Entertainment
/ Early
Westville Bandsmen /
History of
Theaters in Westville /
I remember when..
/ Dunvegan
Girls Pipe Band
Displaying their band
uniforms are George C. Wright, left, and John
Dooley, Sr., members of the
first Westville Band. The year is probably around the turn of the
century.
Westville Brass Band and Boys Pipe Band
Westville had a brass band almost from the time settlers arrived. In 1883 the brass band played at the Brigade Camp at Brown Point for the 78th Regiment. Westville Brass Band was Active until 1910 when the band joined with Stellarton as the 78th Highlanders Regiment Band. From 1914 to1918 they existed as a group.
In 1915 the Regiment Band under the direction of Captain Dan Mooney went overseas. In 1919 the group went to London where it appeared before Royalty. In 1921, they united at home again as the Pictou Highlanders Regiment Band. At the outbreak of World War II, the band formed the Aldershot Camp Band under the direction of Charles B. Wilson. The Brass Band traveled to many places within Canada and the United States.
Shortly after the break-up of the Brass Band after the war, the Westville Boys Pipe Band was formed; however, the new band was to survive for only two years. After the band folded, the Dunvegan was formed.
Music has always been an important part of community events, both in secular and religious activities. Many residents still belong in various bands with the country.