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March On! ...the history of the

Toronto Optimists Drum & Bugle Corps

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Toronto Optimists' Photo Gallery

Photos of the Toronto Optimists, the Seneca Optimists, the Optimists Alumni and many others!

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Barry Bell


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Barry's been with Optimists since its inception. For much of the time he was the corps' horn instructor. In the eyes of many, Barry is the heart and soul of Optimists. Finally, with the Alumni corps, he can actually play a horn (baritone)!

Did you know that Barry designed the original Corps uniforms as well as the Optimists logo?

21 files, last one added on Nov 18, 2016
Album viewed 571 times

Berger, Sweeney & Ibitson


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The Three Muchachos

2 files, last one added on Nov 30, 2005
Album viewed 342 times

Bob Carell


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Bob marched with Toronto Optimists from 1963-67. He carried a flag in '63 (usually the Optimists club flag). From 64 through 67 he played soprano. In June 2004 he joined the alumni corps and is, once again, learning to play. This time around he started on Alto then moved to Mellophone.

8 files, last one added on May 12, 2008
Album viewed 467 times

Brian Adam


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3 files, last one added on Oct 28, 2010
Album viewed 322 times

Dave Kirton


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As a junior, Dave was with York Lions. These days he spends time with us and time in Thailand (but mostly Thailand).

3 files, last one added on May 23, 2007
Album viewed 312 times

Dave MacKinnon


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8 files, last one added on Dec 19, 2011
Album viewed 345 times

Doug May/Toby Frechette


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Those of you who know him from Toronto Optimists and Seneca Optimists know him as Doug May. Those in the Alumni corps know him as Toby Frechette. By either name, he's the same good-hearted and good-natured guy.

6 files, last one added on May 04, 2010
Album viewed 319 times

Frans Rood


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Frans started in Columbus Drum Corp in 1957 where he played Tenor Drum/Bass. In October 1960 he joined Optimists Drum Line as Bass Drummer and left the Corps at the end of 1963. In 1967 he was the Corps photographer and CDCA Photographer. He joined the Alumni Corps in Nov. 2005

5 files, last one added on Jun 10, 2022
Album viewed 328 times

Gareth Skipp


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2 files, last one added on Mar 16, 2009
Album viewed 301 times

Jack Roberts


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Jack played lead soprano in 1963. Later on, he designed and instructed drill for the corps.

4 files, last one added on Sep 11, 2011
Album viewed 290 times

Jamie Oatt


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11 files, last one added on Jun 27, 2010
Album viewed 1860 times

Joe Gianna


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Joe marched with Toronto Optimists from 1958-63, played solos and, later, instructed Optimists' horn line. Currently he is a solist with the Alumni Corps.

7 files, last one added on May 17, 2014
Album viewed 280 times

28 albums on 3 page(s) 1

Random files - Individuals
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Dougie May (Toby Frechette)831 views
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Jack Roberts (2005)945 views
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Mike Arsenault, Toronto Optimists DM (1973)1150 views
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Phil Hennings (2007)1029 views
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John and Denise McAlpine (2008)840 views
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Phil Hennings (when he was a young pup)1051 views

Last additions - Individuals
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Phil and Betty Hennings (unknown)449 viewsJun 01, 2025
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Lorne Ferrazzutti (1961)571 viewsFeb 14, 2024
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Frans Rood with Mark Penberthy of the Bantams sitting on his bass drum (1962)464 viewsJun 10, 2022
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John McAlpine in his uniform for the North Carolina State Pipe Band (Memorial Day, Raleigh, NC, 2022)560 viewsJun 02, 2022
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Frans Rood and David Johns (2008) (they were Optimists bass drummers in 1962 and 1963)486 viewsFeb 24, 2022
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John McAlpine when he was in Del, before a Christmas parade (1961)543 viewsSep 23, 2020