In the Spring of 1951, conductors of four central Alberta bands, Bruce Marsh of Leduc, Harry Wright of Panoka, Harry Lomnes of Wetaskiwin, Bill Winston of Camrose, were discussing ways and means for better cooperation between bands. On August 16, 1951, the four bands met at Pigeon Lake for a massed concert. After the concert they formed the Central Alberta Band Association (CABA). On May 27, 1955 the CABA made a motion to apply for admittance to the Canadian Bandmaster's Association (CBA), whose name changed to the Canadian Band Directors Association and has been known as the Canadian Band Association since 1986. In September 1955 the Alberta Chapter was formed as a chapter of the Canadian Bandmaster's Association with F. O. Carl Frieberg, music director of the Tactical Air Command Band, elected as their first president. Alberta was the first provincial chapter of this association. It was renamed the Alberta Band Association (ABA) in the 1970s. The Alberta Band Association is a not for profit organization whose mission is to promote and develop the musical, educational and cultural value of bands and band music in Alberta. The ABA is an affiliate member of the Canadian Band Association that continues these activities at the national level. The ABA provides programs, services and professional development opportunities for members. The association is run by a president, first vice-president festival coordinator, second vice-president, secretary, treasurer and a board of directors; all are band directors in Alberta. Members include school, community and military band directors, professional composers and clinicians, administrators, students, parents and the general public from all over Alberta. Members can participate in events organized by the Alberta Band Association and the Canadian Band Association such as: conventions, festivals, provincial honour band, and some joint projects with the Alberta Choral Federation, the Alberta Registered Music Teacher's Association and the Alberta String Association.