2009 Half Yearly update
We began the year with a visit to the Sunderland Monkwearmouth Corps. After some ‘coach’ trouble at THQ, it was in to our cars and a drive to Sunderland! The ISB members however, as resilient as ever!
We enjoyed the meeting up with friends in the north-east and felt the warmth of welcome and fellowship.
Next stop was Bournemouth, for a midweek visit to the Territorial Youth Band course. This course, led by our Territorial Music Director Dr. Stephen Cobb, is in it’s 11th year, and continues to be a great success. The ISB has always had close associations with TYB and our visit was again, well received by the young musicians attending the course. The Wednesday evening concert was well supported too, by many local Salvationists.
A visit to Warrington, allowed us to play in a great old theatre (‘good old days style’, complete with organ!), on the Saturday evening. This was a well attended concert, followed by a day at the Warrington Corps on the Sunday.
Bath is always a lovely place to visit, and the ISB were pleased to be there for the weekend. Although the heavy rain stopped us playing an outdoor concert in the afternoon, we had a fine evening concert in a lovely church. The Sunday meetings at Bath Citadel were well attended, and as is usually the case, supported by local corps sections. We often have the opportunity of hearing the Songsters, Singing Company, and Junior Band participating during an ISB visit, are grateful to all for their ministry to us.
The ISB, obviously respond to invitations received, however, we do try and spread our visits throughout the Territory. So, the fine city of Cardiff was our next port of call, for a visit to the Cardiff Canton corps. The ISB continually have large crowds to play to, and Cardiff was no exception. A ‘hot’ brass band area brought a large enthusiastic crowd to the concert. Significant to mention too, is indeed the make up of an ISB audience. Salvationists, retired bandsmen, former Salvationists, brass band supporters, young people, and local dignitaries. It highlights the opportunity the ISB has for promoting music, and reaching out to people in a community.
It was back to Bournemouth – this time for a weekend corps visit to the Winton corps. An overflowing Winton hall provided a unique ‘army’ flavoured atmosphere to the occasion. Notable too, was the presentation of the Winton Songsters on the Sunday! It was also the final weekend for our executive officer Lt. Col Trevor Davis. We sincerely thank him for his excellent contribution and wish him well in retirement! Trevor was a great ambassador for the band and his meeting leadership was always well received and appreciated.The weekend also saw a return visit for Bradley Turnbull (standing in for principal trombone Andrew Justice). Bradley has now rejoined us on Bass Trombone following the retirement from the ISB of Gordon Camsey, who gave great service to the band through his musicianship and personality.
The bands annual participation at the Royal Albert Hall is always keenly anticipated from within the band. Joining with the Massed Chorus and the Territorial Music School ‘A’ band, the ISB’s contributions included ‘The Dawning’ (Peter Graham), ‘Psalm of Thanks’ (Paul Sharman). The following day we gathered at the Training College for Officers for a day of music making and reflection led by our Territorial leaders.
The final ‘summer’ engagement for the ISB was the Commissioning of newly appointed officers. This event held at Westminster Central Hall is an important one in the life of the Salvation Army, and the ISB is a crucial ingredient of this special day in our Territory.
Next stop – Cornwall, 19th/20th September!
The Saturday concert will be held in the ‘hall for Cornwall’ in Truro. Sunday morning, the ISB will divide in two bands to lead the meetings at St Austell, and Redruth, culminating in the afternoon with a concert in Camborne.
2009/08/16