Musique des Voltigeurs de Québec facts for kids
Quick facts for kids La Musique des Voltigeurs de Québec |
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The band at the Quebec City International Festival of Military Bands in August 2012.
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| Active | February 14, 1866−present |
| Country | Canada |
| Branch | Canadian Army |
| Type | Military band |
| Size | 40 members |
| Part of | Les Voltigeurs de Québec |
| Headquarters | Quebec City Armoury, Quebec City |
| Anniversaries | June 4 |
| Commanders | |
| Music Director | Captain François Dorion |
| Notable commanders |
Joseph Vézina Charles H. Lapointe |
The La Musique des Voltigeurs de Québec is a special military band. It belongs to a Canadian Army group called Les Voltigeurs de Québec. As of 2019, Captain François Dorion led the band. He is a professional musician, playing saxophone and percussion. He has been with the regiment since 1991.
This band started on February 14, 1866. It was the first French-speaking military band in Canada. People quickly recognized its talent. The band played a big part in the very first public performance of "O Canada" in 1880. This happened at a meeting of the St. John the Baptist Society. The band changed a lot during the two World Wars. These changes helped it become what it is today.
What the Band Does
The Voltigeurs band has a busy schedule. They take part in many different events:
- Military parades
- Special dinners for the regiment
- Public concerts
- Celebrations for regimental holidays
- Important state dinners
- Presentation of Colours ceremonies
- Graduation parades
Most of the musicians in the band are professionals. They trained at places like the Conservatoire de Québec and Laval University. The band has recorded many albums. Their most recent one came out in 2008. It celebrated the 400th anniversary of Quebec City. The band also performed at the Quebec City International Festival of Military Bands. This festival ended in 2013. In 2018, the band played at the reopening of the Quebec City Armoury. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was there for the event.
The Drum and Bugle Corps
The band also has a drum and bugle corps. This is a special group of musicians. They play drums and bugles. Not many groups like this are active in the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF). The Voltigeurs' corps is one of the few. It follows the example of the Queen's Own Rifles of Canada Band & Bugles.
See also
- Les Voltigeurs de Québec
- La Musique du Royal 22e Régiment
- Canadian military bands
- Military band
