The History Of The Kingsville Essex Associated Band

It all began back in 1937 by an Essex merchant who operated a small soft drink company.  Charles Maedel had a strong desire to direct young boys down a productive road, as well as teaching them values and music.  He started the first marching band in the county under the direction of Mr. E.L. Robinson.  From the Essex Boys Band to the South Essex Boys Band to the Kingsville-Essex Associated Band, it has been a local institution that has served as a fertile ground for all sorts of long-lasting friendships and many great memories.

Under E. L. Robinson the band was strictly a military-style marching band.  His motto was "if you blow a horn, you will never blow a safe."  This band travelled to Expo "Man and his World" in Montreal, to Grand Haven Michigan Coast Guard Festival and also to many local tattoos and parades.  Majorettes twirling fire batons were one of the band's highlights.

In 1972 E. L. Robinson turned his musical dynasty over to one of the members, Jim Barnett.  Jim Barnett took the band in a different direction - competitions.  In 1974 the Kingsville-Essex Associated Band was one of the first Canadian bands to compete in the Michigan short circuit tour. - a panorama of drills, marching maneuvers and music.  Many weekends were spent at band camps at GessTwood Camp and the Kingsville Arena practicing awesome routines for horn players, flag and rifle twirlers.

Highlights of this time were competing in the Toronto Music Competition, the first Canadian Band Festival and competition in Essex and also all of the competitions in Michigan in such places as Chesaning, Clawson, Howell and Band Axe - The Marching Hatchets.

In the early 80's the band was entering yet another transition period.  As band members moved on, the band struggled to stay alive.  When it seemed as though this musical dynasty might fold, Mr. Bill Brown engineered a meeting in late 1986 and the band returned to life as a family band.  All ages could be involved.  This provided a golden opportunity for previous members to introduce their children to quality music, fun and establish a sense of pride belonging to a marching band.

The band master's baton was now handed over to Tony Malkowski, an Essex High School music teacher.  This was a golden opportunity for the band to take hold of his expertise in music and simple drills.  The Kingsville-Essex Associated Band performed in Ottawa on Parliament Hill in 90-degree temperatures when Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip were there.  This was one of the memorable parts of the Band's 60th Anniversary Celebration.  Travelling to the Cherry Festival in Traverse City, Michigan also added  another valuable  experience for band members to hear the cheering crowds that lined the City streets.  Who can forget all 96 band members been squished into a 44-seat bus when one bus broke down??  Camaraderie and memories continue.

Presently, there are approximately 100 members in the Kingsville-Essex Associated Band.  The band performs in approximately 20 parades and concerts throughout the year.  The Colour Guard has joined ODCA and competes with other colour guard units during the months of January through March/April. 

Our members now come from both new towns of Kingsville and Essex and the surrounding areas - older members, younger members, all performing together.  Because we have worked together, we are richer for the experience.  The sense of community and friendship is a thing which is very evident.  The Band is "The Ambassadors of Essex County".  The Kingsville-Essex Associated Band has also been honoured by having a mural painted on the Brown-Barnett Insurance building in Essex which depicts the many phases of this community band over the years.

The thrill of the Band will continue under our new director, Mr. Grant Bergeron.  The excitement, fun and adventures will continue.

"THE TRADITION MARCHES ON"