Hamilton’s master of the bands
George R. Robinson turned the 13th Battalion Band into one of the continent’s finest
In 1871, George R. Robinson (18401917) took over as bandmaster of the lacklustre 13th Battalion (RHLI) military band at a difficult time.
Its finances were short, instruments worn and performances forgettable.
But through his musical skill, disciplined practice and promotional prowess, Robinson built up a military band that was toasted across Canada and the U.S.
Robinson was one of Hamilton’s most famous musicians of his day. He is credited with taking a group of misdirected horn blowers and turning them into a tightly disciplined, 40-person unit that became a source of pride in Hamilton and renowned in military band circles across the continent.
The band today is a frequent sight at parades, and regularly travels around the continent and to Europe. The band shell at Gage Park was later named in Robinson’s honour.
The RHLI Band was formed in 1866 by Peter Grossman and was known as the 13th Battalion Band. But Grossman only lasted a few years until Robinson, a graduate of the British army’s Royal Military School of Music, came along.
There was a bit of a false start. After
a year at the helm (1869-70), Robinson left in a huff over a disagreement in 1870. But he returned in 1871 to lead the band to glory over the next 45 years.
Robinson’s son William served as bandmaster from 1916-1924 and 19361939.
After a hiatus of several years without a military band — when the RHLI got by with a bugle corps rather than a full band — the regiment ensemble reformed in 1992 under the direction of Maj. Michael Rehill.