| HISTORY/BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH: | The Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry Band began in Toronto in 1919 under the direction of Captain Thomas William James. From 1920 - 1939, the Band stationed in Winnipeg. In 1924, the Band performed at the British Empire Exhibition in Wembley, London, and gave a series of concerts at principal London theatres. When the Band returned to Winnipeg, Serge Rachmaninoff visited and conducted an arrangement of Prelude in C-sharp minor. When Captain James retired in 1936, the Band held several interim conductors until Lieutenant A.L. Streeter assumed direction in 1939, but the Band disorganized during World War II.
In 1950 the Band reorganized in Calgary under the direction of Capt A. Brown. In 1953 Captain F.M. McLeod became Musical Director and the Band served in Korea and Japan. Throughout the 1950s the Band played in various concerts including the Empire Games in Vancouver, with the Canadian Brigade the Band in Germany, in the Netherlands on Queen Elizabeth of England's state visit, the Gaza strip, and the Royal Tournament in England.
After returning from Europe, the Band stationed in Edmonton from 1959- 1968 under the direction of Captain George Naylor. In 1969, the Band relocated to Calgary in 1968 and amalgamated with the Lord Strathcona Horse Regimental Band.
Throughout the 1960s and 1970s the Band performed in various concerts including the Grand National Tattoo in Victoria and Vancouver, Expo '67, throughout Alberta and Europe, the Stampede Parade in Calgary, the Tournament of Roses parade in Pasadena, California, and the Commonwealth Games. While in Calgary the following directors conducted the Band: Captain P.A. Medcalf 1968-9, Captain J. Dowell 1969-72, and Captain Leonard Camplin 1972-8, succeeded by Major Jean-François Pierret (1978-80).
In the 1980s, the Band performed in Ottawa, France, Belgium, extensively in Europe. In 1990 Capt David Jones became Director of Music and Commanding Officer of the Band.
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