encouraging innovation and creativity providing resources developing good practice building and enhancing relationships

Welcome Contents

Other

Spotlight...

Events

Publishing newsThe latest in publications here at MMU.

Write-ups of overseas music schools, TMS 2011 in pictures, Yorkshire School of Creative Arts, New Horizons, plus update report on the Life of Lynda fund.

An insight into Professional Trumpeter Anthony Thompson, interview with composer Paul Sharman and a tribute to Terry Camsey.

International Staff Sections’ Itinerary.

As you might well expect, I still have echoes of ISB 120 going through my mind. The crowds that gathered, the bands that played, the new music we heard, the touring staff bands, the massed staff bands at the Royal Albert Hall, the atmosphere of thousands of Salvationists and friends on the Mall. All of these things were truly magnificent! But what of the legacy of such an event? I have no doubt in my mind that through it all was the mission of the Army. Easy to say

, I know, but we do throw around the word ‘mission’ very conveniently these days. However, there were many at the ‘120’ event who had not been to a Salvation Army event for some time, who had apparently left the army behind them, but they were there at the concert, watching the march on Sunday afternoon, being reminded and being influenced.

People who ‘used to’, and, people who ‘want to’. A couple (non-army) visiting England from Germany happened to walk past the Royal Albert Hall, and enquired as to what was happening. Following a brief conversation with some Salvationists from Sheffield Citadel (who happened to have two spare tickets), they enjoyed in their words ‘an amazing day’. I got home on Sunday evening following a reception for all staff bands, and had a chat with my next door neighbours (non church- goers), who said to me, ‘Loved the bands going down the Mall today. It was a real thrill to see’. There are many stories like this that could be told about this special weekend. So for me it has been the biggest highlight of my ISB time; great to meet everyone, fantastic to take part, but more than that, in many ways, mission – accomplished!

It is encouraging to be hearing reports from our summer schools up and down the Territory. My summer included Territorial Music School (biggest numbers for some years), Yorkshire School of Christian Arts, which I enjoyed immensely and a visit to the Scotland Music School. It was clear that there were some great things happening through all the activities and great to see the enthusiasm and real commitment of the young people in our Territory.

It seems that the round of rehearsals, concerts and weekends are upon us already. I have already visited Sheffield Citadel (retirement of bandsman Alf Wileman) and, amongst other engagements, will be at Liverpool Walton (Music School in a Day) and Bangor Corps (Band Weekend) soon.

It was sad, following his article in the previous Newsletter, to hear of the passing of our friend Terry Camsey. In this issue there is a tribute from Peter Cooke.

I hope you enjoy this issue of the MMU Newsletter and I will be pleased to hear from you if you wish to have an item included in a future edition.

Thank you for your continued support.

Issue 34 - September 2011

March - Impulsion (Ian Clarke)Kids Alive! (Ian Feltwell)Hymn Tune Arrangement - Trentham (Stuart Watson)Samba - The fruit of the Spirit (Kevin Larsson)

Unity Series - October 2011(Five-part scoring, concert pitch parts and demonstration CD available - 3 issues per year)

General Series - December 2011

Festival March - Saved and kept! (Noel Jones)Song Setting - Softly and tenderly (William Broughton)Euphonium Solo - More like thee (Craig Woodland)Song Setting - My Tribute (Ralph Pearce)

(Full band scoring - 3 issues per year)

Judd Street Collection - September 2011

Cwm Rhondda (Noel Brooks)Trombone Feature - You know that we love you! (Kenneth Downie)Servants of God (Steven Ponsford)Purpose (Paul Sharman)

(Full band scoring, sold as separate pieces - up to 8 titles per year)

For many of us ‘ISB 120’ will remain as one of those ‘once in a lifetime’ events. The many aspects of the weekend will continue to be with us individually and as a movement during the future days. I had the privilege of travelling with the Melbourne Staff Band prior to the weekend for their UK tour. Bandmaster Ken Waterworth had brought a daring and unique programme which saw most of the second half choreographed. He had also commissioned some great new works for the band which I really enjoyed and appreciated. Pieces such as Steven Bulla’s brilliant Tunesmith Overture, which celebrated the song-writing talents of Major Howard Davies, and Roger Trigg’s powerful Atonement brought a real energy to a brilliant programme. The many people around the Territory who heard the band were visibly uplifted and blessed by their ministry. These works, along with a number included during the ‘ISB 120’ weekend, will be included in our Judd Street Collection in future editions so watch this space for their release dates!

Just before the summer break I was invited by Bandmaster Norry Smith to lead the band rehearsal at Winton, Bournemouth. The band continues to do well and have a good number of younger players. Pieces included Glorifico Aeturnum and St. Clements. I

also led the weekend at Stowmarket Corps which featured the ministry from the YP sections and the Songsters. The energy and presentation from the music sections was very encouraging and I thoroughly enjoyed my time working with them.

This summer I had the privilege of being part of Territorial Music School. I never take being part of such a special week for granted and am blessed by the energy and enthusiasm of the students.

It seems that composers never rest (!) and during the holiday period many seem compelled not to rest, but write and send their work into the office for consideration! My inbox appears to have a raft of new compositions during August and so we have some interesting and enjoyable music being reviewed and hopefully published in the future. I hope you will enjoy the selection of pieces presented below, as always we strive to continue publishing music that will aid your corps in ministry.

March Medley - Heavenward (William Gordon)Garden of my heart (Terry Camsey)My life, my all (Andrew Mackereth)Horn Solo - You love me (Paul Sharman)

(Scored for 13 parts, ideal for a smaller band ensemble - 3 issues per year)

Triumph Series - November 2011

The Assistant Territorial Music Director

For enquires (W)sps-shop.com (T)+44 (0) 1933 445 445 (E)mail_order@sp-s.co.uk

Upcoming Publications from MMU

Yorkshire School of Christian Arts (YSCA)

Enfield Citadel Band Pre-Contest FestivalA special guest soloist from New York will be appearing alongside Enfield

Citadel Band for their annual Pre-Contest Festival on Friday 14th October in St John's Smith Square, Westminster.

Broadway lead trumpeter Chris Jaudes will be jetting in as guest soloist for the event. Chris is a highly skilled instrumentalist who has fused many facets of playing into his career. As a commercial musician, he is featured on many commercials, film scores and is regarded as the first call 'screamer' trumpet player. His background is within Salvation Army banding, although he regularly performs in the all star Brass Band of Battle Creek as soloist. His discography is considerable within the musical/commercial field and his recent solo CD along with the New York Staff Band has pushed boundaries.

This will be the band’s 65th consecutive band contest weekend event. It all started in 1947, when Band Secretary Vic Jakeway got the ball rolling with a ‘Meet the People’ event over the band contest weekend (National Championships) and by 1960 this had evolved to a Friday night pre-contest festival.

This tradition, heritage and tremendous opportunity of musical outreach is one that the current Enfield Citadel Band and its Bandmaster, Jonathan Corry, feel privileged to be a part of and are determined to continue.

tickets available from www.sjss.org.uk

It was my privilege to be part of the team at YSCA this summer. The beautiful setting of Ackworth School provided the backdrop for a great week together. Offering brass, vocal, dance, YSCA TV (drama & technical) and sport as main studies, this week showed the diversity of talent we have and how it can work together. Other options available included worship, art, song-writing and timbrels.

The Bible focus for the week was a study of the Beatitudes; their meaning, and implications on our daily living. This was an extremely rewarding time for all of us and was a running theme through everything that happened during the week.

Evening activities were excellent and very well planned, including a eurovision talent night, a medieval night (complete with costumes – well, I tried my best!) and a quiz night.

The reflections evening was a very special night for everyone and in a relaxed but powerful way, many commitments were made by the young people and staff. We truly felt blessed.

The organising of this week has to be commended and thanks go to Ryan Wileman (Divisional Youth Officer) and his team for all their preparation and sensitive handling of all aspects of the school.

The technical and media resources were also excellent. Some really first class visuals were produced over the week.

It was good to see Divisional staff supporting during the week, as well as a visit from Territorial Youth Officers Majors Mark and Andrea Sawyer, who shared in bible study and the other activities, but more importantly, made themselves available to the young people.

Worthy of mention also, is the song-writing composing group, which had twenty five students engaged in writing lyrics, composing melodies, or arranging. The five groups all gave a short performance in the final session. My thanks to David Bailey (Doncaster Corps), for his help and support in leading this.

The final celebration, held at the school, was exactly that, a celebration of all the week had been, reflecting the fun, the worship, the learning, the sense of belonging and the excitement of being part of something that can make a difference.

Whether it was brass, vocal, timbrels, dance, art, sport or media, we were all celebrating the same thing...that we are anointed and appointed to serve, by God’s grace, power and love.

Report by Derick Kane

I am a professional trumpeter working mostly in orchestras, but also in solo performances, recording sessions, TV and radio. It’s a nice life! I live in Castleford, near Leeds in West Yorkshire. I have (nearly!) always been a member of Castleford Salvation Army and it was here that I started to play the cornet and joined the junior band and singing company. Having said that, my mum insists that I would kick her in time to whatever music she was listening to during pregnancy, so some musical initative must have been innate! I’ve always struggled to separate so-called Christian from secular music - they both use God’s creative system, after all. Likewise, I see all my trumpeting these days as worship, no matter what the setting, no matter who composed the music.

More recently I came to a realisation that if I want to be a practicing Christian, perhaps I could practise this too. Perhaps I could try different structures of praying, perhaps I could find ways to support my Bible reading to get more out of it, and perhaps I could free myself from the restaints of printed music - ‘Sing to the Lord a new song!’

When I pray, I try to listen to whatever instincts pop into my head and follow them. Some of these are my instincts and some are of him. However, I often find that God backs up the more important instincts in some way. So it was with worship, when three men apporached me together (bandmaster, corps officer, worship group leader) to discuss the possibility of my playing a few ‘wrong notes’! Believe me, this is true! The bandmaster said that if I felt something stirring, maybe in the last verse of a hymn for example, maybe I could shut the tune book once in a while and go with it. The worship leader said that when I play with the group, I should feel free to express things that are not necessarily pleasant (much music in worship is sugary sweet, but life is not). The officer gave me permission even to get it wrong trying, in case it opened up something more of God.

So, those instincts I try to follow when I pray are now instincts I try to follow when I play in worship!

My dear friend, Nigel Swinford says:

‘Worship at its most pure and profound is offering Christ to God. We contemplate Christ, we identify wih Christ, i.e. consider our redemption, and then we offer all of that to God. We don’t offer ourselves; we offer God what delights him most of all, namely his Son. As musicians we need to keep this in the forefront of our minds. We can get seriously distracted by the idea that we are presenting our performance to God - giving him a concert, if you like. No, our gifts are preistly tools which prepare the sacrifice and they must not distract from the substance of what is offered, which is Christ’.

I realise, dear reader, that this may seem distant from your own experience. But I didn’t arrive at this expression suddenly. In fact, I’m still a long way from arriving. It is a journey, but an enjoyable one; and I do have some practical advice. The way I started was to choose some easy and familiar slow worship song. Using your instrument or voice, find a single note that fits the harmony. If you listen carefully, you’ll find that you have the inbuilt ability to spot when it doesn’t fit and when it does. At these times, just shift to another adjacent note and back again. It’s often a semitone down or a tone up, or vice versa. In our worship group we often use this technique, so I might play in roughly the range of an alto voice, whilst the saxaphone or trombone might play in the tenor range.

Finally, the golden rule of improvising in public - if you can’t make it better, don’t play at all!

Reprinted from the new ALOVE resource ‘I worship at The Salvation Army’. If you would like a copy please e-mail

alove@salvationarmy.org.uk www.salvationarmy.org.uk/alove

Feature - Anthony Thompson

My name is Anthony Thompson.

The sound of music once again descended upon Camp Wonderland as students arrived for the 77th edition of Central Music Institute (CMI). By day’s end all auditions had been completed, and the 193 students had all been placed into one of CMI’s six bands or two choirs which would become their primary ensemble for the entire 10 days. Students also enjoyed a wide range of classes - 93 each day - which gave them instruction in gospel arts. These included drama, dance, praise band, timbrel, keyboard, conducting and leadership.

While the instructional schedule was filled with classes aimed at refining the sounds of worship, the daily quiet time known as Sealed Orders, led by CMI Chaplain Steve Diaz, enabled students and staff

to silently meditate on God’s Word in the quiet moments as well. Written by Captain Tom McComb, these daily devotionals challenged students and staff to discover their identity as a child of God with the theme, ‘Who do you think you are?’ which ended with the challenge, ‘When you know who you are, you will know what to do.’

Each evening the entire camp gathered in the chapel for a series of quality concerts and programs, including performances by student ensembles, a mixer titled ‘Friday Night Friendzy’. For a second year the International Night program featured CMI’s 13 students from Denmark, Sweden, Spain, Argentina, Chile, Malawi and South Korea.

Also featured on International Night were special guests: Cathie Koehnen, Toronto, Canada, who returned for the second year to lead the Booth Chorale and Faculty Chorus, and Dr Stephen Cobb, bandmaster of the International Staff Band. Dr Cobb, who also serves as United Kingdom Territorial Music Director, skillfully led the Wonderland and Faculty bands.

A musical highlight of the week was the Faculty Band’s presentation of Fire in

the Blood, written by Paul Lovatt-Cooper for the International Staff Band’s 120th Anniversary celebration earlier this year. The triumphant conclusion of the piece features the song, You know that we love you! The performance received a standing ovation from an appreciative and uplifted crowd.

Another highlight of the week came on Wednesday evening when the CMI Band and Vocal School Flag Unit took to the field of Milwaukee’s Miller Park to accompany the traditional singing of The Star Spangled Banner. After thrilling the crowd with a stirring new rendition of the National Anthem arranged by CMI Director William Himes, the students and staff then led the almost 43,000 spectators in ‘the wave’ from their seats in left field.

For those who have ever attended CMI, the experience has come to represent both a mountain-top of spiritual development and the pinnacle of musical achievement, but the words of special guest Stephen Cobb put CMI’s mission into perspective. In his personal testimony, Stephen admitted that it’s easy to get swept up in the excitement surrounding big occasions and live life from event to event so that soon enough, the occasion can seemingly overtake our lives. But, ‘life is the occasion,’ the bandmaster pointed out. Quoting selected passages from Galatians 5, Dr Cobb reminded the crowd that, for Christians, ‘life is to be enjoyed, not endured.’ He challenged students and staff to make the most of each opportunity every day brings in their spiritual lives, as well as through their day-to-day, week-to-week music ministry at their corps.

Colonels Merle and Dawn Heatwole joined the festivities of the final weekend, chairing Saturday evening’s Awards Festival. They led the closing Sunday worship service with sensitivity and creativity, connecting examples from Facebook and pop music stars to spiritual truth based on John 15: 9–17. CMI 2011 drew to a close with dozens of students and staff in prayer for one another throughout the chapel. Soon to depart, they knew with certainty who they were and what they were supposed to do.

CMI 2011 has an ‘international’ flair by Joe Caddy

June 25th to July 2nd 2011 – Camp Keystone, Starke, Florida.

With sights and sounds of ISB120 still in our minds, it was with great pleasure and expectation that my wife Emma and I, along with our son, set off for Florida a little over two weeks since that great event in London. Our hosts were the Florida music department courtesy of their Divisional Headquarters and it was to be an energetic few days for us as the special guests at the Florida Music Institute (FMI). Emma’s responsibility was to lead the FMI Chorus which was the top level group of the singing option. My responsibilities were to lead the ‘A band’, the leadership elective and also the top level theory class. I was also responsible for leading the faculty band which involved me rehearsing them – rather jetlagged – at effectively 3am BST on the Saturday night!

FMI is a combination of Junior and Senior Conservatory; it’s basically a sandwich

week where both schools get to be together for music, bible study, worship and recreation. There were over 150 students, 6 bands, 8 choruses and added to the 150 paid staff at Camp Keystone, there were 20 volunteer programme staff. Remembering names proved almost impossible!

We were also responsible for the evening programme on Sunday – a ‘Meet the Jones’ type of affair! Using photos of our time at the Texas Music Conservatory from 2008 and being interviewed about our activities back in the UK, we were quickly made to feel welcome. Of course the biggest ‘star’ was our two and a half year old son, Finlay, who seemed to have a lot of admirers!

Emma used a variety of music with her chorus, ranging from gospel through to unaccompanied four-part harmony and her group worked hard throughout the week and performed to great acclaim to the rest of the school (standing ovations

both times) on both the Wednesday ‘Preview Night’ and also the final festival on Saturday morning. As well as music, there was a creative arts stream of dance and drama that were highly impressive in their own final festival on the Friday night. My band worked hard on several familiar and new pieces; Ein’ Feste Berg was highly popular, as were as the soothing sounds of This I know featured by the New York Staff Band at ISB120. It was my pleasure to write my band a theme piece for the week so I opted for an ‘Island feel’ arrangement of Lord, I lift your name… and called the piece, On High! I also featured music from Cameron Johnson (Norwich Citadel) and Kevin Ponsford. A particular highlight of the week was to write a Unity Series piece with my theory class based on Fewster. The 3 boys in my class were full of enthusiasm and ideas but also listened attentively as we looked at how to craft a piece together.

We were amazingly blessed by the worship on Sunday morning and the

openness of both staff and students at this time. Camp Keystone itself is an amazing setting with incredible facilities and we were simply bowled over by all we experienced. It was certainly a lot hotter out there than we have had here this summer! Most days were around 95F/35C and we even saw a snake making its way through the grass! It was our pleasure to help present all the awards for music and bible studies to the prize-winning students at a packed final festival and we left knowing that God had blessed and used our time and, as ever, given to us greatly in return.

Sub-editor Dean JonesDean Jones conducts the FMI band

Dean Jones reportsFlorida Music Institute

Contact Information: MMU is committed to helping and resourcing wherever possible. Please do not hesitate to get in contact with us.

Derick Kane Training & Development Specialist: 020 7367 4967 (derick.kane@salvationarmy.org.uk) Ira Thomas Creative Worship Specialist: 020 7367 4973 (ira.thomas@salvationarmy.org.uk) Nik King Information & Resources Co-ordinator: 020 7367 4514 (nicholas.king@salvationarmy.org.uk)

Q1. Tell us something of your SA rootsMy parents were both Salvationists and we attended the Rotherham Temple Corps. The family moved down to Birmingham when I was seven and we transferred to Birmingham Citadel. It was there that I joined the YP band and singing company and subsequently joined the senior band.

Q2. When did you first learn an instrument?My dad started to teach me the cornet when I was five. I was bought a cornet by my grandparents and I have a clear memory of sitting in the front room of their house when I was given the new instrument, with my granddad praying that this instrument, and any musical ability I might have, be dedicated to the glory of God. This has been the case over many years and I hope and pray will continue over the years to come.

Q4. What was your first composition?

I used to arrange things for myself, my

dad and my brother to play together for

fun (pieces for cornet and two trombones

haven’t really taken off!). Whilst at college,

this developed into writing arrangements

for the brass quintet and ten-piece I played

with. My first published composition was the

march, Get Involved!, published in the Unity

Series in 1998.

Q8. What other music do you listen to?

I enjoy listening to all types of music. Musicals and film soundtracks are a particular favourite, as is the music of The Beatles.

Q9. What would be a Paul

Sharman personal favourite

composition?

The arrangement I have

recently done of Flow gently,

sweet Afton is a current

favourite. The style is one

which is unlike the majority of

my previous work and I know

the music has moved people as

they have listened to it.

Q3. Can you tell us about an ISB

highlight?

I think it has to be the recent ISB120

celebrations. To participate in the

fabulous festival to a sold-out Royal

Albert Hall was a great experience

and in particular having some of

my music featured. Also, marching

down the Mall on the Sunday, the

street lined with thousands of

Salvationist was fantastic and very

moving. It made me feel proud to be

a Salvationist musician!

Q6. How do you feel about presenting/ featuring your music with the ISB?When a new piece of mine comes out at ISB rehearsal, it’s always quite a nervous moment for me! Will the piece sound as I imagined it? Will the band like it? I see it as a great privilege that a band of the stature of the ISB chooses to feature my music. It’s also a great encouragement to me as a composer.

Q10. Do you have a word of advice

for aspiring composers?

Listen to lots of music, of varying

styles/genres. Try and get hold of

copies of scores and see how other

composers create the sounds you are

hearing.

When writing for brass don’t be too

ambitious at first. Maybe start with

Unity Series (five-part) scoring and

hone your skills within its boundaries

before moving on to something more

expansive.

Paul Sharman - Interviewed

Q11. Finally, can you share with us a favourite bible verse?

My favourite bible verse is Proverbs 3:5-6 – ‘Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight.’

Q7. Do you have a favourite SA piece of music?

Symphony of thanksgiving by Dean Goffin is a particular favourite of mine. I remember listening to this as a youngster and being really taken by it, particularly the setting of Praise my soul at the end. It’s fascinating, as a composer, to study the score and see how the material is developed.

Paul is Deputy Bandmaster of Regent Hall Band and a Sub-Editor in the MMU

Q5. What composers are you

influenced by?

The music of John Williams

has been a big influence

on me. Also, playing and

listening to the symphonies

of composers like Mahler

and Tchaikovsky have been

influential on my musical

development.

On the brass band front,

Peter Graham and Philip

Sparke’s works have been

favourites to listen to, along

with Ray Steadman-Allen and

Kenneth Downie who, on

a personal level, have both

been very encouraging in my

development as a composer.

Terry Camsey TributeAs we all know, one of Terry's great gifts and loves was music and the creation of melody, for which he had a great gift. His harmonies were in keeping with the melodies which they clothed. I was privileged to write a number of songs which he set to music, four at least of

which were published. The first of these, Hear me when I pray, was featured by the world-renowned King's Singers on the second of their CDs, Choral Essays, of Salvation Army songs. It had already 'sung its way round the world' within months of its publication in 1965. ‘Everywhere I go I hear this lovely song, Hear me when I pray, and I tell the people it was written by two fellow soldiers of mine at Upper Norwood' - so said the then Lieut-Colonel Arnold Brown, as he was giving me a lift

to the meeting one Sunday morning.

One of our joint pieces was Life's Pageantwhich in its turn gave the initial idea for a cornet solo of that name. As I was listening to it in a programme only two or three weeks before its composer left us for 'fairer realms above', I mused on the fact that had I not written those words,

or had Terry not set them - for a music school in fact - he would never have used the song in that solo. And it has become a modern classic in its time. Surely the hand of the Lord was in it somewhere! We also wrote two mini-musicals, Who walks in love - the story of the fourth wise man, and The four candles [no, not that one! - Ed.] - an interpretation of the message of the advent wreath. Both were performed at Upper Norwood, and in Ealing (UK) Town Hall - at the latter locale by the Ealing (UK) Corps Drama Group.

On one occasion we were asked to write a song for the wedding of a friend of ours, Estelle Neeve, who had entered training from Upper Norwood. The song was written and sung - though Terry himself

didn't hear it. He was in rehearsal with the International Staff Band for a 'big' event in the Royal Albert Hall, London. Such are the sacrifices composers sometimes need to make. Earlier this year we had an invitation from that same officer entering retirement with her husband in September of this year, to write another song for the retirement meeting, to be sung by the same soloist - the bridegroom's sister, Ruth.

On a practical note, soon after coming to Upper Norwood I moved into a new flat, close to the Camseys' home, and on the very first day there locked myself out. That same day the owners of the house in which the flat was situated went away on holiday. It was late in the evening, and I'd just had an evening with Terry and Beryl. What could I do but make my way back there, where they made up a bed on the settee in their sitting room! Practical friendship, indeed.

Dear Terencio, you are now in the only place I know where your lovely melodies are excelled - where the 'endless song of Moses and the Lamb' is being sung. For you all the trumpets have sounded on the other side. Dear Beryl and family, my thoughts and prayers for you will be expressed daily for a long, long time to come.

Peter M. Cooke

‘You are now in the only place I know where your

lovely melodies are excelled’.

It was a real personal pleasure for me to be present at the retirement evening for Bandsman Alf Wileman (Sheffield Citadel). A large crowd gathered from far and wide to celebrate the outstanding contribution Alf has made for over 60 years.

Commissioned a bandsman in 1943, he has been a role model to many people, always testifying to his personal commitment and calling to serve in the way that he has. Alf chose some of the music for the evening, which included; Glorifico Aeternam, Laudate Dominum, Constant Trust, and Song of the brother. It was a thrill too, for me to join with Alf for a Euphonium duet.

We indeed thank him for his influence which I know will continue through all that he does. D.K

Bandsman Alf Wileman

Alf Wileman and Derick Kane perform Brahms Lullaby

From left to right; Captain Steve Fripp Matthew Ingram, Roland Hill, Alf Wileman, Derick Kane

The Territorial Music School of 2011

Posing for the camera on the last eveningFrom tallest to smallest!

Major Mark Sawyer instructing students

Staff member Sue Blyth with students

Territorial Music School

2011

The annual army ‘Butlins’ week is an important fixture on the calendar, and it was good to be there for a visit with some MMU colleagues. Following the afternoon band rehearsal, led by resident conductor Kevin Ashman, we enjoyed the Butlins X-Factor show, complete with panel of judges. We were treated to singing, poetry, puppets and instrumental solos, leading to the tension of the announcement of the winner!

With some 450 or so people remaining in their seats, they eagerly awaited the next show. Paul Sharman, Kevin Ashman, Richard Gaudion, Simon Birkett, Derick Kane and Trevor Caffull made up the brass sextet who performed various items throughout the evening. Solo items included Deliverance, The Irish Washerwoman and A Happy Day. The MMU male voice quartet also thrilled the audience! (and are available for bookings). Susanne Dymott was the vocal soloist for the evening. Her singing and presentation was excellent, with songs including Ave Maria, Handel’s Largo and I could have danced all night.

It was good to be part of this week once again, and thanks go to all who make this week a success and meaningful to many people. D.K.

New Horizons

Bandmaster Kevin Ashman conducts the New Horizons band

Latest news from SP&SIn the previous newsletter, I wrote about our preparations for ISB120 and our trading activity at the Royal Albert Hall on Saturday 4th June. If I said that ISB120 itself had matched and exceeded expectations, the same must be said of our trading activity in the foyer of door 6 and in the adjacent Imperial College Students Union building. A record trading day on Friday 3rd June at our Tiverton Street shop was followed by, as far as we are able to ascertain, our biggest external event trading day the business has ever seen. My thanks and congratulations go to all SP&S staff involved in this massive effort, some of whom worked for over 20 hours having departed from Wellingborough at 5am and not returning until 1.15am the following morning!

Life goes on beyond ISB120 and the first two recordings from the event are now available;

Further DVDs will be available in the coming weeks as follows; ISB120 Staff Bands in Concert; all eight staff bands individual concerts from Saturday afternoon. ISB120 Brass Spectacular; the whole of the Saturday evening, live and uncut! ISB120 The Complete Works; highlights of the ISB120 weekend including the Sunday march along The Mall, concert in Buckingham Palace forecourt and bonus features.

All DVDs will be available in NTSC (North American television) format as well as in PAL (European) format.

As well as working on the ISB120 recordings, the summer and early autumn has seen the release of several new recordings in a variety of styles.

Twelve months ago, John Larsson plays Volume 1 – Take-over Bid and Hosea hit the shelves. We have been pleasantly surprised by the interest generated, not only in terms of CD sales but also in the musicals themselves.

When Commissioner Frederick Coutts was elected General of The Salvation Army in 1963, he expressed the hope that The Salvation Army might show a more modern approach in bringing the message of Christian faith to the

‘man in the street’. There is little doubt that, named almost by accident, the Joystrings managed to do that during the five years in which they took the world by storm.

The songs on this album have been given a ‘freshen-up’ in the studio by World of Sound engineer Adam Goldsmith. Through the use of modern technology, these songs have been brought to life once again and available to many to hear for the first time.

Brothers Alvin and Karl Allison worked together in Salvation Army based rock bands Blood & Fire, The Eden and The Big Picture from 1980 to 1995. Having done their own things for a few years, they are now back together with a show and new CD, Songs that no one taught us. The album was given a pre-release play-through at Territorial Headquarters in July and was officially launched at New Horizons in September. In the words of Major Bruce Tulloch, ‘this is a highly entertaining, amusing, thought-provoking, moving, clever collection of original songs which bring something different to the musical table’.

Bandology is the title track of a new recording from the London Central Fellowship Band which features David Daws as cornet soloist as well as conductor, although not at the same time! This is an easy-listening recording containing a diverse mix of old and new, sacred and secular, well-known and less familiar tracks. Of note is the inclusion of William Broughton’s arrangement of Now I belong to Jesus in which the vocal soloist is Deryn Edwards.

Finally, two young people’s groups have collaborated to Do something beautiful, which is the title track of a recording featuring Kettering Citadel Young People’s Band and Chatham Citadel Singing Company.

Thank you for taking the time to read Latest news from SP&S. We look forward to serving you however you choose to shop with us.

Carl Woodman - Head of MarketingSalvation Army Trading Company Limited Direct Line; +44 (0)20 7367 6598Email; carl.woodman@sp-s.co.ukwww.worldofbrass.comwww.worldofbrasstunes.comwww.sps-shop.com

Volume 2 – Jesus Folk and Spirit! is now available and once again is supported by a comprehensive 32-page booklet containing

the words to all of the 32 songs.

Restrung is a selection of 22 songs recorded by the group between 1964 and 1967

Songs that no one taught us - This album is a departure from our usual fare but one which

we have enjoyed working on and are delighted with the end result.

ISB120 Brass Spectacular is a CD recording of highlights from the Saturday evening, featuring all eight staff bands in massed formation.

ISB120 Cadogan LIVE is a DVD recording of the Friday evening concert featuring New

York Staff Band and The International Staff Band, the first time these two bands had

shared a stage since 1962!

On Sunday 3rd July a packed Regent Hall stood to applaud Bandmaster Steve Hanover and his son-in-law, Dale Coles, at the start of the concert which marked the culmination of their 900-mile charity bike ride from Scotland to London.

This challenging ride, completed in two weeks, was part of a fundraising drive to raise £50,000 for Cancer Research UK and The Salvation Army’s Overseas Healthcare Projects.

Prior to the concert, Steve and Dale had been joined by, among others, members of the corps on the last leg of the journey from Chelmsford to central London. As the cycle party arrived at Oxford Street, they were greeted by Regent Hall corps folk, balloon-waving children, and the band playing outside the hall.

As always, Regent Hall Band’s inimitable presentation of Deputy Bandmaster Paul Sharman’s On Duty was tremendously popular with the congregation. This was followed by a glorious performance of opera arias by Quattro Voce, four professional musicians who met at the Glyndebourne Festival Opera. They were accompanied by the talented young pianist, Elliot Launn, pianist for the International Staff Songsters.Later in the programme, the audience was privileged to hear Elliot’s beautiful interpretation of Ravel’s Sonatine.

YP Band Leader David Daws (Hendon) and his daughter, Isobel, presented cornet and trombone solos respectively: David chose the all-time favourite pop song, You made

me love you, for his first solo. In a salute to the recently Promoted to Glory renowned cornet soloist and composer, Terry Camsey, he followed this with an excerpt from Gabriel’s Reverie, specially composed by Terry following the birth of David’s eldest daughter, Stephanie. Isobel, thrilled the audience; she played with a maturity that belied her 11 years. Father and daughter united for the Erik Silfverberg duet, Joy in my soul.

Besides having been Regent Hall Bandmaster for 17 years, Steve has played Solo Horn with The International Staff Band for 20 years. In this important anniversary year, six of his colleagues – the 120 Six – provided a selection of Salvation Army music, finishing with a prestissimo rendition of Paul Drury’s Jubilee.

Regent Hall Songsters demonstrated their versatility with their choice of songs, which ranged from John Tavener’s The Lamb to

modern contributions, one of which was composed by Songster Leader John Martin, complete with a lively accompaniment.

David Thornton, respected as one of the foremost euphonium players and teachers of his generation, was the final soloist. His work with brass bands has seen him in the ‘top flight’ for over a decade, so perhaps it was fitting that his first item was the world premiere performance of the incredibly futuristic and exciting Jet A, written by Peter Meechan. In an evening of extreme musical contrasts, this was followed easily by the soulful Lament from Stabat Mater by Karl Jenkins. A superb concert concluded with Regent Hall Band’s rendition of Turris Fortissima.

Besides raising funds for cancer research, half the money raised will be used for the Army’s Overseas Healthcare Projects. The Life of Lynda Fund has committed to buying an electric generator for a health centre in the Republic of Congo and bush ambulances to transport people from remote rural areas to urban medical facilities.

The congregation responded generously. At the end of the evening, Major John Martin was able to announce that the fund, which previously stood at £30,000, was now £32,400.

The short life of Lynda Hanover has not been in vain.

www.lifeoflynda.com

Following 13 years of service, we said a fond farewell to Bernice Cuthbert. Bernice has worked as the Personal Assistant to the Territorial Music Director and also been involved in the administration of many events such as Gospel Arts, Territorial Youth Choir and Easter Music Course. We all say a big ‘thank you’ and wish Bernice well in her well-deserved retirement.

Gillian Pomering has recently been appointed as PA to the TMD and we wish her well in this demanding role within the Music Minsitries Unit.

MMU Personnel Change

Giving until it hurts Jan Ambrose reports on the Gala Concert supporting the Life of Lynda fund

She can be contacted on 020 7367 4962gillian.pomering@salvationarmy.org.uk

Itinerary for 2011/12

INTERNATIONAL STAFF SONGSTERS

2011:September 28th Rotary Club-Regent Hall October 15th-16th Belfast Sydenham November 5th-6th Bishops Stortford & Harlow November 24th Territorial Carol Concert

2012:January 14th-15th Maidenhead February 11th-12th Gloucester March 10th-11th Birmingham Citadel April 28th-29th North Shields May 12th-13th WorthingMay 26th-27th Territorial Congress

2011:October 29th-30th Ipswich Corn Exchange / StowmarketNovember 19th The Sage Gateshead November 24th Territorial Carol Concert 2012:January 28th-29th BellshillFebruary 25th-26th Rock FerryMarch 24th-25th Leeds West Hunslett April 27th-29th Switzerland May 26th-27th Territorial Congress

Itinerary for 2011/12

International staff sections: A new season

Adverts

40 Carols for congregational singing

• from ‘New Christmas Praise’• 20 piano backings• 20 brass backings • £10 (including P&P)

Christmas Carols – selected backing tracks

Contact derick.kane@salvationarmy.org.ukfor more information