December 16, 1924 -
October 3, 2017
John H. Schoen was involved in bands his whole life, eventually founding the Saskatoon Concert Band, which he conducted for over 40 years.
Born and raised in Saskatoon, John began playing the cornet at age five. He joined the Saskatoon Boys Band, conducted by H.G. Cuthbert, and at age 15 he stepped in as conductor when the group was left without a leader. During WWII, at age 17, John enlisted in the Canadian Navy, joining the prestigious Naden Band under Cuthbert’s direction. This band performed across British Columbia, toured with celebrities like Barbara Stanwyck and Noel Coward, and was recognized as one of the finest Allied military bands.
While overseas, John studied political science at Glasgow University, performed with the Glasgow Orchestra, and was a soloist with the BBC Orchestra under Sir Thomas Beecham. Returning to Saskatoon in 1946, he rejoined the Saskatoon Boys Band and was soon invited to lead it. Under his direction, the band gave numerous park concerts and became a formative experience for many young musicians.
In the late 1940’s and 1950s, John directed the 23 Wing RCAF Band, earning national accolades, including top honours at the Canadian National Exhibition. The Saskatoon Concert Band originally formed when the 406 Wing Band, which later became the 23 Wing Band, evolved into a civilian group known as the Saskatoon Kinsmen Concert Band and eventually the Saskatoon Concert Band. John encouraged many young musicians to get involved in this group. In 1953, he invited six women to join and would not back down, even after funding was removed as a result of his decision to include them. John also established school band programs at E.D. Feehan and Holy Cross high schools, revitalizing music education in Saskatoon. As a performer, teacher, adjudicator, businessman, and consultant, John played a key role in the early development of Yamaha instruments in Canada. Before retiring as conductor of the Saskatoon Concert Band, John realized a lifelong dream of purchasing and renovating a band rehearsal hall, which is now named for him.
John H. Schoen was a lifelong member of the Canadian and Saskatchewan Band Associations—as well as a golfer, cat lover, athlete, and community leader. Without his vision, talent, and perseverance, we would not have the Saskatoon Concert Band, an organization that rightfully makes us feel very proud of our music community.
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