The Don Langford Memorial Scholarship

Don joined the band in 1939 at the age of 10.  He was taught to play the trumpet by fellow band member and long time conductor, Bill Greig.  The band at that time practiced on Main St. above what was once a hotel. 

Don was in the band for 64 years.  During that time he moved to live in Oakville and Burlington but still continued to drive back and forth for practice on a Tuesday. 

He played the "Last Post" at the Remembrance Day Ceremony for at least 30 years. 

Over the years Don played with the Mount Forest Citizens Band, the Royal Regiment of Canada band, the Top Hat Dixieland Band, the Nomads Big Band and a number of small combos. However, the Newmarket Citizens Band was the fortunate recipient of Don's performing talents for the longest of any group.

The Don Langford Memorial Award was established by the Newmarket Citizens Band in 2004 and is annually presented to a graduating music student from Sir William Mulock Secondary School. This student has displayed exceptional musical abilities as well as exemplary contribution to the music department for their years in the high school music program.

When this award was established, the Sir William Mulock S.S. music department was also very fortunate and is honored to have received (from Mrs. Carol Langford) the cornet that Don Langford used in performance. Each year, a music student has the opportunity to play the "Last Post" on this cornet at the school's annual Remembrance Day Ceremony.

The recipient of the Don Langford Memorial Award for 2011 is: Swapnil Abrol

The Austin "Shorty" Brammar Memorial Scholarship

"Short Brammar was a conspicuous figure on Newmarket's music scene since joining the band in 1925 until his death in 1983. He was in his fifty-eighth year as an active member of the band. A woodwind specialist, he played his clarinet in the pit orchestra of Newmarket's minstrel shows during the early 1940's in the Art West dance band for many years and in the Air Force Band during World War II. He also at one time sang at the Christian Baptist Church and played in the Sunday School orchestra at Trinity United Church.

A life member of the Newmarket Lions Club and the Veterans Club, Mr. Brammar ran a successful men's clothing store on Main St. for a number of years.

He was recording secretary of the Citizens Band for 35 of his 58 years as a member, and he was band librarian.

In 1980, the Austin Brammar Award was inaugurated in the prize list of the Newmarket Lions Music Festival with a $500 prize.

The Austin "Shorty" Brammar Memorial Scholarship was established by the Newmarket Citizens Band and is annually presented to a graduating music student from Newmarket Secondary School. This student has displayed exceptional musical abilities as well as exemplary contribution to the music department for their years in the high school music program. This year's award went to Finn Mertins-Kirkwood .