This group photograph of the Cercle La VΘrendrye band shows one of the many musical groups which sprang up in the French-speaking communities of Manitoba. The first brass band had been organized before 1870, and was succeeded by others such as that belonging to Le Cercle Provencher. These clubs or societies were formed to provide entertainment in the form of concerts or plays. Note the assortment of uniforms and the lack of variety among the brass instruments.
