Van Heerden to Vrebosch

North Bay has been home to a wide variety of talented musicians since its founding in 1882. This page lists musicians and bands from Van Heerden to Vrebosch.

Stephen Van Heerden. Photo courtesy of the Falconi Collection. Photographer unknown.

Van Heerden, Stephen

Stephen van Heerdan began violin lessons when he was ten years old, switching to viola at age fourteen and winning numerous awards as a violist. He was an active member of his school orchestra, as well as several community orchestras, and also participated in several chamber music activities. In 1974, Stephen began his training as a conductor under the direction of Dr. Boyd Neel, and given the opportunity to become the conductor of the "Doctors' Orchestra" while at university in 1977. He was appointed assistant conductor of the East York Symphony as well. During the years of his training and musical education, Stephen recieved numerous awards. He won the Ontario Arts Council's "Conductors' Workshop" Scholarship in 1976 and 1978, recieved a Canada Council grant in 1978 that allowed him to study conducting at the Accademia Chigiana in Siena, Italy under the direction of Franco Ferrara, and became "Community Musician" in North Bay that same year. Stephen then became the Music Director of the North Bay Concert Band and the North Bay Symphony Orchestra, and was a guest conductor of the Sudbury Symphony Orchestra for the 1979-80 season.

John Jo Vendetti. Photo courtesy of the Music City Collection. Photographer unknown.

Vendetti, John Jo

John Jo Vendetti was taught drums by his uncle, Andy Cangiano, and began his musical career in 1958 while he was a student at Scollard Hall, joining the Rhythmaires under the direction of Father Donohue. In 1962, he joined a jazz quartet, but left in 1962 to join Don Brose and the Chords, performing with them until 1979. John Jo was a drummer for seventeen years, and his ten minute drum solos became legendary.

Vic Virgili and the Laurentian Valley Boys

The Laurentian Valley Boy were formed in 1945 by Vic Virgili and performed for decades. They have been known to play country music in local establishments, but they have also spent many hours in the recording studio. Members of the band included Vic (piano), Rene Mathieu (rhythm guitar, fiddle, vocals), Francis Robbins (guitar), Jack Vendetti (drums), and Louis Brisson (bass).

Egidio Virgili. Photo courtesy of the Falconi Collection. Photographer unknown.

Virgili, Egidio

Egidio Virgili was born in Ferentino, Italy on December 17th, 1885. His father encouraged him to learn music early in life, and it became his predominant interest. At age seven, he started writing sacred music, and by age 10, he was playing his first brass instrument. By the time he was 17, Egidio was able to play many brass and string instrument. He moved to North Bay in 1913 and formed the Christopher Columbus Band, the first of many in the city. Egidio found employment with the ONR in 1915, working as a coach carpenter until his retirement in 1947. In his off hours, he taught private lessons to many of North Bay's musicians and choral aspirants, and directed almost every brass band in the North Bay area. Due to his extensive music career and contribution to the community, Egidio earned the title "Mr. Music." He passed away in 1965.

Victor “Vic” Virgili. Photo courtesy of the Music City Collection. Photographer unknown.

Virgili, Victor “Vic”

Victor "Vic" Virgili was born in 1917 and became interested in music at age 21. He joined his first band, Curly McFarlane and the North Range Cowboys, in 1939, and eventually started his own group, the Laurentian Valley Boys. Vic Virgili and the Laurentian Valley Boys record multiple albums and singles, and shared the stage with many musicians such as Faron Young, Tommy Commons, Webb Pearce, and Wilf Carter. They also performed on television and radio for many years. Vic passed away on November 9th, 1998.

Vossos, John

In his youth, John Vossos attended Algonquin Composite School. He played trumpet, tenor saxophone and drums, and was a member of the Rhythmaires, Coins, Buster, and Nickelodeon. In the mid-1960s, John left North Bay to settle in Ohio, but returned to North Bay seven years later.

Adrian Vrebosch. Photo courtesy of the Falconi Collection. Photographer unknown.

Vrebosch, Adrian

Adrian Vrebosch was born in North Bay and attended St. Jospeh's School, McIntyre St. School, and the Collegiate Institute. He worked for the J.R. Rhode Saw Factory before finding employement with the ONR as a carman from 1939 to 1957. Musically, Adrian recieved lessons from Egidio Virgili and learned to play the trumpet. He was also a member of the Temiscaming and Northern Ontario Railway Band, and performed with this band when they performed on numerous occasions at the CNE.

August Vrebosch. Photo courtesy of the Falconi Collection. Photographer unknown.

Vrebosch, August

August was born in Jacksonville, Florida and moved to North Bay during his childhood. He was taught music by Egidio Virgili and learned to play the mandolin and the alto. August was also a member of the Premier Band and the Capital Band.

Bill Vrebosch. Photo courtesy of the Falconi Collection. Photographer unknown.

Vrebosch, Bill

Bill Vrebosch was born in North Bay on July 10th, 1943 and attended St. Joseph's elementary school, Chippewa High School, and the North Bay Collegiate Institute and Vocational School. He received music lessons from Ugo Ricci and learned to play the saxophone and sing. Bill joined the orchestra and stage band at Chippewa High School, and became a member of the 8th Field Squadron Military Band. He also formed multiple bands, including the Commodores, the Shadows, Billy and the Belmonts, and the Descendents of Tyme. Bill also taught music to students in grade seven and eight for thirty years.

Maurice Vrebosch. Photo courtesy of the Falconi Collection. Photographer unknown.

Vrebosch, Maurice

Maurice Vrebosch born in Florida on April 23rd, 1913. After moving to North Bay, he received music lessons from Egidio Virgili and learned to play the guitar and the trumpet. Maurice was also a member of the Premier Band and the Capitol Band. He passed away on January 3rd, 1979.