BRACEBRIDGE, ON – The memory of a long-time contributor to the Bracebridge music community was honoured on Wednesday.
Mayor Graydon Smith along with members of Council and the Morra family unveiled a commemorative plaque at the Memorial Park Bandshell. It was in recognition of Giovanni (John) Morra, the former bandmaster of the Bracebridge Citizens Band for a 37 year period from 1929 to 1956.
“This commemorative plaque is an important symbol of local pride and Bracebridge history,” stated Smith. “I am very pleased to share this day with the Morra family.”
Morra, originally from Monteleon, Italy, took up residency in New York City, New York in 1903 to pursue his musical career. His first position was Bandmaster with the Blue Ribbon Circus followed by two years as an orchestra conductor on an ocean liner, and lastly, working at the Roxy Theatre providing background music for silent films.
Morra made his move to Canada in 1920 moving to Toronto where he taught music and led the Sons of Italy band. In 1929 Morra and his family moved to Bracebridge to take over the Bracebridge Citizen’s Band from former leader George R. Simmons.
Morra also learned the barber trade at that time opening his own shop in downtown Bracebridge.
“My father would be so proud of this recognition and our family is very appreciative of it,” said Morra’s son Paul.
“John Morra built a band and musical heritage that remains today”, said Richard Lamoreux, President of the Muskoka Concert Band.
Live concert music continues to this day as every Thursday evening between 7:00 and 8:30pm the band performs the Bandshell Concert Series.
