Archives History-Albums

Early History to 1970

The Doctor Musicians Band was formed in Calgary circa 1948—originated by Dr. Tom Melling who had a set of drums, musical scores, and a rumpus room . It was created as a hobby band for the enjoyment of its physician players and whomever might be persuaded to listen. One of the originals was Dr. Noel Smith, a 300 pound jovial Irishman with a great love of music. “Smitty” was quite a character and had endless Irish stories. While a medical student, he supported himself by playing saxophone in professional dance bands. He joined The Doctor Musicians Band and subsequently became their leader in 1950. In 1953 he transformed the original band into  The Musical Medics Doctors Band. Rehearsals under Smitty’s leadership provided good Irish humour and the finest Irish “Liquid Tone Improver”. Dr. Noel Smith was most admired as a very caring physician. He passed away in 1964 and the band went into hibernation for a short while.

Following a brief hiatus, the Musical Medics resurfaced in the late 1960’s as The Hippocratic Oath Big Band—named by our very own one and only doctor left in the band prior to 2023— trumpeter Dr. Murray Caplan. The original 6 doctors who reunited in 1970 were: Dr. Hugh Morrish, Dr. Norm Soltice, Dr. Cob Johnson, Dr. Jim Nixon, Dr. John Birrell, Dr. Don McKeague. While many of the original 1970 members were, of course, doctors, over the years musicians from other professions have filled out the ranks. The band’s logo, featured on their music stands, showed the medicinal snake entwined around a musical note reflecting the origin of this 17 piece group.

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1970 to 1978 

For an entertaining  and fascinating review of this period please read Dr. John Birrell’s “History of the Hippocratic Oath Big Band 1970-1978”. For those who have played music in this city, you will have fond memories of many of the musicians and music directors identified in John’s review. Two well known personalities were Dan Butala (1914-2014) and Dick Tregillus (1915-1995)

A recently discovered Addendum to Birrell’s report was just added revealing a few fascinating details of the character of the early Oath band along with a list of musicians associated witht he band dated approximately early 1970’s.

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1979 to 2010 

The depletion of doctors in the band in the 80’s necessitated shortening the band’s name to “Oath Big Band” during which time it was one of the top big bands in Calgary during that period. Some time around 2006 another name change occurred – The Hippocratic Oath Big Band. 

The following auto recordings are snippets from a promotion CD completed about 2009.

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2011-2021

With the introduction of new personnel in 2010-2011 The Hippocratic Oath Big Band evolved once again. Two vocalists and 17 band musicians was directed by Calgary Jazzman Mr Dave Edgar. The band was run by an executive of 5 members in a very active music scene in Calgary—working paid gigs and supporting non-profit fundraisers. 

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