London Big Bands - Sophisticated Swing

On December 5th 2013, the new version of Sophisticated Swing Big Band, engaged in their first rehearsal. The Royalcliffe Retirement Residences on Wharncliffe Road South, in London allowed us to use their theatre for our rehearsals. The new original band consisted of the following musicians:

Alan Shipley, Alto Sax, - Wendy Nicholson, Alto Sax - Ron Webb, Alto Sax, - Gus Walton, Tenor Sax - Frank Vita, Tenor Sax, - Alden Malcomson, Baritone Sax ,- Jim Dwyer, Drums, - Cathy Cleave, Piano, Anne Pin, Bass, Bill Stewart, Guitar, - Brent Sterner, Trumpet, - John Lloyd, Trumpet, - June Smith, Trombone, - Richard Doyle, Trombone, - Skip Phoenix, Trumpet, - Cassondra Skinner, Trumpet, - Myles Skinner, Trombone, - and George Ross, Trombone & Leader. Throughout the past several years, The Band has performed at several locations, starting at the following senior residences, several times, Royalcliffe Retirement, Longworth Retirement, Dorchester Terrace, Valleyview Home, Riverside Retirement, Masonville Manor, Plus Parkwood Hospital in the Veterans Care Centre for New Year's celebrations, and also concerts on the Bandshell at Pinafore Park. St. Thomas.

We have also performed at the Jewish Community Centre for a dance and also another time for a Special Jewish function. We have played on the London Bandshell as one of the big local bands for the Big Band Festival, In September 2017, and played for a dance at Oakridge Presbyterian Church

As happens with many organized groups, personnel changes take place over time. Some of the changes taken place with this Band include, the untimely death of Ron Webb, with Alan Shipley filling Ron's Chair in the first Alto Sax position, Frank Vita replaced Gus Walton in the first Tenor Sax position. Rick McGhee filled the vacant chair in the tenor sax position. June Smith resigned and Ron Pettitt took her place. Ann Pin resigned and Ted Medson took her place. Cathy Cleave left and Sam Trosow filled that vacancy. Myles Skinner left and Dave Dykeman filled that position. Greg Jackson came on board in the first year of the Band taking the place of John Lloyd. Due to Greg Jackson's death, Simon Swart filled his place. Rick McGhee had to leave due to several other commitments and Bruce Reid took over that chair, Cassondra Skinner left at the same time as her husband, so her trumpet position was filled by Charlie Johnston. Simon Swart had to leave, due to other commitments, and Randy Schleihauf filled that vacancy. Bruce Reid left the Band, and for a short while Rick McGhee came back , but leaving once again, the vacancy was filled with Paul Morgan for that tenor sax chair. A vocalist Donnie McKenna was added to the Band.

At this time, the band is shut down due to the Covid 19 epidemic. We all hope that in 2021 we will be able to return to normal functions. When this time comes around, we will resume our rehearsals at Oakridge Presbyterian Church on Oxford Street West in London, under the very

capable direction of Frank Vita.

GEORGE ROSS