Centre Acadien, Université Sainte-Anne

The brass band - Music has always played a very important role in the lives of the people of Clare; in fact, the region is known for its very talented musicians.

Instrumental music and choral singing were officially established thanks to the efforts of the Eudist fathers who founded Université Sainte-Anne (formerly "Collège"); indeed, the pleasurable art of music was much favoured at the College. The first brass instruments came from France in 1892, two years after the College’s founding.

In the same year, the College Sainte-Anne Brass Band was created. Since there were not enough students to play all instruments, local residents also participated. The College band had several names; originally called the "Church Point Brass Band", it then became known as the "Harmonie Sainte-Cécile", named after the Patron Saint of music.

Today, more than 100 years later, the brass band continues to stage performances under the name of "Fanfare régionale de Clare" (since the 1970s), and it still occupies an important place in Clare’s musical heritage. Father Maurice LeBlanc, was the director for several years and the current director is now Lisette Sieberath.

Topic: Arts and Culture

Date: [ca. 1928]

Reference: Université Sainte-Anne Collection Centre Acadien Series E, photo 12

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