The Military Band of the 48^th Highlanders Association is a civilian military-style wind band based in Downtown Toronto, Ontario. The band was formed in 1893 as a militia band and has been in continuous existence since then. In 1965, the band became a civilian ensemble, but maintains its links with the regimental family, providing musical support for regimental events alone or alongside the regiment’s Pipes and Drums.

The Military Band of the 48^th Highlanders of Canada has been a fixture of Toronto’s musical landscape since its formation in 1893. Throughout this long history, the Military Band has been a highlight of major annual public events in and around Toronto – from the Eaton’s Santa Claus Parade, to the Maple Leaf’s home opener. Comprised mostly of civilian volunteers since 1965, the Military Band of the 48th Highlanders Association proudly continues its dedicated support of the Regiment and the regimental family.

Brief history

The history of the Military Band begins with the history of the regiment itself. From its founding in 1893 under Bandmaster John Griffin, the Military Band quickly became a fixture in both military and civilian circles, anchoring military ceremonies and entertaining enthusiastic civilian audiences around the world.

Bandmaster Griffin’s successor, Captain, John Slatter, MBE, VD, assumed direction of the Military Band in 1896 and remained in command for the next 50 years. Under Captain Slatter, the reputation and popularity of the Military Band prospered.

A military man since joining the Royal Navy at age 10, Captain Slatter did not neglect his military duties and ensured that the musicians under his command knew that they were first and foremost, soldiers. During World War I, he lent his talent to training military musicians, producing 63 army bands and over 1000 buglers as a District Director of Brass and Bugle Bands at Camp Borden (now CFB Borden near Barrie, On) while over 40 bandsmen from the 48^th enlisted in the Canadian Expeditionary Force, One of them, W. Lloyd Algie, a pre-war euphonium player with the 48^th, was awarded the Victoria Cross. Subsequent Directors have continued the musical traditions that have made the Military Band recognized near and far.

The current Director of Music, Rob Cuesta, was appointed in April 2023.

Engagements

From its inception, the Military Band has been one of the country’s most recognized and popular Military Bands. In the early days, featured performances included the Quebec Tercentenary in 1908, and many performances in major cities throughout Canada and the United States.

From shortly after its founding in 1905 until the end of Eaton’s sponsorship in the early 1980’s, the Military Band held pride of place in the Eaton’s Toronto Santa Claus Parade, leading the Jolly Old Elf Himself. And, from 1931 to 2019, the Military Band, together with the Regiment’s Pipes and Drums, took the ice at each Toronto Maple Leaf’s home opener.

In 1981, the Military Band joined the 48th Pipes and Drums, the Toronto Scottish Pipes and Drums and the Band of the Royal Regiment of Canada as the first Commonwealth contingent to perform at the Wembley Military Tattoo in London, England. In 1985, 1995, and 2000, the Military Band, together with the Pipes and Drums led the 48^th and other Canadian veterans in the “Liberation ’45: We Do Remember” ceremonies in and around Apeldoorn in the Netherlands – a significant theatre of 48^th and Canadian Army operations in World War II.

The Present

The 48^th Association Military Band of today continues the traditions of its predecessors, performing at a variety of military and civilian functions each year. While today’s band is made up of civilian volunteers, it continues its unwavering support of the Regiment.

The distinctive scarlet tunics and feather bonnets of military full dress uniform have given way to civilian highland jackets and Glengarries, but the band can still be seen on the streets of Toronto and at the 48^th Cenotaph in Queen’s Park each Remembrance Day, and every spring at St Andrew's Church, the Regiment’s spiritual home, honouring the unit’s long, proud history.

Tattoos and parades in and around the GTA and around the world are only a part of the story. The band has performed in a variety of settings, including the CNE, Royal Winter Fair, Convention and Social gatherings.