Upper Canada Musicians Association Held 100th Anniversary Celebration Tuesday Night

Brockville – The Upper Canada Musicians Association (UCMA) celebrated its 100th anniversary on Tuesday night at the Brockville Public Library.

On hand for last night’s celebration were MPP Steve Clark, MPP Michael Ford, (York South-Weston & Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism), Brockville Mayor Matt Wren and President of the Upper Canada Musician’s Association Al Torrance.

As well it was the last night of the UCMA’s Jazz Appreciation Month program, which featured an up-and-coming pianist and his group the Matthew O’Halloran Trio.

The free performances over April were sponsored by UCMA, the Music Performance Trust Fund and the Brockville Public Library.

On April 5th, 1924 the association began as the Brockville Music Collective.

“Many professional and semi-professional musicians felt the need to have a singular voice representing them in the international music scene and hence the Brockville Music Collective was born,” said Al Torrance, current President of UCMA

During that time, the association covered an area of most of Eastern Ontario and a substantial portion of Northern New York State. Over the years their territory and title have changed, with the current name (Upper Canada Musicians’ Association) being applied since the beginning of the 2000s. Their territory now covers from as far east as the Quebec Border to just east of Gananoque and as far north as Lanark, Dundas and Glengarry Counties.

“We have been very fortunate to represent many talented musicians within our borders and have witnessed a few of them hit the national and international stage. Many of them have had huge local successes as well. We are very honoured to have represented all of them throughout their musical journeys.” Torrance continued.

For more information on the Upper Canada Musician’s Association please visit: https://www.facebook.com/uppercanadamusician