Maidstone
The last time the ISB visited Maidstone was 2003 and once again it was a great encouragement to present a programme to an overflowing venue. The congregation also included current ICO members as well as former members of the band. However, it is always thrilling to present an ISB programme to people who are either new to the Army or who have spent too long away from our ranks.
The Saturday evening commenced with Michael Kenyon’s transcription of Saint-Saens ‘Marche Militaire Francaise’.
The usual charismatic performance of an old favourite ‘Song of The Brother’ was given by Derick Kane and Kevin Ashman thrilled his home corps crowd with ‘Golden Slippers’.
Richard Woodrow performed the flugel solo ‘So Glad’ – a solo which was first performed at Bandmasters Councils some 27 years ago in 1982 by Richards predecessor Robert Foster.
One of the main objectives of the ISB is to perform and present new music for Music Council and this evenings programme saw the first performance of a jaunty short arrangement ‘Heavenward’ composed by Bill Gordon which included the songs 'When we all get to Heaven' and 'When the roll is called up yonder'.
The evening also saw the performance of a new Peter Graham composition ‘Seize the Day’ which was premiered just a matter of a few weeks earlier at the Regent Hall and will feature on a new joint CD with the Black Dyke Band comprising Peter’s music. ‘Seize the Day’ is based on three spirituals, The Gospel Train, Swing Low Sweet Chariot and Amen. This was received with real enthusiasm by the evening’s audience.
Sunday worship is a significant part of an ISB weekend where moments of personal testimony give an insight to the membership in respect of individual commitment and relationship with Christ.
At Maidstone the morning service was followed by a march of witness accompanied by corps folk promoting the corps community work especially the activities for young people being held during the half term holidays.
The afternoon festival included individual solo performances by Jonathan Evans ‘Home on the Range’ and Carl Nielsen ‘Crossroads’. Once again the programme included new compositions from current member Paul Sharman as well as former member Captain Martin Cordner. This new music was played alongside The Triumph of Peace which was published in 1939. The message still being very relevant for today’s age and a rousing finale to the week end.
The afternoon programme was a fine occasion to mark the retirement after 40 years service of Bandmaster Keith Thomas. Keith was invited to conduct the ISB as he now hands the responsibility of the Corps Bandmaster over to Kevin Ashman.
Report by Staff Bandsman Nigel Hills.
(Nigel has been a member of the ISB for over 20 years and attends the Harpenden corps where he has been the Bandmaster since 1994)
2009/11/06