In late 1978 and early 1979, a band was formed and took part in its initial training phase during rehearsals at a shack in Sarcee Barracks. Unlike others at the time, it was an unauthorized Canadian military band. Each member was issued band heraldry in the spring of the year and consisted of the following musicians at that time: the band sergeant, a band administration officer, a drum major, four snare drummers, two side drummers, a bass drummer, three glockenspiel players, three buglers, and two baritone buglers.