The Perth Citizens’ Band has been an integral part of the musical and cultural heritage of the Town of Perth since 1852 and is the oldest continuously operating band in Canada. The continuity of the band from 1852 has been recorded in a book entitled, “ Sound the Trumpet “ written by local archivist, Daphne Overhill, published in 2002.
The band is comprised of members from Perth and surrounding areas of Lanark County. Every Tuesday night at 7:30 the band meets for rehearsal in a specially designated room upstairs in the Perth Town Hall. A wide variety of music is rehearsed from the bands’ extensive library, ranging from classics by Mozart, Handel etc. through the Gay Nineties, The Swing Era, the Beetles, Broadway, and contemporary works. Band membership is about 50 and includes all ages from teens to seniors with skill levels from beginners to professional. Some members also contribute time to other local groups such as the “Saints and Sinners” , The Perth Community Choir, and The Last Duel Brass Quintet. The band is directed by Brian Tackaberry, a professional high school music teacher.