Orillia Big Band member Cliff Whitfield is hanging up his trombone on Saturday, after 80 years of playing the big brass instrument.
“I guess I started playing at about (age) 11 or 12,” he mused. “Everyone had to learn a musical instrument in my family, my parents were firm on that. My sister sang and played piano, my mother played piano, and my brother and father were in the Orillia Kiltie Band. My brother played clarinet.”
Whitfield’s mother decreed he should play the trombone, and accordingly, he took some lessons from a music teacher in town, then carried on, teaching himself from a book, pushing himself.
“I joined the Kiltie Band myself and played in it for a number of years. Even when I went away to school, I came back and played concerts and so on,” he said.
Whitfield went on to play in a number of different bands throughout his teaching career in Toronto, and afterwards, in his retirement in Orillia.
“I played in the Etobicoke Symphony, they were just starting out at that time,” he said.
When Cliff was in his late 70s, as a member of the Orillia Wind Ensemble (now Orillia Concert Band) he came out regularly to help set up stage risers and move chairs before each show.
“I did retire from that a while ago,” he chuckled. “Now I leave that to the younger folks. I just encourage them from the sidelines now.”
Whitfield has enjoyed his time music-making.
“I’ve met so many wonderful people through all the bands I have played in. I have been a part of so many special events, and we have really made a difference in the community, I feel," he told OrilliaMatters.
“I’m happy my mother pushed me to learn the trombone. She knew what she was doing,” he laughed. “But after 80 years, I think I have played enough. I will have to enjoy the music from a seat in the audience, instead.”
Whitfield will play his last concert tomorrow (Oct. 19) at 7:30 p.m. at St. Paul’s Centre. It’s a fundraiser for The Sharing Place Food Centre.
