It’s a well-worn expression: Everyone loves a parade. This goes double for the Militaires Brass and Percussion Ensemble, a fixture at parades across Niagara, whether it be Canada Day in Pelham, the Thorold Santa Claus Parade, or Niagara-on-the-Lake’s Christmas Parade.
And Rick Allen, president of the group, said the members have a lot of fun doing what they do.
“We get a big kick out of watching the people on the streets, dancing and singing along to our music, especially the little kids.”
The group formed in 2006 as the Niagara Militaires, an alumni corps of the original Niagara Memorials, formed in 1948 in Niagara Falls by a group of Sea Cadets from St. Catharines. When the current group formed there were four members from the original band. That is now down to one, Allen said.
“The alumni corps was formed by four guys from the original corps who saw that the alumni drum corps activity was taking off in the States, and even up here in Ontario.”
And for the past 19 years, the group has remained active, except for some time off during the COVID-19 pandemic. They will perform as long as they can, Allen said.
“We're basically senior citizens, people in our group who are in their 80s,” Allen said. “And they still play.”
There’s been a few concessions made in recent years due to the advancing age of its members. When taking part in parades, the group now performs atop a float rather than march.
“That that was our saving grace,” Allen said. “If we didn't have that, we would have folded six years ago. There are more and more groups the same age as us doing that.”
But age, as it turns out, really is just a number and the group keeps on making music and finds itself playing to new audiences. When Niagara Falls ended its tradition of hosting a Canada Day Parade back in 2022, the group simply found another one to attend.
“We did Pelham’s Canada Day Parade the first time two years ago and I didn't realize Pelham was that big,” Allen said with a chuckle.
People join the Militaires for many reasons, he said.
“We're a fun organization, and show our joy being musicians, that’s part of it, wanting to play,” he said. “When we do a Santa Claus parade, we strike up playing Jingle bells and see all the little kids jumping up and singing and clapping.”
But it’s not just the kids, he added.
“Even when we do some of our other numbers — our numbers are all are all geared to pleasing the crowd — like YMCA and Sweet Caroline, the people go absolutely bonkers.”
The group is looking to add to its ranks with new musicians, particularly trumpet and low brass players—trombones, euphoniums and baritones, and tubas. Rehearsals are Wednesday evenings from 7-9 p.m. at the Royal Canadian Legion, Br. 479, 5603 Spring Street in Niagara Falls.
“We've been there for 17 years, and they love having us there,” Allen said. “We love being there.”
For more information on the group, call Allen at 905-358-6622 or email him at [email protected]
