Issue 37 - July 2012

Welcometo this edition of the newsletter. Many Salvation Army events lead us to refl ect on what we are and how we do things and it is easy to get weighed down by the diffi culties we sometimes face. However, I would say that recently I have been part of a Salvation Army that is affi rming and positive. The recent I’ll fi ght Congress in London, led by General Linda Bond, was mostly a positive event. The inspiration and motivational words from our General, the impact of the united Youth Chorus, the participation of corps sections, the reminder of our founders’ impact and intentions, and the fi ne weather made this a Congress you were glad to be part of.

Recent rehearsals have taken me to the William Booth College, where I led the band and choir rehearsal, and Gainsborough Corps. My thanks to all concerned for their kind invitation and the welcome received as we shared in making music.

Incidentally, there are people who will still say, ‘you never come and see us’. The offer is there to all to make an invitation for a rehearsal night or perhaps a music day at your corps. We will happily support if we possibly can. You may consider too, if appropriate, joining with one or two corps in your area for an evening of music-making and fellowship. Please contact us if you would like any MMU involvement.

As part of the Evangelism conference at Swanwick, weekend 22-24 June, the Music Ministries Unit had its own conference along with other units as part of the overall United in Mission weekend. A report from one of the music delegates is included in the newsletter. There will be further material published in subsequent issues. This was an excellent weekend of discussion and

sharing and I would urge music leaders in particular to give consideration to any future conferences.

We are approaching Summer School time, and the Territorial Music School will be under way in a few weeks time. The special guests for TMS are Leonard and Heather Ballantine from Canada. Please see details for TMS midweek and fi nal concert or have a look on our new website;www.salvationarmy.org.uk/music

Our Territorial Music Director has recently returned from a trip to Australia (report in the next issue) and we would wish our Assistant Territorial Music Director Andrew Blyth well, along with his wife Sue, visits Australia for a tour. Not wishing to miss out on the musical travelogue, I am looking forward to my visit to the Star Lake Musicamp in August, my last visit being 40 years ago! (work that one out).

We would wish all our summer music activities well, and support our young people as they take part in weeks that can shape and change their lives.

To those corps who are hosting or are part of any Olympic activity, we wish you well too as you make The Salvation Army visible at this special time.

Thank you as always for your support and for all you continue to do.

ContentsPublishing newsThe upcoming publicati ons here at MMU plus latest news from SP&S.

EventsEaster Music Course 2012, ISB recent trip to Switzerland and informati on on the upcoming tour of South America by the ISS.

NewsGround-breaking news as SA solos make ABRSM brass syllabus.

OtherA-Z of vocal ti ps and much more...

DEVELOPINNOVATE

ENCOURAGERESOURCE

Music Ministries Unit NewsletterJULY 2012

Derick Kane

March - Carol Medley (Noel Jones)Euphonium Solo - The Saviour's name (Erik Silfverberg)Carol Arrangement - While shepherds watched (David Rowsell)Song Arrangement - Time to be holy (Paul Sharman)There is a redeemer (Kenneth Downie)

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

Triumph Series - July 2012

Since the last newsletter, visits have included Winton, Clevedon, Castleford and Southsea. The Winton Band (Bandmaster Norry Smith) are celebrating their 125th anniversary. The band enjoy a great fellowship (which also includes a pretty good football team!) and their spirit and energy is evident in their playing. This ensemble is blessed with over 30 players, with a very young bass section and it was encouraging to see the mix of younger and older players. Another band practice lead was Clevedon (Bandmaster Trevor James), which was very enjoyable on many levels; the Bandmaster is my uncle! It was a lovely evening and I saw how effective the Salvation Army Classics Series is as this small, but competent, group rehearsed The light of the world. I thoroughly enjoyed an evening with Castleford Songsters (Martyn Beecham). The singing and sight-reading was excellent and the accompaniment by Adam Fripp enhanced the group greatly. It was an enjoyable night and I would imagine that the people of Castleford can only gain a blessing from what the songsters present each week.

Finally, Sue and I led the Band Weekend at Southsea corps. The band (Bandmaster Mark Streather) are playing very well and it was encouraging to see a number of younger players coming through. We appreciated the welcome and spirit in which the corps sections joined in. It was great to see the corps working hard and being blessed in their ministry.

There are currently a number of exciting projects being worked on in MMU. As well as our scheduled journals, we are working on the First things fi rst volume 2 for band and 3 new tutor books which will complement this journal. These will be available by the end of the year. I have visited a number of corps who have enjoyed First things fi rst and have used it extensively. It is our hope this book will continue to be a stepping-stone that will encourage learners to understand their music more and thus progress to playing Unity Series music.

I hope that you enjoy the summer and for those musicians who are attending the various summer school programmes we hope that it will be an enjoyable and exciting time. Please do not hesitate to contact us for any support you require.

Andrew Blyth

From the Assistant Territorial Music Director...

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

Upcoming Publications

General Series - August 2012(Full band scoring - 3 issues per year)

Lift up your voice (Stephen Bulla)The Lion of Judah (Kenneth Downie)Flow gently, sweet Afton (Paul Sharman)

One mission, one message (Stephen Pearson/Richard Phillips)Christmas Gifts (Graeme Press)Rejoice (Yvonne Field)Everywhere (John Gowans/Andrew Maycock)Praise his holy name (Remco Hakkert arr. Nicholas King)If I but knew (Harry Read/Dick Krommenhoek)Master, we are here for you (African Melody)On his hands (Rob Little/Gerald Bilsbury arr. Richard Rawlins)

(Songs for SATB choir, demonstration and accompaniment CD available - 3 issues per year)Sing to the Lord (mixed voice series) Volume 19, part 3

Music Ministries Unit NewsletterJULY 2012

Judd Street Collection - September 2012(Full band scoring, sold as separate pieces - up to 8 titles per year)

Starmaker (Ray Steadman-Allen)Festival March - Deliberate (Andrew Mackereth)Kings of swing (Kevin Larsson)Celebrate and sing (Martin Cordner)

Monday 9 AprilWilli Erzberger (brass, Zurich Central, Switzerland, Austria and Hungary Territory) writes: On Easter Monday morning I met Christian Fuhrer with his bass trombone at Zurich airport. After a good fl ight to London and a train and bus journey, we arrived at Sunbury Court. It was great to see all my friends from last year. Many of them I met last summer in London during ISB120 and some in New York last month at the 125th anniversary concert of the New York Staff Band.

Our fi rst job at Sunbury Court was to settle into our rooms and study the programme for the whole week. It was a great pleasure to meet the new ‘Music Course Mother’, Gillian Pomering (Music Ministries Unit, THQ), who is the successor to Bernice Cuthbert. Bernice did a very good job for many years – she belongs to the delegates now!

At 4.30 pm we had our offi cial ‘meet the team’ session with coffee and tea. After an excellent evening meal we had the fi rst band rehearsal. Assistant Territorial Music Director Andrew Blyth welcomed guest conductor German Staff Bandmaster Heinrich Schmidt. We started with Dudley Bright’s lovely march Assignment, then Churchbury by Richard Phillips and Go Down Moses and Spirit by Ray Steadman-Allen.

Tuesday 10 AprilBrian Anderson (brass, Scarborough) writes: The fi rst full day at Sunbury started with an early morning walk in glorious sunshine on the banks of the River Thames. With apprehension, then eagerness, I waited to see what I could learn from Bandmaster Heinrich Schmidt.

While at breakfast, I learnt from an enthusiastic Andrew Blyth about the many key changes made to existing melodies for the ease of singing in the new tune book. Rehearsals started with the playing of two of the new additions, Wellington City (Thomas Rive) and Down Ampney (Ralph Vaughan Williams). I felt these two tunes had a strong euphonium to bass ratio, giving them real warmth.

Territorial Evangelism Secretary Major Drew McCombe led devotions, focusing on the stories of the lost sheep and the lost coin. We considered how

the shepherd and the housewife went the extra mile to fi nd what was lost and we were asked what we can do to encourage lost comrades to return – discussion ensued.

Andrew led mixed voice rehearsal which commenced with Charles Skinner’s arrangement of Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, reminding all of the Almighty’s greatness. We also rehearsed I’ll Follow Thee. During the afternoon, Christian magician Steve Price entertained us with various illusions and with the strong message that things in life go wrong but only God can correct them. We then attended another rehearsal and Bandmaster Heinrich Schmidt stressed that music should be an enjoyable experience – we should relax!

Wednesday 11 AprilColin Ambrose (brass, Regent Hall) writes: Lieut-Colonel Ivor Telfer (THQ) led morning Bible study and shared the challenges he faced as a young songster leader in Scotland. He proceeded to share the story of the Exodus and its relevance today. It was a fascinating study of the journeys of the Children of Israel from Egypt to Canaan, with plenty of references from the Books of Exodus and Joshua. Was it a coincidence that we had just been playing Go down Moses?

After lunch we posed for the obligatory school photograph and then enjoyed some free time before dinner and mixed voice rehearsal. We later settled down to enjoy an excellent evening of choral music by Regent Hall Songsters, led by the hardworking Major John Martin – who is Regent Hall’s songster leader – and his deputy, Mark Walton. We were treated to fi ne singing featuring a wide variety of styles. Vocal soloist Nick Hampton sang Arms open wide with sensitive backing from the songsters. In contrast, former Regent Hall songster Major Richard Gaudion thrilled us with his expertise at the piano. The evening came to a climax as the songsters sang Major Martin’s arrangement of Wonderful words of life, followed by Songster Kerry Sampson’s spine-tingling rendition of All Rise. The evening concluded with an upbeat version of When the saints go marching in and a fi nal benediction, Abide with me, which left delegates feeling content with a very good day making music with a difference.

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Easter Music Course Diaries

Thursday 12 AprilMarian Parker (vocal, Leicester South) writes: The day began with an early morning fi re alarm – something I had previously always associated with young people’s music schools! However, this one was caused by the overzealous use of a spray deodorant, rather than an over exuberant sense of mischief!

After breakfast, rehearsals resumed. I was delighted to discover that Heinrich Schmidt would begin his band rehearsal by getting the band members to sing! He proved to be a very popular leader of the band, using humour alongside fi rst-class musical and leadership skills. The singing group worked on a variety of songs – old and new, and in a range of different styles – and the group members very much enjoyed working under the leadership of Major Martin.

One memory that will last for quite some time is of watching Major George Whittingham chase off a pair of geese who tried to join in with the mixed voices rehearsal! Another highlight of the week was of rehearsing, for just two hours, a ‘from scratch’ performance of Take-over Bid for later the same day. The afternoon’s free time was made memorable by a thunderstorm. After the evening performance we enjoyed a talent show and then prayers, in which we spent time in intercession. A long and very eventful day. It all happens at Sunbury!

Friday 13 AprilGillian Pomering (Regent Hall) writes: Before we stopped for breath it was Friday! It had been a wonderful week of fun and laughter in the times of fellowship and concentration in the music practices, interspersed with refl ective moments of Bible study and prayer. I was fortunate to attend EMC in an administrative capacity, having taken on Bernice Cuthbert’s mantle. This year she came as a very supportive delegate!

As I took my place in the women’s voices group, Major Martin led us through a variety of Army classics and new arrangements in preparation for today’s fi nal review. Although we worked hard there were many moments of light relief – mainly involving Maya, the gorgeous ‘guide dog in training’, who was attending the course with her owner Marie West (Swindon Gorse Hill)! Special mention must also be given to Sue Blyth (Gainsborough) who led the all-important warm ups and Jayne Moore (Belfast Citadel) for her faultless piano accompaniment.

To those wanting to attend Territorial Music School, but are no longer eligible, and want fi ve days of professional music tuition, thought-provoking spiritual leadership, warm fellowship with Christians and many laughs, then this is the course for you!

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In recent weeks, SP&S were delighted to receive the news that several pieces of Salvation Army solo repertoire had been selected for the brass syllabus of the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music. We have had to keep this news

to ourselves until the new syllabus was published on 1st July!

The Associated Board, as it is more commonly known, is based in London and is the world’s leading music examinations board. The

Associated Board runs examinations in 90 countries all over the world with over 600,000 candidates entering its examinations each year.

In addition, the following pieces from the David Childs Solo Series, published by Prima Vista Musikk for whom we are world-wide distributors, have been selected;

All of these titles are readily available from our London shop in Tiverton Street, trade counter in Wellingborough, by mail order and online at www.worldofbrass.com.

SA music makes ABRSM syllabus

The pieces selected are as follows;

The annual Feast Festival celebrations are part of the village of Histon’s calendar, attracting a very large crowd and providing a great opportunity to profi le The Salvation Army. Bexleyheath Band were the guests of Histon corps for the day. With our commanding offi cers (Paul & Louise Wood), former CO’s at the Histon Corps, we led the Sunday morning meeting, starting 15 minutes early with a congregational singalong!

Following the meeting and a barbecue

lunch, we headed off to be part of the village ‘feast day’ activities.

Sandwiched between a steel band and a rock band was The Salvation Army band. The large assembled crowd enjoyed a programme of Army music, whilst local Salvationists went around distributing literature and chatting to the people.

A very worthwhile day, and a great profi le for The Salvation Army in that village. D.K.

Histon Feast Festival

www.salvationarmy.org.uk/music

TENOR HORN from Solos for Eb instruments (recently reduced to £19.95) http://www.worldofbrass.com/acatalog/41502.html Grade 7 An Irish Melody (J N Audoire) Grade 7 Glory to His Name (Ray Steadman-Allen) Grade 8 The Old Rustic Bridge (Erik Leidzen)

EUPHONIUM from The Derick Kane Euphonium Album (£24.95 with accompaniment CD) http://www.worldofbrass.com/acatalog/29544.htmlGrade 6 Compelled by Love (Andrew Blyth) Grade 7 Menuet (Bizet arr. Kevin Norbury) Grade 7 My Love is Like a Red, Red Rose (Trad arr. Kenneth Downie)

EUPHONIUMGrade 6 Hear My Prayer (Mendelssohn arr. David Childs) http://www.worldofbrass.com/acatalog/29633.htmlGrade 7 Sonata Brevis (Rodney Newton) http://www.worldofbrass.com/acatalog/29600.html

Montreal Citadel, Sheffi eld Citadel, Montclair Citadel, Stapleford, Wellington Citadel, Hadleigh Camp, Wisbech, Exeter Temple, Croydon Citadel, Dalaro, Greenock Citadel, Auckland Congress Hall…just a few of the titles that represent a long tradition of many marches becoming famous through a place name. Most of us will have our favourite and a memory playing or hearing a particular march that was instantly recognisable by its place name.

My own early memory of hearing some of these famous marches is walking down the street on a Saturday or Sunday evening,

following the band at Hamilton Temple, where marches like Montreal, Sheffi eld, Wellington, were regularly featured. The earliest published General Series march relating to a specifi c corps was The Regent Hall March (Herbert Twitchin in 1904). The famous bandleader Henry Hall (and one-time assistant to Majors Fred Hawkes and Arthur Goldsmith in the music editorial department), attributed marches to Nunhead (1916), a tribute to his own corps in his early days and The Norwood March (1924). Names such as Rive, Downie, Condon, Audoire, Coles, Mountain, Graham, Bulla, Cordner, Steadman-Allen, are representative of the many composers who have put there name to a place. Why do I say all this? Well, apart from the heritage aspect and the memories stirred, it is, for the moment, an end of an era!

A recent policy change, from the Territorial Music Council, has decided that, for the present, we will no longer see published marches attributed to a specifi c place; at least by its title. Whereas score notes will contain any information regarding dedication or a special occasion, the corps name, for example, will not be used as a title.

So it seems, that at least for the present, the march Whitleigh Witness (Ian Feltwell) to be published in Unity Series later this year, will have the accolade, till any further policy change, of being at the end of an illustrious line!

D.K.

End of an era

Cornets on their way to the next open-air venue

Ashley Durrant wishes he had brought two sticks!

Coffee time in the Swiss Alps

ISB in a recent recording project

Staff Bandmaster conducts the massed band in re

hearsal

The ISS are shortly to embark on a groundbreaking tour of the South America East Territory, spending time in Argentina as well as Uruguay, before fl ying the 14 hours from Uruguay to support the General at the Old Orchard Beach Campaign in Boston, USA.

The South America East Territory is one of the UK Territory’s mission partners and enjoys many connections with the UK, not least of which is the fact that Mrs Commissioner Cox was born in Buenos Aires.

The current Territorial Commander, Colonel Sue McMillan, was, prior to her current appointment, a soldier at Regent Hall corps and, supported by the Territorial Music Director Omar Pérez, has worked tirelessly to enable the tour to happen.

Argentina is over 11 times the size of the UK and yet has only 1800 Salvation Army offi cers and soldiers. Uruguay has even less, yet corps, churches and even senior citizen residential homes have all made applications to host the ISS.

On 20th july at 10pm the ISS leave Heathrow on the overnight 14-hour fl ight direct to Buenos Aires, arriving the next morning at 7.30am local time. After a coach transfer to Buenos Aires we are performing at the main Presbytarian church which boasts cathedral-style accoustic and seating for approximately 500 people.

In the days that follow, further vocal workshops and concerts take place in the Buenos Aires Central corps and surrounding churches before the ISS make the 5-hour bus journey to perform at Rosario.

On Wednesday 25th, the group travel by boat to Uruguay to perform in the main Methodist Church in Montevideo before visiting the El Atardecer seniors home on the 26th. Directly from the residential home, the ISS make their way to the airport for the 14 hour fl ight to Boston, USA via Miami.

As with previous tours of Zimbabwe, South Africa, Estonia, Sweden and Finland the ISS not only hope to be used to bring people closer to God through our singing, but also hope to use this opportunity to provide practical support and raise awareness of those working in social projects in South America.

Having never visited South America before, we have no idea what to expect, but we do know that the Territory are hoping to use our visit as a mission opportunity to bring thousands of people into our concerts.

The entire South America East segment of the tour is funded by ISS members donations and from ISS CD sales reserves.

The ISS members are constantly aware of

the privilege that is ours and thank God for the constant prayer support given by the UK Territory.

Please uphold the group in prayer throughout the period 20th July – 1st August, praying not only for many souls to be brought to Christ, but also for good health and safe travels throughout the thousands of miles, and many hours of travel required to complete this fantastic opportunity.

What an opportunity for the ISS and what vision on behalf of the South America East Territory to host the group, praying that more people than their entire Territorial soldiery will hear us while we are there.

A full report and photos of the tour will follow in a future edition of this newsletter.

workshops and concerts take place in the Buenos Aires Central corps and surrounding churches before the ISS make the 5-hour bus journey to perform at Rosario.

Music Ministries Unit NewsletterJULY 2012

ISS to tour Argentina / Uruguay and the USA

Music Ministries Unit Newsletter

The PowerEverywhereMy life must be Christ’s broken bread

AnastasisOne faith, one hope, one Lord

O be joyful in the LordBecome aware of himSong of triumphEverlastingBefore the throne of God above

Love, grace and powerDivine RightMy God is a rock (In a weary land)

The servant kingPeople need the LordGod be with you

The ISS latest recording The

Power is available from SP&S

A = ARTICULATE. Using your articulators (lips, teeth, tip of the tongue) more specifi cally to create your words will help you sing better and more easily.

B = BUILD YOUR SONG PERFORMANCE. Think about how a well-constructed rollercoaster builds in intensity and suspense throughout the ride. Your song should have the same sort of ups and downs. C = COPE WITH UNEXPECTED SINGING EVENTS and challenges the smart way. Figure out which part of your vocal instrument is out of balance and make an instant adjustment.

D = DARE TO TRY SOMETHING DIFFERENT. So many singers practice the same song, the same way, over and over and over again. If it didn’t work the fi rst twenty times, why is it going to work the twenty-fi rst? Try altering different aspects of your singing and attempt to fi nd an easier way to accomplish your best sound. E = ENERGY NOT EFFORT. This is one of the most confusing concepts in singing. Energy in the tone is what we want and effort is something we want desperately to avoid. Energy is created naturally when our vocal instrument is in balance and our body is involved in the singing process. F = FEATHERS. When learning to sing your full range and accomplish the desired one voice (same power with similar tone throughout the whole range) singers often experience cracks and breaks. Slide on the syllable “he” from the bottom of your range to the top. If you do not experience cracks or breaks, try it on all syllables at all volumes. When you fi nd yourself faced with this challenge, it is the common response to “try harder” on those notes. What you want to do is to lighten up just a bit on these notes, let them fl oat like a feather.

G = GET OVER IT and GO FOR IT. So many singers have a good voice and with work, really shine on their vocal skills…but when it comes to performance they suffer the “I’m afraid I’ll look stupid” syndrome. Why do we do that? We see music videos and concerts every day when artists give us their all, and yet we feel less stupid singing like a statue than we do really going for it. Unfortunately, when you don’t really “perform” the song, you will never be able to give your absolute best performance.

H = HUMMING. Humming should be easy and sound alive. If you cannot hum well, you are not singing up to your potential.

I = INCREASE YOUR AIR SPEED for high notes and decrease your air speed for lower notes.

J = JAW TENSION. Most people don’t realize how tense their jaw is…because it feels perfectly natural to them. Be sure to stretch out your face and jaw muscles.

K = KEEP IT CLEAN. When practicing your vocal skills focus on creating a pure and clear tone. If you cannot create a clear tone full of life and energy, you are not singing up to your potential. L = LIFT YOUR DIAPHRAGM. To get your best breath for singing, you want to fi ll up your abdomen like an inner tube; you should feel expansion all the way around your body…yes, even in your back.

M = MONEY NOTES MATTER. You can knock the rest of the song out of the park, but if you miss the money note, that’s all your audience will remember. A lot of times singers miss money notes because they are worried about it. Try concentrating on the phrase and not just the note.

N = NEVER LET THEM SEE YOU SWEAT. The perception of the audience is the reality. Professionals sing creative nuances, amateurs make mistakes. O = ONE VOICE. If you have been around organized singing groups you have probably heard these terms: chest voice, middle voice, head voice. Some singers have even had the misfortune of studying under these kinds of principles…unfortunately that usually means they can’t sing very many songs and still sound like one person.

P = PLACEMENT OF YOUR TONE refers to where the tone is centred. Mastering tone placement will make your singing easier and consistent.

Q = QUIT SINGING THROUGH YOUR NOSE. Nasal tone qualities occur when there is too much resonance in your nasal cavity and not enough sympathetic resonance or overtones being created in other cavities.

R = RESONANCE. Resonance is created by the sound wave/frequency you are creating and is shaped and amplifi ed in a resonating cavity (chest, mouth, nasal, sinus).

S = SING THE STORY. Singing is acting through song. Why sing the song and not convey the message? Get emotionally involved with the lyrics. Speak the words and sing them with conviction.

T = THINK SING. By listening to a song you can learn what you are supposed to do a lot faster, without creating any bad habits you are only going to have to break later. Think sing a song from beginning to end, anticipating every breath and melody nuance.

U = UNIFY YOUR VOWELS. You know how you can sing one word on a specifi c note easily, but another word seems much harder? You could probably use some practice and training on unifying your vowels.

V = VOLUME AND POWER. Volume and power should be gained by using the muscles in the back and abdomen. If you are losing your voice after 4-6 songs or if you hear a lot of “effort” in your tone (it doesn’t fl oat in a pure fashion), then you are probably using your throat.

W = WISHING. Wishing your voice was pro quality won’t get it there. You’d be surprised what one hour of specifi c vocal practice fi ve days a week can do.

X = (E)XERCISE YOUR VOICE REGULARLY. So many singers shy away from actually doing exercises. Pros know that warm ups will take you through muscle movements that a song never could.

Y = YOUR STYLE. So many singers avoid improving certain mechanical skills because they claim that it is their style. While it is true that certain things a singer does, shape of their mouth, how they pronounce words, etc., contributes to their signature voice… improving how you create your tone will only make your signature voice better.

Z = ZEN. The show must go on! Sometimes we can’t help but let our emotions and personal life circumstances affect our performances. Your body language and expression communicate your focus…but it’s your eyes that communicate your thoughts most of all.

your absolute best performance.

H = HUMMING. Humming should be easy and sound alive. If you cannot hum well, you are not singing up to your potential.

R = RESONANCE. Resonance is created by the sound wave/frequency you are creating andis shaped and amplifi ed in a resonating cavity (chest, mouth, nasal, sinus).

Music Ministries Unit NewsletterJULY 2012

Vocal Tips A-Z

Just over a year ago, many of us were still ‘mopping up’ after ISB120 and what was, as far as we are able to ascertain, our biggest external event trading day the business has ever seen. A busy autumn followed with the release of various ISB120 CDs and DVDs culminating in the release of ISB120 The Complete Works presented by our old friend from Bristol Easton Corps, and now BBC Foreign Correspondent, Nick Bryant.

Since ISB120, The International Staff Band has enjoyed another hectic season of weekly rehearsals, weekend visits to corps around the UK, a 4-day visit to Switzerland and several recording sessions. The fi rst of these recordings to come to fruition is Volume 4 in the band’s Heritage Series which features music from the 1960s. Such was the depth and breadth of music from this decade, more of a case of what to leave out rather than what to include, volume 4 has been produced as a double album. The fi rst disc consists of new recordings while the second is compiled from previous recordings by the band, all conducted by Dr Stephen Cobb. News of the other recordings will be brought to you in future editions of this newsletter.

Earlier this year, the New York Staff Band celebrated its 125th anniversary by giving a concert in New York’s most prestigious concert venue, Carnegie Hall. Sadly for those of us who couldn’t attend, it wasn’t possible to record the concert. Fortunately however, the band had previously recorded some of the music being premiered in the concert, with World of Sound’s Adam Goldsmith travelling to New York to produce the recording. Therefore, we are delighted that Pressing Onward is released on our own SP&S label and therefore available to download as well as purchase on CD.

As well as the momentous event which was ISB120, the fi rst weekend of June 2011 also saw the launch of SA Bandsman magazine, a monthly supplement to the weekly British Bandsman (the leading international brass magazine), owned here in the United Kingdom by Salvation Army Trading Company Limited. On the anniversary of ISB120, it is appropriate that SA Bandsman, on its launch as a stand-alone publication, carries a refl ection on some of the impacts of the biggest SA banding event in recent history by means of a discussion between Territorial Music Director and International Staff Bandmaster, Dr Stephen Cobb and ISB120 Project Director, Malcolm Quinn. To read this refl ection and to receive SA Bandsman every month for the next 12 months, a year’s subscription can be obtained for just £16 for delivery to UK addresses. To subscribe to SA Bandsman, call +44 (0)1933 445 442 or visit http://www.

britishbandsman.com/bb-subscriptions-sabandsman/. Alternatively, SA Bandsman continues to be available as a ‘free-of-charge’ supplement in the weekly British Bandsman magazine. British Bandsman is available for just £4.85 a month for UK customers paying by monthly direct debit. Visit http://www.britishbandsman.com/bb-subscriptions/ for more details. Two years ago, we commenced a series of recordings called John Larsson plays... with Volume 1 – Take-over Bid and Hosea. We were pleasantly surprised by the interest generated, not only in terms of CD sales but also in the musicals themselves and this was backed-up with Volume 2 – Jesus Folk and Spirit! which appeared in 2011. Following the same format, Volume 3 – Glory! and The Blood of the Lamb became available for the fi rst time at the recent I’ll Fight Congress, £9.99 for the CD, £7.99 for the download.

Finally, there’s just time to tell you about our special pre-launch offer on our double DVD of highlights from the 2012 I’ll Fight Congress which is available for just £19.95 if ordered by 1st August. Order now from our Mail Order Department (01933 445 445) or from the DVDs section of the SP&S website. It is anticipated that the DVD will be available in September.

We look forward to serving you however you choose to shop with us.

Carl WoodmanHead of MarketingSalvation Army Trading Company LimitedDirect Line; +44 (0)20 7367 6598 Email; carl.woodman@sp-s.co.uk

Latest news from SP&S

www.worldofbrass.com www.worldofbrasstunes.com www.sps-shop.com www.spstunes.comwww.worldofbrass.com www.worldofbrasstunes.com www.sps-shop.com www.spstunes.com

Music Ministries Unit NewsletterJULY 2012

Clydebank YP Band – 100 years in the making

On the 21-22 April, Clydebank YP Band celebrated the fi rst of two special weekends to mark 100 years of music-making. The guest leader for the weekend was Derick Kane.

On the Saturday afternoon, representatives from Bellshill, Clydebank, Edinburgh Gorgie, Govan and Kilbirnie took part in a teach-in led by Derick. About 60 people took part in the combined bands playing a selection of old and new pieces. This presented the young people with challenge and interest and they worked hard for most of the day, with some breaks for

refreshments along the way.

In the evening a celebration festival was presented to an audience of about 190. The hard work paid off as the composite band featured music from Joseph and his amazing technicolor dreamcoat to more devotional items, such as Time to be holy; all were presented with style and sensitivity. Derick Kane inspired everyone with his renditions of Victory Song and Travelling Along! The evening was a fi tting celebrating of the ‘young people of today’, the theme for the weekend.

On Sunday, Derick led the morning and afternoon meetings with the able support of

the YP Band. Many of the Clydebank young people took part leading prayer, testifying and presenting individual musical items and a real sincerity was felt through all of their contributions in the meetings. It truly was a celebration to be remembered for Clydebank YP Band and all those who took part or supported over the weekend. Special thanks to YP Bandleader Andrew Laird and Derick Kane for preparation and leadership on this occasion. We now look forward with anticipation to the re-union weekend 6-7 October with guest, Andrew Mackereth.

Andrew Laird CD - Someone Cares

YP Bandleader Andrew Laird (Clydebank Corps) has produced a CD of Clarinet Solos and also features the YP Band in a couple of items,Camp Ponderosa and Jonah and the whale.

Andrew is a fi ne musician and has made a great contribution to the musical life of the corps at Clydebank, as well as working in music education.

He has played the clarinet professionally with many orchestras all over the UK. On this CD, Andrew plays some of his favourite melodies which include:

Someone Cares Knowing You Jesu, joy of man’s desiring

This CD is available from bandleader2012@gmail.com

Gainsborough

It was my privilege to lead the band and songsters rehearsal at the kind invitation of my colleague Andrew Blyth. Following a very nice shepherd’s pie with Andrew and Sue (I think Sue did the cooking!), we went off to songsters. The fellowship and enjoyment they have together was evident throughout the evening. After a run-through song for Sunday led by Sue, I rehearsed Abide with me and I bring them to Jesus, which proved to be a popular song from the past. We looked at a new song, originally arranged for Territorial Music School girls chorus, before fi nishing up with Divine Right. What a treat it was to hear Pamela Hair at the piano! Following songsters, we had a devotional time together highlighting that through our music we offer grace, seen and unseen.The fi nal hour of rehearsal was given over to the band. We began with the Star Lake march, and then looked at a lovely meditation by Charles Skinner, Thine Alone. This has recently been rescored for our Salvation Army Classics Series. Tomado de la Mano and a new march took up the rest of the rehearsal time.

I am grateful to both sections for their welcome, their music-making and their encouragement to each other, to me and to others in their week-to-week ministry. D.K.

William Booth College rehearsal

It was my privilege to visit the William Booth College to lead the band and choir rehearsals. Both groups were given music that is yet to be published to play and sing and enjoyed being the fi rst groups to try these compositions.

For me, it was good to be there and enjoy making music within the lovely setting of the college Assembly Hall, a special place for so many which seemed to be aptly refl ected as we sang I’ll follow thee a new setting by Andrew Blyth. D.K.

with challenge and interest and they worked hard for most of the day, with some breaks for afternoon meetings with the able support of

Music Ministries Unit NewsletterJULY 2012

Andrew Laird CD - Someone Cares

YP Bandleader Andrew Laird (Clydebank Corps) has produced a CD of Clarinet Solos and also features the YP Band in a couple of items,Camp Ponderosa and Jonah and the whale.

News in brief

Ann Howlett-Foster (Songster Leader from Cambridge) reports on the recent United in Mission Conference.

If you were to say to me ‘Put a group of music leaders in a room for a weekend and you’ll have fun,’ I might have been inclined to say, ‘Not me, thanks,’ but I’m glad I went to the Music Ministries stream of the United in Mission Conference held at Swanwick.

I’m glad I was challenged by each corps music leaders presentation of how music is being used in new and exciting ways to reach people of all ages and cultures.

I’m glad I was part of the discussions led by Derick Kane about corps needs and our expectations of the Music

Ministries Unit.

I was fascinated as Major John Martin helped us understand the history and theology of our music ministry and how rich and varied music-making is across our corps.

I’m grateful that we Walked the Cross (prayer labyrinth) with the ALOVE group because it helped us see creative possibilities and brought us to our knees.

I’m glad I met some wonderful, hard-working, committed and creative leaders who love God.

Most of all, I’m glad the lights kept going off (it seems we were sitting too still!) because we were reminded that sometimes we need to get up and run around a bit to bring light into the room; our lives; others’ lives.

Coming soon from mmu

• A progressive tutor for brass instruments

• CD backing included• Available from September

• Available for B and E instruments

m

• 3 volumes - Let‛s Play; Let‛s Progress; Let‛s Perform

Coming soon...Due to popular demand

• 20 new pieces

• Demonstration CD available

• Available from October

20

www.salvationarmy.org.uk/music

United in music ministry