Est. 1978 · Markham, Ontario · Canada
The Art of
Live Music
One of Canada's largest community concert bands — sharing a passion for music since 1978.
Our Story
More Than Music —
A Community
For over four decades, the Markham Concert Band has been the heartbeat of our region's musical culture. Sixty to eighty musicians, ranging in age from their 20s to their 80s, meet every Monday to rehearse a wide variety of music — from Sousa marches to Bohemian Rhapsody, Broadway hits to Canadian premieres.
Amazingly, three of our founding members are still with the Band, and many more have been with us for over twenty years.
Doug Manning — Music Director since 2002
Our History
Rooted in Tradition,
Alive in the Present
The Markham Concert Band has been in continuous operation since 1978, and is one of Canada's largest and longest-established concert bands. We are a registered charity (registration #13190 5044 RR0001) committed to providing a place for all to enjoy music — whether as performers or audience members.
Band Timeline
Milestones Through
the Decades
The Beginning
A group of passionate musicians came together in Markham under founding director David Craig, and the Markham Concert Band was born.
Building the Theatre
MCB members were instrumental in the creation of the Markham Theatre — later renamed the Flato Markham Theatre in 2012.
New Baton
Doug Walker took over as music director, leading the band through a period of growth and artistic development.
European Concert Tour
The band embarked on a major trip to Europe for an international concert series, showcasing Canadian talent abroad.
Third Conductor
Dr. Diana Brault became the band's third conductor, bringing academic excellence and new repertoire to the ensemble.
Doug Manning Arrives
Doug Manning began his tenure as only the fourth conductor in MCB's history — a role he holds to this day.
First Recording
MCB recorded its first CD, "Sounds of Summer" — a landmark achievement and lasting memento for members and fans alike.
Gold Standard Award
The band received the prestigious Gold Standard Award at the Ontario Band Association festival, cementing its reputation for excellence.
Ontario Trillium Grant
Thanks to generous Ontario Trillium Foundation support, MCB acquired an inflatable bandstand for summer outdoor concerts.
Flato Markham Theatre
The Markham Theatre — partly built through MCB's advocacy — was renamed the Flato Markham Theatre, remaining the band's premiere performance home.
New Rehearsal Home
The band moved into the Cornell Community Centre for weekly rehearsals — a spacious, welcoming home for Monday night music.
The Story Continues
With over 80 members and a packed concert season, the Markham Concert Band continues to grow, inspire, and serve the community.
Music Director
Doug Manning
Music Director · Markham Concert Band · 2002 – Present
Doug Manning · Music Director since 2002
The Man Behind the Baton
A Life Devoted
to Music
Doug Manning's musical journey began at Milneford Junior High School where — because his arms were too short — he was taken off trombone and given the tuba. This watershed moment marked the beginning of a long and profoundly happy relationship with bands and orchestras.
He continued his studies at the University of Toronto, studying conducting under the legendary Victor Feldbrill, earning his Bachelor of Music and Bachelor of Education degrees. In 1979, he began his teaching career as an Itinerant Music Instructor for the Toronto Board of Education, and moved to York Region District School Board in 1990, retiring in 2007 as Head of Music at Woodbridge College.
Over 25+ years, Doug served as Music Director for the Whitby Junior Brass Band, Chinguacousy Concert Band, Pickering Community Concert Band, and the Unionville Theatre Company. He also adjudicated for York Region's Music Alive festival for both elementary and secondary bands.
Doug has been Music Director for the Markham Concert Band since 2002 — the only the fourth conductor in the band's history. He has been hard at work studying Japanese since marrying Yuki in 2017. Their son Akito, born in 2019, loves music, cars, and Hallowe'en. COVID isolation sparked a renewed love for Dungeons & Dragons, and he now leads the weekly MCB D&D game.
Previous Ensembles
- → Whitby Junior Brass Band
- → Chinguacousy Concert Band
- → Pickering Community Concert Band
- → Unionville Theatre Company (20+ years)
Personal Interests
- 🎼 Conducting & Teaching
- 🇯🇵 Studying Japanese
- 🐉 Dungeons & Dragons (DM)
- 👨👩👦 Family — Yuki & Akito
2025 – 2026 Season
Upcoming
Performances
We perform four major shows annually at the Flato Markham Theatre, plus many outdoor summer concerts. All are welcome — and some are completely free!
Unionville Main St. Reopening
Unionville Main Street · 9:30 AM · Outdoor Performance
Spring Gala Concert
Flato Markham Theatre · 7:30 PM · $28 / $18 Students
Concert Sunday — Bandstand Series
Unionville Millennium Bandstand · 7:00 PM · Free Outdoor Concert
Summer's End Bandstand Show
Unionville Millennium Bandstand · 7:00 PM · Free Outdoor Concert
Autumn Nocturne
Flato Markham Theatre · 7:30 PM · $30 / $20 Students
Holiday Spectacular
Flato Markham Theatre · 2:00 PM & 7:00 PM · $35 / $22 Students
It's All About the Jazz
Flato Markham Theatre · 2:00 PM · $28 / $18 Students
Repertoire
Our programmes span centuries and genres — Sousa marches, Holst suites, film scores, Broadway medleys, rock classics like Bohemian Rhapsody, Beatles tributes, and vibrant Canadian premieres. Every concert is carefully curated to delight audiences of all tastes.
Our Ensemble
The Musicians of
Markham Concert Band
Over 80 dedicated musicians — teachers, engineers, retirees, students — united every Monday evening by the love of music. ★ = Section Leader | Red = Charter Member (since 1978) | Blue = 20+ Year Veteran | Amber = 30+ Year Veteran | Violet = 40+ Year Veteran
Assistant Conductor
Sean Breen
Flutes
Clarinets
Saxophones
French Horns
Trumpets
Trombones
Euphoniums
Tubas
Percussion
Electric Bass
Always Welcoming New Members
MCB is always accepting new members. If you play a band instrument and love music, we'd love to have you.
Community
Beyond the Stage —
We Belong to Markham
The Markham Concert Band is woven into the cultural fabric of our city. We play at civic celebrations, partner with local schools, and welcome audiences from every walk of life. Many of our summer concerts are completely free and open to all.
Unionville Main St. Reopening
Outdoor performance to celebrate the reopening of historic Unionville Main Street. Free admission, 9:30 AM.
Concert Sunday Series Begins
Sundays on the Unionville Millennium Bandstand, 7–9 PM. MCB hosts visiting bands from across the region.
MCB Bandstand Concert
Markham Concert Band performs at the Unionville Millennium Bandstand. Free outdoor summer evening.
Summer Finale Bandstand Show
Last Bandstand concert of summer — a beloved community tradition to close the outdoor season.
Concert Sunday Series
Hosting the Region's
Best Bands
MCB proudly hosts the Concert Sunday series each summer, inviting fellow community bands to perform on the Unionville Bandstand. Past guests have included the Richmond Hill Concert Band, Columbus Concert Band, Thornhill Community Band, Rouge River Winds, and more.
Our Sponsors
Partners in
Music & Community
MCB is deeply grateful for our sponsors and supporters. Their generosity makes our concerts, community outreach, and music education possible. Please support these businesses and let them know you found them through MCB!
Your trusted local instrument retailer — supporting Markham's music community for decades.
harknettmusic.com →Canada's largest chain of musical instrument retailers — dedicated to supporting musicians at every level.
long-mcquade.com →Markham's favourite breakfast and brunch destination — proud supporter of local arts and community.
sunsetgrill.ca →Become a Sponsor
Your Business, Our Stage
Sponsorship packages start at just $125/year. Promote your business to our audience of thousands while supporting live music in Markham. Your logo appears in concert programmes, on our website, and at our events.
Support the Arts
Sustain the
Music
MCB relies on membership fees, corporate sponsorships, and tax-deductible donations. Your generosity funds new repertoire, instrument repairs, youth bursaries, and the free community concerts enjoyed by thousands each year. We are a registered charity — tax receipts issued (reg. #13190 5044 RR0001).
Supporter
- Name in concert programmes
- Advance season announcements
- Invitation to one rehearsal
- Tax receipt issued
Patron
- All Supporter benefits
- Two complimentary concert tickets
- Backstage meet & greet
- Invitation to season launch event
- Patron recognition event invite
Grand Benefactor
- All Patron benefits
- Named instrument scholarship
- Full-page ad in programme
- Private concert for 20 guests
- Lobby recognition plaque
Other Ways to Give
We also welcome instrument donations, in-kind sponsorships, and planned giving. Donations can be mailed to: Markham Concert Band, P.O. Box 221, Markham, ON, L3P 3J7.
Contact
We'd Love to
Hear From You
Every Monday Evening
Cornell Community Centre
Markham, Ontario
Markham Concert Band
P.O. Box 221
Markham, Ontario L3P 3J7
Doug Manning
Contact via the form — our secretary will forward your message.
@markhamcb · @markham_cb
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