Band History
Introduction to the band
The South London Fellowship Band (SLFB) was formed in 1994 on the initiative of Major George Whittingham, a retired Salvation Army Officer, a former Deputy Bandmaster of the International Staff Band and, for many years, Bandmaster of the Upper Norwood Band of the Salvation Army.
Band leadership
Major George Whittingham was the founder and first leader of the group. He saw an opportunity to create a further avenue of service and fellowship for Salvationists and other Christians either approaching or already enjoying retirement. He led the band with distinction for nearly 20 years before retiring in 2013, at the age of 87,
Following Major Whittingham’s retirement Darrell Scholes became the conductor of the band, and in addition to many visits to Salvation Army centres in the UK, also led a tour to the Netherlands. He relinquished the role at the end of 2019 when he was appointed Bandmaster at Croydon Citadel corps.
In 2020 a further change of leadership took place and Major Whittingham was again on hand to present the baton to Derick Kane. Regrettably, within days of Derick’s formal appointment, the Covid-19 pandemic struck and his musical leadership recommenced when restriction were lifted.
Band History
The band brings together a wealth of commitment and many years of service resulting in a group of players who strive to achieve high standards of Christian discipleship and musicianship through which Salvationists and friends throughout the wider brass band movement can be reminded of and learn more of the rich heritage of Salvation Army music.
The Band has undertaken away weekends and visits to a large number of corps extending from Plymouth Exeter Hall in the south-west to Aberdeen Citadel in the far north of Scotland. In addition to the Band’s own soloists, festivals have been graced by a number of special guests including Brett Baker, David Daws, Derick Kane, Carl Nielsen and the late Maisie Wiggins as well as ‘up and coming’ players such as Tom Neilson.
One of many highlights over the years for the Band was a Composers Festival in 2011 when the music of three English SA composers was featured in a programme conducted by the composers themselves, all of whom were living in the USA at the time: Lieut. Colonel Norman Bearcroft, Brian Bowen and the late Major Terry Camsey.
The Band undertook it’s third tour, visiting a number of Salvation Army centres in the Netherlands, in June 2017. Previous tours were in 2003, to the north of England and Scotland, and 2013 visiting corps in the Midlands and Norfolk.
During the pandemic, the band kept in touch with each other via a series of ‘zoom’ meetings where well known personalities as well as personalities from the current were featured. When restrictions were lifted the band members were keen to get back together, with a near 100% turnout at the first rehearsal and subsequent events well attended both by band members, spouses and congregations.
SLFB CDs
The Band has recorded seven CDs, the most recent, A South London Celebration, was released in April this year end featured 2 of the band’s own soloists, Alan Moyse (cornet) and Adrian Horwood (Euphonium). Previous CDs include a tribute in 2010 to the music of Lieut. Colonel Ray Bowes featuring guest soloists Keith Hutchinson and Simon Birkett. Another CD highlight in 2008 featured the music of Eric Ball and Erik Leidzén with guest soloists Dudley Bright and Paul Archibald – the son of a former member of the Band. Details of all the Band’s CDs can be found here
The Band maintains a wide and varied repertoire and tailors its programmes to suit the varied venues at which it is asked to play. There is however always a core of Salvation Army music, both ancient and modern, which has included works regarded as classics of the genre such as Montreal Citadel, The Old Wells, Resurgam, Lord of the Sea, The Triumph of Peace and Song of Courage.
The Band maintains contact with its retired members and supporters through this website.
Engagements have been carried out at the following venues over the years:-
Boston, Lincolnshire
Upper Norwood
The United Reformed Church West Wickham
Sutton with guest soloist Maisie Wiggins – trombone
Northampton Central
Eastbourne Citadel
Hadleigh Temple
Royal Tunbridge Wells with guest soloist Nick Hudson – trombone
Gravesend St George’s Church
Penge Salvation Army – Divisional meeting “Come and Celebrate”
The United Reformed Church Herne Hill
Shaw Salvation Army, Lancashire
Redhill Salvation Army
Margate Citadel, Salvation Army
Rochester Prison for a Carol Service
Denmark Place Baptist Church (In aid of the Parkinson’s Disease Society)
Ipswich and Felixstowe
Blackpool Citadel
Thornton Heath
Croydon Citadel with the South London Youth Band (Leader Paul Graham)
Tour of Scotland and Northern England
Plymouth Exeter Hall, Whitleigh
Bromley “Open Rehearsal” and “Composers Night”
Brighton Congress Hall
St George’s Church Beckenham (SLFB 10th Anniversary)
St Laurence Church Catford
Wellingborough
Boscombe
Chatham
Southend Citadel
Doncaster
Canterbury
Tunstall
Bedford
Ramsgate
Worthing Citadel
Heathrow Airport
Sheringham
Derby
Sheffield
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