THE MAPLE RIDGE CONCERT BAND
A Community Association Since 1946
The Story of the Bandstand
Its History & How You Can Help
The Bandstand During Construction 1994
History
On June 14, 2014, the Maple Ridge Concert Band hosted the Envision Financial Bandstand Birthday Bash to celebrate 20 years in the community. Many are not aware that this iconic shell was designed, fundraised, organized and built by local individuals with not one taxpayer penny used.
MRCB trombonist Tom Walker had toured UK and Europe as a youth performing with the acclaimed Kitsilano Boys Band. These performances within many magnificent bandstands and observations in the USA of how residents seemed to gather around the bandstand inspired Tom. A bandstand seemed to be a centre point for many organized activities and a focal meeting area.
With the encouragement of many, Tom donated many hours of structural and building engineering design. The bandstand was financed primarily with private and corporate donations through the massive fundraising efforts of George Price (Past President of the Legion Branch 88) and members of the Maple Ridge Concert Band in the 1992-1994 years.
Under the project management of Tom Walker, local citizens donated thousands of volunteer hours building this centerpiece in the Maple Ridge downtown core. No taxpayer’s monies were used to fund this bandstand but many are recognized in the form of brass plaques that surround the bandstand base steps.
Upon completion, the Maple Ridge Concert Band gifted this bandstand to the community of Maple Ridge for the enjoyment of many functions.
The Maple Ridge Concert Band celebrated the 20th Anniversary of the bandstand with an all day two-stage performance venue on June 14, 2014. Featured performance groups included a variety of Concert and Jazz Band groups, singers, theatrical, and individual performers from Vancouver Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley. There was even a wedding showcasing two band musicians. Despite the constant drizzle weather, the event was a success with a steady and appreciative audience.
Legacy
Bandstand Beautification Project
A recent inspection of the bandstand condition was performed. It has been recognized an effort will be needed to restore the bandstand after 20 years of use. This refurbishment includes:
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Cleaning the copper dome of its blackened streaked surface caused by natural environmental conditions. Treat the copper dome with a chemical solution to create and enhance a patina look crucial for copper surfaced structures. Patina comparisons include: Hotel Vancouver, the Victoria Parliament Buildings and Empress Hotel.
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Supply and install the wooden octagonal rosette for the interior rooftop ceiling. (COMPLETED June 14, 2014)
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Supply and install 8 ornamental wrought iron brackets suitable for hanging baskets, lights or any other ornament purpose. (COMPLETED June 14, 2014)
The Copper Treatment and the Wrought Iron brackets were part of Tom Walker’s original blue print design but not completed 20 years ago as a result of all funds being used up.
Article by Troy Landreville of the Maple Ridge & Pitt Meadows Times focusing on the fundraising campaign for repairs and maintenance to the bandstand:
Maple Ridge musicians target much-needed bandstand facelift by Troy Landreville
The MRCB has obtained approval through Municipal Council to actively fundraise towards this completion of the bandstand. Individuals or businesses that donate may qualify for recognition in the placement of raised bronze plaques consistent with the original markers. New markers are distinguished by a special 20th Anniversary logo.
One of the goals with this bandstand celebration is to bring community awareness of its origin and recognize the group responsible for its existence.
The Bandstand Beautification Project that the MRCB has undertaken will impress a continued statement of commitment that originated over 20 years ago with an idea from Tom Walker. It was his dream to build a bandstand for our community. It is the band's dream to celebrate it and to complete it to the original blue print design. With the support and pledge of Maple Ridge Concert Band musicians, it will be our dream to continue with our volunteer work within the community, to recognize our bandstand achievement and memorialize it for future generations to enjoy.
Thank you in advance for your support of the Bandstand Beautification Project and in fostering music, performance, arts and community in the City of Maple Ridge.
Click this photo for details on President Gale Yip's presentation to Maple Ridge Council regarding the fundraising for the Bandstand Beautification Project.
How You Can Help
If you would like to help the MRCB with our endeavour to maintain and beautify the Maple Ridge Bandstand, please feel free to:
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Contact Gale Yip (MRCB President) - president@mrcb.ca
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Fill out our Donation Form and email it to info@mrcb.ca
or...
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Donate now by pressing the Donate button below using a PayPal account or Credit Card.
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