This article has been amended since first posting to correct a date reference.
This photo shows Arthur (Art) Smith with members of the North Vancouver Youth Band circa 1973-'76. The band was formed (as the North Vancouver Schools' Band) on March 13, 1939, drawing its members from North Vancouver City and District high schools.
Its goal was "to provide instruction to the student members of the Society, and to provide them with the opportunity of partaking in music festivals, band concerts, competitions, parades, and similar activities, both in Canada and abroad."
Art Smith became the director of music in 1954. His energy and leadership sparked much success in the ensuing years. The band competed and performed at events all over the world from Calgary to Osaka, Japan. They also recorded several albums. Smith also played trombone with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra for 32 years. He died in 1978.
Art Smith received the Distinguished Citizen of the Year Award posthumously in 1991. The North Vancouver Youth Band continued to perform until declining enrolment and a funding shortfall led to its demise in 2011.
Visit the MONOVA website for more information about the history of the North Shore and to learn about MONOVA: Museum of North Vancouver opening in 2021.
Currently, the Archives of North Vancouver at 3203 Institute Rd. in Lynn Valley is open by appointment only. Contact: archives@monova.ca
