Junior band playing at Waterloo's Cityhood Picnic, directed by Charles Thiele (1948). Click the photo for more details.

Large musical events have been a tradition in Waterloo since the mid-1800s and many such events have taken place in Waterloo Park. In the early days of the park, very large Saengerfests were held. These festivals celebrated German culture with an emphasize on music and singing.

Seagram Bandshell (c.1920). Click the photo for more details.

Performances in later years were aided by the bandshell that was donated by the Seagram family in 1920.¹⁹ This bandshell was the first of its kind outside of Toronto and stood where Lion’s Lagoon was later located. In summer months, movies were shown in it for children. In 1967, the new Centennial Bandshell was built on the west side of the newly expanded park, in front of Laurel Creek.²⁰ It cost about $70,000 and sat 5,000 people.²¹ In 1969, the old bandshell was torn down.²¹ The Centennial Bandshell stands today but has been criticized for its poor upkeep and lack of electricity.

Musical performance in bandshell (c.1940). Click the photo for more details.

Over the years, both bandshells were used frequently by the Waterloo Musical Society. The Waterloo Musical Society Band often held Sunday evening concerts in the park’s bandshell. This practise was introduced by Professor Charles F. Thiele, bandmaster, in 1920.²³ Professor Thiele is remembered for his white suit and his leadership of the Waterloo Musical Society from 1919-1951. In 1932, Professor Thiele created the Waterloo Band Festival that hosted 23 bands and more than 200 bandsmen in Waterloo Park.²⁴ The contests and performances were held in the band shell. The second year of the festival, 8,000 people attended the “Military Tattoo” performance in the park.

The Waterloo Chronicle reports:

“The terraces were crowded, as well as the [athletic] track…the Grand Stand was not sufficient to accommodate all who wished a seat…Scores of autos were also on the grounds. On only one previous occasion was there gathered such a throng of people at the park…The Tattoo was the largest ever held in the Province outside of Toronto.” ⁸

The festival grew over the years and was very successful, but after Professor Thiele’s death in 1954, the popularity declined, and the final festival was held in 1957.²⁶

Charles Thiele directing brass band in Waterloo Park (c.1949). Click the photo for more details.