VABBS - Key Persons

Admiral James C. Prevost

Job Titles:
  • Superintendent of Indian Affairs I. W. Powell ( 1879 and 1881 )
After the secession of Duncan and 800 followers in 1887, Bishop William Ridley somehow managed to keep the Metlakatla band functioning. At New Metlakatla a new brass band was formed. By the early 1900s other musical ensembles were formed including "a reed band, a string band, an orchestra, a ladies' orchestra, and a girls' zobo band." 5 The old Metlakatla brass bands performed into the 1910s, while the New Metlakatla band carried on until at least 1924 at which time it was under the direction of Job Nelson.

Alex Wai

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Board

Brian Stride

Job Titles:
  • Director
  • Member of the Board
  • Author

Charles S. Bailey

Job Titles:
  • Vancouver Archives, SGN 341

Derek M Broadbent

Derek Broadbent began playing the cornet at the age of nine. Following a services career spanning some eight years he returned to civilian life as a professional arranger. In 1966 he returned to the world of brass bands and in 1973 became the resident conductor of the world famous Brighouse and Rastrick Band, there to stay for 10 years. During this period he conducted them to premier place in the National Finals in 1980 and was also responsible for their 'chart-topping' success of "The Floral Dance". In 1984 he became the resident conductor of the equally famous Black Dyke Mills Band and was very much a part of their 1985 "Grand Slam", the year they won every major title. He returned to Brighouse and Rastrick in 1987 as their professional Musical Director for a period of three years. In 1988 he was awarded the "Isles Medal of Honour" for his services to brass bands. Since 1990 he has been totally freelance as a conductor, taking the opportunity to direct many of the United Kingdom's top bands. He devotes much of his time to composing and arranging and training the youth of today.

Don Giles

Job Titles:
  • Treasurer of the Board

Ian Hargreaves

Job Titles:
  • Director
  • Member of the Board

Jim Littleford

Job Titles:
  • Director
  • Member of the Board
  • Web Administrator

Ross Bligh

Job Titles:
  • Director
  • Member of the Board

Trail Brass Band

In 1895 the Inland Cigar Company of Kamloops formed the Inland Cigar Company Band. This is the only instance in British Columbia of a company sponsored band, following the format of company sponsored brass bands in Great Britain. Unfortunately, when the company closed down in 1900, so did the band. The Vancouver area had its own brass bands, and a photograph survives of the first Vancouver Brass Band.