Jack (March) Dow (1912–1984)
Musician • Educator • Conductor
Head of Music at North Toronto C.I. (1946–1958)
Born in Dutton, Ontario, Jack Dow became one of the most influential music educators in Toronto despite having little formal training in his early years. A natural musician, he played piano, violin, and trumpet, performing in school bands and orchestras before earning his BA from Western University in 1936. Encouraged by his university conductor, Don Wright, he attended teachers college and began his career in elementary schools before moving to secondary teaching in Ottawa and then to Northern Secondary School in Toronto.
Dow’s defining chapter began in 1946, when he was invited to North Toronto C.I. to launch Ontario’s first secondary school music program offering instrumental music for academic credit. With the support of Principal Bill Houston, he built the program from scratch, gathering instruments, stands, and community support to form the school’s first band and later a string ensemble. He produced the inaugural Maytime Melodies in 1947, a tradition that continues today, and even wrote the first verse of the school song. His ensembles went on to win numerous Kiwanis Festival awards, establishing NT’s reputation for musical excellence.
Beyond NT, Dow spent 25 summers teaching at the Department of Education’s Summer School, and in 1958 became Assistant Head of Music for the Toronto Board of Education. There he created instrumental programs in elementary schools and founded the Toronto Music Camp at Lake Couchiching, attended by generations of NT students. Promoted to Director in 1972, he retired in 1976 and was appointed a Member of the Order of Canada in 1978.