I already had attended some three weeks of the tenth grade at Saint-Bruno and the switch to Saint-Stanislas was no big problem. On my first day, I was introduced to the class as having just moved to Montréal and that was that. I was part of the group. One of the things I liked most about that school was the fact that they had one of the best Militia Training organization in Montréal.
expand on this....
Ecole Supérieure Saint-Stanislas
Nicest uniform in Montréal
Service de garde, Oratoire St-Joseph
Opera at the Forum - La Traviata & Aida
There are always certain events in one's life which remain engraved in one's memory for life. Two such events I witnessed while attending St-Stanislas. In the fall of 1956, the New York Metropolitan Opera performed at the Montréal Forum accompanied by the New York philarmonic Orchestra. Our group was requested to attend and perform what was called a 'Service d'Orde', in one word act as ushers and other such duties. There were three performances each of the operas La Traviata and Aida and, on each occasion, my job consisted of 'walking the curtais on stage' so they would not sway.
Jan Peerce in La Traviata (Alfredo) - Montreal Forum Dec 1953
Prelude to act 1 of La Traviata now playing
These were huge, very tall and when opening and closing, someone had to hold on to them so they would not travel all over the stage. I was the lucky one to walk the curtain on the right hand side of the stage. This meant that I was right in the middle of the action, a mere twenty feet from this renowned orchestra. And at times, a mere six feet or so from the singers standing in the wings, awaiting to make their entrance.
I remember one night in particular. Jan Peerce, one of the greatest Opera Singers of all time was standing right next to me (two feet or so) and then, he let go his aria.... as he walked on staged. He belted it out, and I mean, he belted it out. Nearly made me deaf! There were no microphones used and he had to be heard in the back rows. And he had the voice for it. No wonder those two operas remain my favorites to this day and everytime I hear that Overture to act I it brings me back to that famous night. No wonder I took a liking to the classics. What a memory!
The day the Big Parade went wrong...
The School Band on Parade
General Bernatchez... radio set 19...... problems with jamming.....
was attached to the Communications Branch.... got me involved in radio and electronics...
Big inspection at Cote des Neiges.... General bernatchez.... frozen ears......