Volume 12 - Issue 9 - June 2007

was too young to join the musicians'union. When this precociouslad presented himself for an auditionwith the Toronto SymphonyOrchestra, he was told he was tooyoung. However, when Sir ErnestMacMillan heard him play, it wasa different matter. Within a yearhe was granted permission to jointhe union and was playing with theTSO whenever an extra trumpetwas needed.However, Canada was at war,and it wasn't long before LeadingBandsman Cowell was the featuredcornet soloist with the navy bandof HMCS Naden in Esquimalt. Inhis spare time he just happened tobe Principal Trumpet with the VictoriaSymphony.The late summer of 1945 sawthe surrender of Japan and the endof WWII. By a strange twist offate, the celebration of that victoryalmost spelled the end of a promisingmusical career for JohnnyCowell. With the announcement ofthe end of hostilities, the NadenBand was expected to play almostcontinuously, morning, afternoonand on into the night. The nextmorning, when he picked up histrumpet, he could not produce asound. The marathon playing ofthe previous day's victory celebrationshad taken its toll. The nervesin his lips had been severely damaged.The navy sent him to see aspecialist in Vancouver, but theoutlook was bleak. He was toldthat he would never play trumpetagain.Released from the navy, Johnnyreturned to Toronto to ponderhis future. That same innate talentand determination which propelledhim as a child trumpet player cameto the fore once again. He appliedfor, and was awarded, a scholarshipto study composition at theToronto Conservatory of Music(Now the Royal Conservatory).There, under the tutelage of OscarMorawetz and John Weinzweig, hehoned his composition skills. However,he never gave up on his trumpet.After four years of determinedeffort he was playing once again.By 1950 he was back in the TSOwhere he remained until 1991. Retirementfrom the TSO didn't endhis playing. He was immediatelyengaged to play flugelhorn in theHannaford Street Silver Band, andwas one of the soloists with theband until 2005. Simultaneously,he accepted an invitation from Ker-] UNE 1 -J ULY 7 2007ry Stratton to assume the post ofprincipal trumpet with the TorontoPhilharmonia.As a composer, his works spanthe spectrum from the pop charthits to symphony concert hallworks. His original orchestralworks and arrangements have beenperformed by many major orchestrasincluding the New York Philharmonicand the Boston Symphony.On the pop side his "WalkHand in Hand" hit the top of thecharts in 1956. Again, in 1963 hehad a top hit with "Our WinterLove" . This one was such a successthat several orchestra leaders,including Andre Kostelanetz andLawrence Welk recorded instrumentalversions of it. In 1963music columnist Antony Ferry referredto John as Canada's gift toTin Pan alley. By 1977 almost 150of his songs had been recorded bysuch stars as Tony Martin andTWILIGHTCONCERTSIN-THE-PARKJUNE 20, 2007Etobicoke CommunityConcert BandJUNE 27, 2007Salvation Army Band- Etobicoke TempleJULY 11, 2007Etobicoke CommunityConcert BandAUGUST 1, 2007Etobicoke CommunityConcert BandAUGUST 8, 2007Toronto All-Star Big Band7 to 8:30 pm FR EEApplewood Homestead450 The West Mall(416) 622-4124applewoodshaverhouse.orgWWW. THEWHOLENOTE.COMAndy Williams.Now he is being honoured byhis friends and admirers. The EncoreSymphonic Concert Bandis presenting Tribute to JohnnyCowell, Saturday June 9 at 8pmin the Crescent School auditorium.This will feature Johnny ascomposer, conductor and trumpetvirtuoso. Several of Johnny'sfriends will also make guest appearances.It's going to be a memorableevening. Join the EncoreBand and many of Johnny's friendsin this special tribute to one ofCanada's finest musicians.Brass - Woodwind -String Instruments - GuitarBuy direct from the DistributorAUTHORIZED DEALER FOR:Armstrong, Artley, Besson, Buffet,Conn, Getzen, Holton, Jupiter,Keilworth, King, Noblet,Selmer, Vito, YanagisawaOTHER COMING EVENTS -Please see the listings section forfull details. Here are two that camedirectly to me.Saturday, June 9, 2pm: the recentlyformed Milton ConcertBand give their first performanceat the Children's Stage, VictoriaPark Gazebo during Milton's 150thAnniversary Street Festival.Saturday, June 23, 12:45pm: TheMilton Concert Band keep busywith a performance at Milton DistrictHospital's Strawberry Fair inthe Milton Fairgrounds.You can reach Jack MacQuarrieat bandstand@thewholenote.com~J~~HARKNET'f.Musical Services Ltd.MUSIC BOOKSBEST SELECTIONOF POPULAR&EDUCATIONAL MUSICPiano - Guitar - Instrumental905-477-11412650 John StreetGust North of Steeles)www.harknettmusic.comFine quality instruments & accessories to suit any budget- Woodwinds, Brass, Strings & PercussionExpert Instrument Repairs in one of North America'slargest and best-equipped facilitiesComprehensive Band & Orchestra Rental Programwith over 9,000 instruments in inventoryYork Region's Largest Music Schoolserving over 1,200 studentsSALES • RENTALS • REPAIRS • LESSONS • PRINT MUSIC