ERNEST LAVIGNE (1851-1909) was a bandmaster, cornetist, composer, and publisher. He studied at the College de Terrebonne and in 1868 went to Rome with the 4th detachment of the Papal Zouaves. There he joined the band of the Roman Zouaves, becoming cornet soloist in 1869. He enjoyed great success as a soloist in New York, Boston and Philadelphia before returning to Montreal in 1874. He was responsible for organizing and conducting several brass bands in various parts of Quebec. In 1881 he went into the music publishing business with partner Louis-Joseph Lajoie. His compositions included mostly songs.