The Whitby Brass Band, now celebrating over 145 years of community music making, owes much of its longevity to the Junior Band Program.
Throughout the life of the band there has been a realization that a steady influx of new members would be required to sustain the group, so a secondary “training” group has existed in one form or another.

Since the 1950’s, the Junior Band (in its present form) has been training both young and old musicians to the level required to enter the Senior Band.  We provide the instrument, the music and the training, and all we ask for is commitment and a desire to be the best you can be!  There is only a small fee to cover the cost of the instruction book and when the beginner graduates to the band they must purchase a band uniform shirt.  The entire cost of the program is about $30 or $40!

Over the years the band has had many generations of families as members. Currently we have three families with members in both the Junior and Senior Band! One such family has three generations currently enrolled.

The band is open to anyone regardless of age or experience, however, players with some experience must go through a basic audition to be placed in the band.

Gerry Murphy is a graduate of Queen’s University with honors in Conducting, Music Education, Composition and Arranging. After several years performing with the Canadian Forces Bands on Tuba and Euphonium, and teaching at public and private schools at the elementary level, Gerry now gives individual lessons in his home studio in Oshawa.
In the past he has been the director of the Belleville Municipal Band and The Concert Brass in addition to performing with many orchestras and chamber ensembles.

He currently holds the position of Principal Tuba and Assistant Conductor of the Whitby Brass Band in addition to the Junior Band directorship.

Gerry has composed and arranged many pieces of music for both the junior and senior bands, and also acts as our resident instrument technician.

You will regularly see Gerry performing Bass solos at concerts. His recent performances include Mein Bass, and Frosty the Snowman at our 2008 Christmas concert.

A man with a great sense of humour and caring, Gerry has been a welcome addition to the band since joining in 1998.