MARLANT - Maritime Forces Atlantic

Events and Attractions

The Stadacona Band of Maritime Forces Atlantic

Halifax has a rich history of military music beginning with bands that supported the garrison and fleet dating back to the founding of Halifax in 1749. It was not uncommon for ships' bands or bands of the local regiment to entertain troops and the public at afternoon concerts or evening recitals on a regular basis.

The Stadacona Band of Maritime Forces Atlantic is one of six regular force military bands serving the Canadian Forces. The band has always called Halifax its home and in 2000 celebrated its 60th anniversary of representing the Navy, the Canadian Forces and the citizens of Canada at home and around the world.

The Stadacona Band's thirty-five musicians can be found performing on a parade square, in a concert hall or at the dockyard welcoming naval vessels. The Band is in constant demand by Maritime charitable organizations to support their campaigns. At anytime, the Director of Music can meet requests for the band by utilizing the most appropriate ensemble: a parade band, brass or woodwind chamber groups, small dinner groups, a Rock and Roll/Top 40 band, "Rock the Boat", the popular stage band "Sea Jam Blue" and/or the full symphonic concert band.

Over the past sixty years the Band's performances have been enjoyed by the Royal Family, the Prime Minister, foreign heads of state, military officials and the Canadian public. Whenever possible, the Stadacona Band makes their resources available to support other units of the military thus fulfilling their mandate to "provide musical support, fostering high morale, esprit de corps, and thus operational effectiveness."

For more information, please visit the Band's website at: http://www.stadband.ca

Date modified:
1/18/2006