Blue Saints

In the early 50's, students from the Sudbury Mining and Technical School (Sheridan Tech) would grab drums, horns, and whatever else would make a lot of noise, and loudly cheer on their school football team, the Blue Devils. What they lacked in musical ability, and they did lack musical ability, they replaced with school spirit.

The late Maurice Gravelle, the school's music professor, decided to organize the Sudbury Mining and Technical School Band from the ranks of the noisemakers. Most agree it was because Mr. Gravelle had too much respect for music to listen to the noise they created.

Mr. Gravelle's school associate and successor, the late George Netzke, continued the process of developing musical ability. However, he also brought military discipline into the mix, for Mr. Netzke was quite involved and well known within the Canadian Militia. He brought them from school band to Canadian Drum Corps. In 1958, their name became the Blue Saints (to compliment the school team, the Blue Devils).

Since their inception into the world of Drum Corps, they have flourished and made their school, and city, proud. From numerous competitions, to taking part in the Calgary Stampede and the Quebec Winter Carnival where they were praised and heroified back home. They have also come to represent the histories of two other drum corps, the Nickel City Sound and the Imperial Knights. Both corps have folded and entered the rich history of the Big Blue.

For over 50 years, they have represented and entertained Sudbury, providing their youth with musical education, self esteem, a work ethic, pride, and most importantly fun. We look forward to another 50 years, as we hope you do as well.