Arthur William Delamont

Delamont, Arthur

Arthur (William) Delamont. Bandmaster, cornetist, b Hereford, England, 25 Jan 1892, d Vancouver 11 Sep 1982. He played clarinet and later cornet with his father and brothers in a Salvation Army band in Hereford. Arriving in Canada with his family in 1908 he played in a Moose Jaw, Sask, Salvation Army band, and, after 1922, in Vancouver theatre orchestras. In 1928 he formed the Kitsilano Boys' Band, remaining its conductor until his death. Under his influence many of the band's members (see entry for partial list) became professional musicians, and in 1976 he formed the Arthur W. Delamont Concert Band, which included many of these men. The concert band toured in Great Britain in 1979. Delamont also conducted the pep band at the University of British Columbia for more than 40 years. The writer Alan Daniels (Vancouver Sun, 28 Jan 1978) took note of Delamont's 'irreverent approach and impish sense of humour,' adding, however, '[he] is an avowed disciplinarian who commands respect at the rostrum.' Delamont was made a Member of the Order of Canada in 1980. Delamont Park in Vancouver is named in his honour.

See also Gordon Delamont (his son).