March On! ...the history of the
Toronto Optimists Drum & Bugle Corps
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Video Files
Below are links to our video files plus a short description of each file.
| Quick links to Video footage |
|---|
Competitive yearsOptimists Alumni Corps |
We Remember slideshow
We Remember former corps members and staff of the Toronto Optimists, the Seneca
Optimists and the Optimists Alumni who have passed away.
Slideshow: A Tribute to Don Daber and showing examples of his work (added in April, 2019).
Slideshow: Remembering Don Daber. This is similar to the video I created after Don passed; however, it includes lots of new material. (Added July 2023).
All Video Footage
The videos are organized by year. All videos can be found here (Historical, Promotional and Slideshows
1955
This video includes footage of the Davenport Trumpet Band (a predecessor to the Toronto Optimists),
Preston Scout House, the Western Tech trumpet band, Second Signals, Niagara Miltaires and others. The audio track is the only known
recording of the Davenport Trumpet Band.
1958
This video footage of the 1958 Toronto Optimists was supplied to us by Phil
Hennings, the first Drum major of the Toronto Optimists. The event was a
competition at East York stadium in Toronto. While there's no audio it's nice to
be able to see the Toronto Optimists in their first ever competition.
1959
This video footage of the 1959 Toronto Optimists and Preston Scout House was
supplied to us by Ken Poole who played baritone in the Toronto Optimists. The
event was the 1959 Nationals in Galt. The video shows clips of the Optimists,
the award presentations and the Optimists leaving the field. While there's no
audio it's nice to be able to see the Toronto Optimists in their second
Nationals.
1960
This video footage was supplied to us by Mel Dey (Mel's dad recorded the video). The purpose
of the event was to recognize and honour The Optimists for winning their third consecutive
National Title.
This video footage was supplied to us by Ken Poole who played baritone in the
Toronto Optimists. The event appears to be the Seniors' section of the 1960
Nationals in Hamilton. The video includes clips of the Guelph Royalaires. the
Niagara Militaires, the Port Dalhousie Guardsmen, the Ambassadors and the Jesters. While
there's no audio it's nice to be able to remember the past.
1961
The audio track was recorded on September 9th during the 1961 Canadian Nationals at
Seagram Stadium in Waterloo.
I do not know where most of the video footage was recorded but the parade footage is from
the 1961 Grape Festival parade in St. Catharines. The photos were taken during the 1961 season
and include casuals shots as well as images of the corps performing and rehearsing. You will see
an image of some of our drummers looking like bellhops when they participated in the Daffodil Parade
(a fundraiser for cancer). There are also a few images from a parade showing the corps members dressed
strangely and not wearing uniforms. People remember doing the parade but the do not remember
why they were not in uniform.
This video footage contains raw footage of the 1961 Grape Festival parade in St
Catharines. Some of the corps seen in this footage are: St John's, De La
Salle, Guelph Royalaires, Niagara Memorial Militaires, Toronto Optimists, Merritton
Buccaneers and Jesters. Unfortunately there was no audio recorded.
1962
This video slideshow contains photos of the 1962 Toronto Optimists Drum & Bugle corps.
It uses the 1962 field show as an audio background. Most, but not all, of the images
were taken during performances. The photos were taken during the winter of 1961 and
the summer of 1962.
1963
This video footage shows the 1963 Toronto Optimists. You can see the Lawrence of
Arabia fanfare and the wedge which formed our Off the Line. There's also a bit
of concert. Unfortunately, there is no audio
These video slideshow contains photos of the 1963 Toronto Optimists Drum & Bugle corps.
It uses the 1963 field show as an audio background. Most, but not all, of the images
were taken during performances. The photos were taken during 1963.
1964
The audio track was recorded on September 7th during the 1964 Canadian Nationals at
Varsity Stadium in Toronto. The video footage was recorded at the prelims to the
Nationals while the photos were taken during the 1964 season and include
casuals shots as well as images of the corps performing and rehearsing.
This video footage was recorded in 1964 at Varsity stadium in Toronto at the
prelims for the Nationals. It includes footage of De La Salle, Opti, York Lions and
Scout House. Unfortunately no audio was recorded.
This video footage was recorded in 1964 in Toronto. It shows Grantham in the
parade that preceded the Nationals. Unfortunately no audio was recorded.
This video footage was recorded in either 1964 in Toronto. It shows some of
corps that were in the parade before the Nationals. Maybe you can recognize some
of the corps. Unfortunately no audio was recorded.
1967
recorded August 27, 1967 in Newton, MA. Sadly, the video quality is terrible.
1968
This video footage was recorded on July 1, 1968 in Port Dover, Ontario. The
video, which shows an excerpt from the parade, was created by Brian C. Stewart
and submitted by Robert Judd.
This video footage shows the 1968 Toronto Optimists performing at the 1968 Grey Cup halftime show.
This was an abbreviated show. The opening was not recorded, the concert was not played and
the entire closing number was played but has been truncated in the recording.
1973
This video footage shows the 1973 Toronto Optimists. This footage, taken by
Vince Ferraro, shows the corps rehearsing in Canada as well as performing at a
show in the United States. Unfortunately, there is no audio.
This video contains photos of the 1976 Seneca Optimists Drum & Bugle corps. It
uses the 1976 field show as an audio background. There are rehearsal photos,
casual shots and photos of performances. All of the photos were taken during the
summer of 1976.
This video contains photos of the 1977 Seneca Optimists Drum & Bugle corps. It
uses the 1977 field show as an audio background. There are rehearsal photos,
casual shots and photos of performances. All of the photos were taken during the
summer of 1977.
1978
This video contains photos of the 1978 Seneca Optimists Drum & Bugle corps. It
uses the 1978 field show as an audio background. All of the photos were taken during the
summer of 1978.
2004
This video footage shows the 2004 Optimists Alumni performing at G.A.S. on May
1, 2004.
2005
This video footage was recorded by Bryan Buttigieg on August 20, 2005. It shows
the Optimists Alumni Drum and Bugle Corps performing at a fundraiser for Juno
Beach at University Stadium in Waterloo.
2006
This video footage was recorded by Bryan Buttigieg on August 19, 2006. It shows
the Optimists Alumni Drum and Bugle Corps performing at a show sponsored by the
Scout House Alumni Band at University Stadium in Waterloo.
This short video contains photos of the Toronto Optimists and the Seneca
Optimists. The photos cover the period from about 1957 through 1977. There are
also a couple of photos of the Alumni corps that were taken at Waterloo, ON in
2006.
All of the photos in this video slide-show of the Optimists Alumni Drum & Bugle
corps were taken during 2007. We've included photos from rehearsals and social
events as well as photos from concerts, parades and field shows.
This short video contains photos of many different corps, each of which has one
or more members in the Optimists Alumni. Unfortunately, at this point, I don't
have photos of all the corps represented by our membership.
This short video contains photos of the Optimists Alumni Drum & Bugle corps.
There are rehearsal photos and photos of performances covering the period from
its formation in 2003 until 2007.
2008
Lawrence of Arabia and El Cid. Recorded on July 27, 2008 in Hamilton, ON by
Peter McCusker.
in Mississauga, ON). Numbers played: Lawrence of Arabia fanfare; Love theme from
"El Cid"; Big Band Medley (In the Mood, Moonlight Serenade, Boogie Blues, Drum
Boogie, Tuxedo Junction, Caravan); Battle Cry of Freedom / A Place to Stand
(Ontario)
At the DCA Alumni Spectacular in Rochester, NY. 2008 was the Optimists Alumni's
second year of performing a 1960s style drill show. The show opens with a
fanfare from "Lawrence of Arabia" followed by the Love theme from "El Cid" and a
Drum Solo. The concert is a Big Band Medley of "In the Mood", "Moonlight
Serenade", "Boogie Blues", "Drum Boogie", "Tuxedo Junction" and "Caravan". For
Color Presentation the corps plays a medley of "Battle Cry of Freedom" and "A
Place to Stand" (Ontario). The Off-The-Field number is "San Francisco" (Wear
Flowers in your Hair).
All of the photos in this video slide-show of the Optimists Alumni Drum & Bugle
corps were taken during 2008. We've included photos from rehearsals and social
events as well as photos from concerts, parades and field shows.
At the Alumni Spectacular in Rochester, NY. Numbers played: Fanfare from
Lawrence of Arabia; Love Theme from El Cid; Big Band Medley (Moonlight Serenade,
In the Mood, Boogie Blues, Drum Boogie, Tuxedo Junction, Caravan); Battle Cry of
Freedom (Colour Presentation); Drum Solo; Patton; San Francisco (Wear flowers in
your hair)
This video shows the Optimists Alumni performing in Oshawa, Ontario on August
29, 2009. The show opens with a fanfare from Lawrence of Arabia followed by the
Love theme from "El Cid". The concert is a Big Band Medley of Moonlight
Serenade, In the Mood, Boogie Blues, Drum Boogie, Tuxedo Junction, Caravan. It
is followed by the Colour Presentation of Battle Cry of Freedom, a Drum Solo,
and Patton. The show closes with San Francisco (Wear flowers in your hair).
All of the photos in this video slide-show of the Optimists Alumni Drum & Bugle
corps were taken during 2009. We've included photos from rehearsals and social
events as well as photos from concerts, parades and field shows.
2010
At the Alumni Spectacular in Rochester, NY. Numbers played: Opener: fanfare of
Lawrence of Arabia followed by the Love Theme from "El Cid"; Concert: Big Band
Medley of Moonlight Serenade, Boogie Blues, Drum Boogie, Tuxedo Junction and
Caravan; Drum Solo; Out of Concert: Temptation; Colour Presentation: a medley of
"Battle Cry of Freedom" and "Maple Leaf Forever"; Closer: What Kind of Fool Am
I?
This video footage of the 2010 Optimists Alumni was supplied to us by Al Hester,
of the Toronto Signals. The Optimists Alumni were in exhibition at a DCI
competition in Buffalo on August 8, 2010.
All of the photos in this video slide-show of the Optimists Alumni Drum & Bugle
corps were taken during 2010. We've included photos from rehearsals and social
events as well as photos from concerts, parades and field shows.
2011
At the DCA Alumni Spectacular in Rochester, NY. Numbers played: Opener: fanfare
of Lawrence of Arabia followed by the Love Theme from "El Cid"; Concert: Big
Band Medley of Moonlight Serenade, Boogie Blues, Drum Boogie, Tuxedo Junction
and Caravan; Drum Solo; Out of Concert: Temptation; Colour Presentation: a
medley of "Battle Cry of Freedom" and "Maple Leaf Forever"; Closer: What Kind of
Fool Am I?
All of the photos in this video slide-show of the Optimists Alumni Drum & Bugle
corps were taken during 2011. We've included photos from rehearsals and social
events as well as photos from concerts, parades and field shows.
2012
Numbers played: Opener: Judy Garland Medley; Drum Feature; Concert: Big Band
Medley of Boogie Blues, Drum Boogie, Tuxedo Junction and Caravan; Colour
Presentation: American Canadian salute (a medley of "Battle Cry of Freedom" and
"Maple Leaf Forever"); Drum Feature; Closer: "Beautiful People" with a reprise
of "The Man Who Got Away"
At the Scout House Tattoo in Waterloo, ON. Numbers played: Opener: Judy Garland
Medley; Drum Feature; Concert: Big Band Medley of Boogie Blues, Drum Boogie,
Tuxedo Junction and Caravan; Colour Presentation: American Canadian salute (a
medley of "Battle Cry of Freedom" and "Maple Leaf Forever"); Drum Feature;
Closer: "Beautiful People" with a reprise of "The Man Who Got Away"
At the DCA Alumni Spectacular in Annapolis, MD. Numbers played: Opener: Judy
Garland Medley; Drum Feature; Concert: Big Band Medley of Boogie Blues, Drum
Boogie, Tuxedo Junction and Caravan; Colour Presentation: American Canadian
salute (a medley of "Battle Cry of Freedom" and "Maple Leaf Forever"); Drum
Feature; Closer: "Beautiful People" with a reprise of "The Man Who Got Away"
All of the photos in this video slide-show of the Optimists Alumni Drum & Bugle
corps were taken during 2012. We've included photos from rehearsals and social
events as well as photos from concerts, parades and field shows.
2013
The Optimists Alumni Drum Corps performing their 2013 show. The show opens with
a "Judy Garland Medley". This is followed by a Drum Feature after which
"Caravan" is played for concert. The Colour Presentation of "Maple Leaf Forever"
is followed by another Drum Feature. The show closes with "I Have A Love" and
"Somewhere" from West Side Story. The video was recorded by Christian Byrne on
August 17, 2013 at the Legends V show in Oshawa, Ontario
At the DCA Alumni Spectacular in Annapolis, MD. Numbers played: Opener: "Judy
Garland Medley"; Drum Feature; Concert: "Caravan"; Colour Presentation: "Maple
Leaf Forever"; Drum Feature; Closer: "I Have A Love" and "Somewhere" from West
Side Story
All of the photos in this video slide-show of the Optimists Alumni Drum & Bugle
corps were taken during 2013. We've included photos from rehearsals and social
events as well as photos from concerts, parades and field shows.
2014
At the DCA Alumni Spectacular in Rochester, NY. Numbers played: Opener: Theme
from "Spiderman"; Drum Feature; Concert: "Caravan"; Colour Presentation: "Maple
Leaf Forever"; Closing: Medley from West Side Story (the "Jet Song" with a drum
feature, "I Have A Love" and "Somewhere")
2016
This footage shows the 2016 Optimists Alumni previewing their 2016 "Party Gras"
show. It was recorded by David Johns at a Drum Line competition in Burlington,
ON.
This footage shows the 2016 Optimists Alumni previewing their 2016 "Party Gras"
show. It was recorded by David Johns at the Ontario Drum Line Championships at
Wilfred Laurier University in Waterloo, ON.
This footage shows the 2016 Optimists Alumni performing their 2016 "Party Gras"
show at the Kitchener Public Square. It was recorded by David Johns in
Kitchener, ON
All of the photos in this video slide-show of the Optimists Alumni Drum & Bugle
corps were taken during 2016. We've included photos from rehearsals and social
events as well as photos from concerts, parades and field shows.
In Gasan-ri Jagunae, Jeju, South Korea. Numbers played: Y.M.C.A. (Village
People); A Crazy Little Thing; Called Love (Queen); I Have A Love (from West
Side Story); A Closer Walk with Thee; Tiger Rag; Elks' Parade; Variations on a
Korean Folk Song; When The Saints Go Marching In; Everybody Needs Somebody
(Blues Brothers) I've left in some post-performance footage showing the corps
tried to get a formal shot. Everyone ended up being part of the shot!
On Jeju Island in South Korea. The performance was recorded on August 12th and
was part of the Jeju International Wind Ensemble Festival. This performance was
for a group of school children awaiting their results in a musical competition.
At the City Hall in Seongnam, South Korea. The performance was on Aug 6th and we
were wearing our parade outfits.
2018
Recorded by David Johns on February 24, 2018 at the Ventures' show in Kitchener,
ON. Numbers played include: "A Crazy Little Thing Called Love" (Queen), "Jump In
The Line" (a calypso number) and "Everybody Needs Somebody" (Blues Brothers)
Recorded by David Johns on April 7, 2018 in Welland, ON. Numbers played include:
"A Crazy Little Thing Called Love" (Queen), "Jump In The Line" (a calypso
number) and "Everybody Needs Somebody" (Blues Brothers)
Recorded by David Johns on April 28, 2018 at a SO-MAC (Southern Ontario Marching
Arts Collective) in in Hamilton, ON. Numbers played include: "A Crazy Little
Thing Called Love" (Queen), "Jump In The Line" (a calypso number) and "Everybody
Needs Somebody" (Blues Brothers)
Recorded by David Johns on May 13, 2018 at Northstar's show in in Waterloo, ON.
Numbers played include: "Tiger Rag", "A Crazy Little Thing Called Love" (Queen),
"Jump In The Line" (a calypso number) and "Everybody Needs Somebody" (Blues
Brothers]
Recorded by Doug Nicholls on August 11, 2018 in Indianapolis, IN. Numbers played
are: "We Will Rock You (Queen), "We Are The Champions" (Queen), "Jump In The
Line" (a calypso number) and "A Crazy Little Thing Called Love" (Queen)
2019
Recorded on April 27, 2019. Optimists were an exhibition group at the SO-MAC
Championships (Southern Ontario Marching Arts Collective)
Complete show on the final night of the 2019 Jeju International Wind Ensemble
Festival
Optimists Alumni playing "A Crazy Little Thing Called Love" in Jeju, South Korea