The Toronto Signals Band have been performing for audiences throughout Canada and the United States since 1926. Originally known as the 2nd Signal Regiment, this band was the first to inaugurate the one valve trumpet (since moving to a two valve), along with the bell lyre into the trumpet and bugle band program of that era. Continuing to lead in their field, this band also introduced to the Canadian audience, the sound of three-part harmony in trumpet band music.

The Toronto Signals Band then were known as the 2nd Armoured Divisional Signals Regiment. Subsequent changes in the merging of 2nd and 8th Signals Regiments brought about the name of the Toronto Signals Regiment. In 1959, the band left the Canadian Army to form the famed Drum Corp “Canada’s Marching Ambassadors”, well-known in Canada and the United States. Since the integration of the Canadian Armed Forces in the early 1970's, “Sigs” as they are affectionately known, have carried on as a voluntary organization, maintaining the rich tradition and heritage of their former members. Today we continue to march as a Duty Band to the 709 (Toronto) Communications Regiment of the Canadian Armed Forces.

Our Band has participated in many events in both Canada and the United States, including:

• Coronation Ceremonies for Her Majesty the Queen held in our capital city of Ottawa;
• famous Calgary Stampede in the Province of Alberta;
• only Canadian Band to appear three times in the 4th of July Independence Day Celebrations in Milwaukee Wisconsin, Canada’s Centennial Celebrations touring Northern Ontario as part of the force '67 contingent; and
• Province of Ontario’s 200th year celebration tattoo with Her Majesty the Queen in attendance.

His Worship the Mayor and Council for the City of Toronto bestowed the honour of “Signals Trumpet Band Day” with a presentation of keys to the City on the occasion of the Band’s 50th year. Invitations have been extended to participate in the Macy’s Parade in New York, the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena California, and the Edinburgh Tattoo in Edinburgh Scotland. The band has the distinct honour of receiving over 55 awards for their involvement in the Canadian National Exhibition Warriors’ Day Parade since 1949.

Year 2003 was a very eventful and exciting year for the Band from a military perspective. We performed at the “Kingston Heritage Tattoo Society” August 2nd-4th at Fort Henry as a salute to Military Communications Celebrating 100 Years of Excellence. This was followed by a Military Celebration of the 100th Anniversary of the Communications Regiment at Vimy Barracks in Kingston, Ontario (August 30th-September 1st) with HRH Princess Anne, Honourary Colonel and Chief, attending. The Mayor of the City of Kingston presented the Key to the City to the Regiment recognizing the achievements and significance of the Regiment to the City, Canada and to the World. The Band played for Princess Anne on four separate occasions that glorious weekend.

In Toronto on September 14th, the Band celebrated the 100th Anniversary of the Regiment marching from Dennison Armoury to Dundas Square to receive the Key to the City of Toronto and to participate in the change of command ceremony to Honourary Colonel Sally Horsfall.

For many members, “Sigs” is a family affair. There are several fathers with sons or daughters, wives and husbands and brothers proudly marching together. There are some who are third generation “Sigs” members. The age of band members ranges between 18 and 77 with over one-half of the membership in the 50+ range. Several members have been marching with the Band for over 30 years. In 1999, women joined the ranks for the first time. They now make up 20 percent of the Band’s membership. Also in that year, the Toronto Signals Colour Guard was formed.

Since the Band’s inception in 1926, we have won more then 400 awards, and have earned the title “Canada’s Marching Ambassadors”. The Band today has maintained the reputation as both a precision marching unit and as a superb playing group - standards set by the original Band. The Toronto Signals Band is one of the the oldest continuous operating Band; readily recognized in our distinctive scarlet and black uniforms. For years we have brought dignity, honour and wide acclaim to the City of Toronto.

So…Envision if you will, the sight of Scarlet, the sound of Brass, as we present the Toronto Signals Band!