139th Anniversary Gravesend 2022
The Salvation Army Corps at Gravesend was celebrating its 139th Corps Anniversary and a long-standing engagement in the diary had been the visit of SLFB led by Derick Kane.
The event started with a welcome tea provided by the Corps, which for Bandsmen, their partners and supporters provided much needed sustenance, especially for those who had a fair distance to travel. As on our many previous visits, the Band were warmly welcomed to Gravesend, in part due to the Band’s oldest active player at over 90, Brian Hillyer who soldiers at Gravesend.
The concert itself was split into two distinct sections but had a Last Night of the Proms feel to it, especially in the second half. A PowerPoint presentation included references to the words and verses from scripture was used to help provide understanding and context.
The first half opened with the Coronation March from ‘The Prophet’ arranged by Albert Jakeway. This was immediately followed by a Dean Goffin arrangement of Nimrod from Edward Elgar’s Enigma Variations, that gave more than a flavour of the Proms music to come.
The first of the Band’s featured soloists was Principal Cornet player, Andy Precious, who expertly played Mozart’s “Alleluja” arranged by Bandmaster George Marshall with the Band providing the accompaniment.
The next group of pieces brought together melodies from around the United Kingdom.
These included ‘Early One Morning’ (England) and 100 Pipers (Scotland) both taken from “The Sound of Britain” by Norman Bearcroft. These were followed by “Through the Fair”, a beautiful Irish melody arranged by the Songster Leader of Belfast Sydenham Corps, Chelsea Pascoe, beautifully played by our second soloist, Jeremy Davis on Flugel Horn.
Finally, to not miss out Wales, was the stirring arrangement of Men of Harlech (Langford) which got the loudest applause – much to the chagrin of the Bandmaster who is a proud Scotsman!
The Band then had a chance to sing (led by Adrian Horwood) and the chosen song was ‘What a Wonderful World” immortalised by Louis Armstrong. With a sensitive Brass Ensemble by Trombones and Eb Bass it reminded the congregation of all the good things in the world at a time when the news always seem to be at the other end of the spectrum.
The third Soloist of the evening was the Band’s principal Euphonium Player, Adrian Horwood who played Benedictus.
This was from a work of Karl Jenkins called The Armed Man – a Mass for Peace written in 1999 to mark the relocation of the British Armoury Museum from London to Leeds. It was also intended to be in memory of those that died in the Kosovo conflict. This solo has a beautiful melody underpinned by sustained chords from the Band. Adrian’s musicality and tone was once again evident.
The Band’s major work of the evening, composed by Derick Kane was inspired by his visit to the beautiful cathedral city of Durham as the country emerged from lockdown. Derick was struck by many aspects of the city including the River, the Castle the Cathedral and the reference to saints such as St. Cuthbert. Entitled Durham Snapshots this was a ‘world premiere’ and the Band really enjoyed playing the composition. Originally written with three sections the composer had also written a piece called Hymn to the Saints which was then incorporated into it with a reference to the Tune “Sine Nomine”, but in 3/4 time with the words “From all the Saints who from labours rest”… It was enthusiastically received by the audience.
Following an interval which gave Bandsmen a chance to speak to the congregation and grab a cold drink, the second half opened up with Alan Ferries arrangement of Let it Shine. With a contemporary gospel rock feel it features the Song” This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine”. Lenard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” was the Bands next offering. This song has been covered by some of the biggest names in the Pop World but it works best in its simplest form as in this arrangement. The audience were invited to sing the refrain which certainly didn’t need words on the screen as the word Hallelujah is just repeated 4 times.
Having warmed their vocal chords up the Proms theme got into full swing with a “Musicals Medley” arranged by Derick Kane for the Band. The introduction features part of Phantom of the Opera, leading into songs including Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious , Lets go fly a kite, Love changes everything, Doh a deer a female deer and Food glorious food.
The audience then joined in with the final 3 pieces – I vow to thee my Country, Jerusalem and the traditional finale of Land of Hope of Glory from Elgar’s Pomp & Circumstance.
Thanks were given by the Corps with a reminder that the audience had been treated to an evening of music for free and that collecting boxes were at the doors for ‘exit’ fees which would go to the Salvation Army’s Big Collection Appeal. There was also the interesting fact that when the Corps opened 139 years ago, they were supported by Chatham Band who were unfortunately attacked by The Skeleton Army with the Bass Drum and other instruments thrown into the river! At least this Band didn’t suffer such an attack!
After the benediction the Band played the Salvation Army classic “On the Kings Highway” by Eric Leidzen.
So concluded a great evening of music-making that was thoroughly enjoyed by the congregation as well as by the Band, having waited for so long to brings its music and playing the Christian message to the listener.
PN
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