Dr. Sidey was also instrumental in forming a band in the Bedeque-Freetown area. In Freetown, the instruments were stored under the stage in Birch Grove Hall. On summer Sunday evenings, the band would practice on Davis Schurmans’ lawn after the Baptist evening services. Those who took part were Brewer Auld, Howard Schurman and Kathleen Bagnall on trumpets, Ulric Dawson on the baritone horn, Albert Wright the base horn, Colby Lewis on the viola, J.B. Lewis and Hilda Hooper on violins. This band played in several communities besides Freetown and Central Bedeque.

Freetown in the 19205 was the centre of some notable singing talent. In those days the Freetown Quartette was considered tops in Eastern Prince County. J.B. Lewis was the lead tenor, Brewer Auld second tenor, Colby Lewis first base and Ward MacCaull second base. In later years the following comprise the Quartette, J.B. Lewis, Ray Lidstone, Colby Lewis and Howard Schurman. Some years later the Quartette consisted of Russell Burns, lead soprano; J.B. Lewis, first tenor; Ray Lidstone, second tenor; and Colby Lewis, base. Mr. J.B. Lewis was a fine soloist, and was much in demand for numerous funerals and special services. Mrs. Frank Deacon was the accompanist to the quartette. She also played when J.B. Lewis sang solos.

In later years, soloists from the Freetown included Sharon (Paynter) Montgomery, Polly Smith, Judy (Reeves) Toole, Kevin Stetson, Wendell Cameron, Donnie Reeves.

Freetown-Bedeque Choral Society Left to right: Reuben Large, Ray Lidstone, Thos Bradshow, Brewer Auld, Major U.G. Dawson, Howard Schurman, Arthur MacFarlane, Clement Carruthers.

Second row: Etta Crossman, Herman MacFarlane, Donald Gard, J.B. Lewis, 1.]. Sidey (director), Gordon MacCallum, Colby Lewis, Walter Barwise, Robert Auld.

Third row: Helen MacKay, Hilda Schurman, Evelyn Crossman, Mary Cairns, Mrs. D. McPherson, Sophie Henderson, Mrs. Elias Schurman, Mrs. Thos. Bradshaw, Doris MacFarlane, Margaret Auld.

Fourth row: Bertie Waugh, Federica MacFarlane, Marguerite Auld, Louise Schurman, Mrs. Earl Leard, Doris Muncey, Mrs. Walter Leard, Lou Deacon, Kathleen Bagnall, Mildred Callbeck, Jennie Callbeck.

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