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LIIDLII KUE/FORT SIMPSON - A research project into one of the lighter-hearted aspects of residential schools is bringing back memories for some band members.

Motivated by personal interest, Allen Bouvier is collecting information about bands that were formed in the residential schools around the Northwest Territories.

In the mid-1960s students at Lapointe Hall in Fort Simpson danced to the musical stylings of the band Sam the Sham. From left, Donald Beaulieu, fan Ernest Timbre, Samuel Gargan, Stanley Wandering Spirit and John Benwell. - photo courtesy of Allen Bouvier

In the 1960s almost all of the residential schools had at least one band formed by students, said Bouvier.

"Everyone took it up and started their own little bands," he said.

During the 11 years he spent at Breynat Hall in Fort Smith Bouvier wasn't a member of any bands but said there were at least three there during the 1960s.

The bands would play at dances and sock hops held at the schools.

Female students took care of the decorations for the social events and the bands provided the music, said Bouvier. The bands were popular as students tried to imitate the largest performers of the era.

"Everyone wanted to be Elvis Presley," he said.

To gather information about the bands, Bouvier has been collecting photos and talking to former band members. He plans to create a booklet from the research.

Samuel Gargan of Fort Providence is one band member who has dusted off a few memories after seeing a picture of the band he formed while attending Lapointe Hall in Fort Simpson.

Gargan called his band Sam the Sham after the group Sam the Sham and the Pharaohs who sang the hit song Wooly Bully.

The band was formed in 1964 or '65 and lasted until Gargan left the school in 1967.

As the band leader, Gargan played lead guitar and sang the vocals. The band also included Donald Beaulieu from Fort Resolution and John Benwell from Fort Smith on rhythm guitars and Stanley Wandering Spirit from Fort Smith on percussion.

He said students learned how to play instruments by watching other people who could already play and by copying their patterns and styles.

Gargan worked summer jobs to save up money to buy his first guitar and amplifier before he started the band.None of the bands were paid for performing at the dances. Most people did it to show off, said Gargan. It was also a good way to attract girls.

"Every time we went for a break all the girls wanted to dance with you," he said.

Although he can't remember the picture being taken, Gargan said the band was likely performing around Christmas or New Year's because that's when streamers were used as decorations.

Gargan's musical inspirations included Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and Paul Anka but not Elvis Presley.

"I could never gyrate my hips so I left that out," said Gargan with a laugh.