messages received over the past weeks. Private messages of condolence may be sent to the family by visiting the "Guest Book" at: www.familycare.ca And a reminder from Susan, as she always said to her students before a performance: "Relax, Relate and Release."
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Christine Webber
Passed away at her home February 9, 2003, after a long illness. She was born in Halifax, March 28th, 1960. She was a talented musician who spread her love of music by teaching in the Halifax school system. She was also fond of gardening, camping, swimming, skating and other sports. The music of her laughter, the light of her smile and the joy of her exuberance will always be with those who loved her.
She is survived by her daughter, Erin Hoth; her parents, Lorna and Reg Webber, her brother, Mark, Philadelphia; her sisters, Janice Webber, Dartmouth; Diane Webber-Hamilton, Dartmouth; grandmother, Marguerite Cole (Kirtin); nephews, Graham and Grayson Hamilton.
Journey of Life
For each of us life is like a journey.
Birth is the beginning of this journey, and
Death is not the end but the destination.
It is a journey that takes us
from youth to age,
from innocence to awareness,
from ignorance to knowledge,
from foolishness to wisdom,
from weakness to strength and often back again,
from offence to forgiveness,
from loneliness to friendship,
from pain to compassion,
from fear to faith,
from defect to victory and from victory to defeat,
until, looking backward or ahead,
we see that victory does not lie
at some high point along the way,
but in having made the journey,
stage by stage.
- Old Hebrew Prayer