Trocadero Orchestra -- George Adams

George Adams
	
B. Mus., B.Ed., LRAM, ARCM, LCBA
	
	
	
George's early music training was received as a boy soldier in The Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment) in Perth Scotland, first as a Drummer and Bugler in the Pipes and Drum Band and then in the Military Band, playing Euphonium.
	
George attended the Royal Military School of Music at Aldershot (where it had been evacuated to during the war).  Half way through the 18 month Pupils' course, the School moved back to its original home in Kneller Hall Twickenham, Middlesex (in England).  On completion of the course, George returned to Perth Scotland.

At this time, many of the bandsmen who were stretcher bearers, (non-combatants) were captured at Dunkirk and spent the war in Germany. When these soldiers were repatriated, the resumed their former positions in the band.  To make room  for two returning euphonium players, George moved to percussion (with musicians scarce, it was common to move musicians within the band from one instrument to another).

While the band was stationed in Germany, it toured all over Europe, including Denmark, Sweden, Holland, Belgium and France.  Tours abroad  included South Africa, Rhodesia, Australia and New Zealand.

After leaving Germany, the 1st Battalion band was send to Kenya, and as the 2nd Battalion band was already stationed in British Guiana, George stayed behind in Perth to recruit and develop Boy Soldiers to be sent to the two bands abroad.  George taught music  theory, and a variety of instruments -- brass and woodwind.  While the boys were learning other disciplines at the school, George  worked to stay one step ahead of his students as he gradually became more proficient at each of the instruments.

After tutoring several students, and sending them to their respective posts, George accompanied te last draft to British Guiana in the Caribbean to rejoin his old corps.  Eighteen months later, he returned to Scotland to be posted at Gibraltar to become a member of the Seaforth Highlanders. Soon, he was seconded to become the Drum Major for the Highland Brigade Pipes and Drums.  The band's first official duty was to be posted as the Royal Guard at Balmoral Castle  (the Queen's residence).  A six week committment turned into a 6-month position.

During much of his military service, George continued correspondence courses (frma Cambridge University) on music theory.  For completion of his studies, George was required to write and conduct a full service in the Anglican High Church of England.  Knowing very little about the English Church, George  approached the organist and cantor at the Gibraltar Cathedral for lessons.  Instead, he was encouraged to join the Cathedral Choir, where, after a year of  experience, he graduated his musical commission and course program with flying colours.

Later, George returned to the Royal Military School of Music as a student bandmaster.  At that time, the school would not accept percussion as a primary instrument, so George enrolled as a tuba and string bass instrumentalist.  Students of the school formed several bands, including an orchestra, military band and a fanfare team.  All three groups were in high demand for regular broadcasts on the BBC, as well as military and state functions, and soundtracks for films.  On one memorable occasion during a broadcast on the BBC, George was given the opportunity to play an Amati Bass, once the property of Prince Albert, and donated to the School.  The school groups also performed for the wedding of Princess Margaret in Westminster Abby, and the 2nd centennial performance of Handel's Water Music -- performed on the river Thames in 1959.

With a downsizing of military bands in the 1960's, George was given a posting to the Canadian Guards (stationed in Petawawa), and performed mainly in Ottawa for official functions, such as the changing of the guard (on Pariliament Hill).  Although George was the newest member of the band, he was assigned the duty of deputy conductor, and often acted as the director of music for the group. During his tenure with the Canadian Guards, he travelled throughout North America, participating in military band showcase performances (tatoos).

While stationed with the Petawawa band, George was offered the opportunity to conduct the Pembroke Community Choir, singing classical choral works and light operas and oratorios.

With further cuts to the military band programs, George was transferred to the Princess Patricia's Light Infantry (in Edmonton, Alberta).  After being the bandsmaster for a while, the band was scheduled to be moved to Calgary.  That's when George decided he'd had enough travelling, and he opted to stay in Edmonton, retire from a long military service.

George took a B. Mus. degree at the University of Alberta, and later a Master's degree in music.   While studying at the UofA, he also taught instrumental music at Alberta Colleg.  He was also playing tuba with the Edmonton Symphony, and perfoming with the Edmonton Symphony's brass quintet.  He also played string bass in the Calgary Philharmonic, and percussion with the Edmonton Summer Orchestra -- a very busy, diverse musical experience!

While attending the UofA, George played with the university's Wind Ensemble, and the faculty Brass Quintet, along with offering his musical talents to other groups in the city, such as the St. Cecilia Orchestra, and singing in the Richard Eaton Choir.

With the prospects of a faculty position becoming more remote, George opted for an Education degree, which eventually led to a 17-year teaching career in the public school system of Edmonton.

George has also performed with Gabby Haas's polka band (on CFRN TV in the 60's), and also ran the music band programs for the Hudson Bay Stores.