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Great American Brass Band Festival

Mon, 21 Jun 2010 13:08:56 GMT

The weekend of June 11-13, the CSB was privileged to participate as one of the guest bands at the 2010 Great American Brass Band Festival. Commencing in 1990, the event is held annually in Danville, Kentucky, and features a wide variety of brass bands, a hot-air balloon race, a colourful parade down the main street, a picnic and other activities. Each year up to 40,000 people travel to the small town (population 15,000) for the event. Bands play at various venues where people can spread out on the spacious grounds of Centre College, soak up the sun and enjoy the festivities. A highlight is the ecumenical worship service on Sunday morning, always accompanied by a Salvation Army band and featuring a community choir drawn from area churches. Most CSB members had been there previously, either with the CSB during its previous visit in 1999, or with their own corps band. It was a long bus ride there and back from Toronto, but all agreed it was well worth it to take in this marvellous musical extravaganza.

Tribute - Stanley Dean

Mon, 21 Jun 2010 19:10:27 GMT

The CSB is saddened to announce the loss of one of its original members, Stanley Dean. Before emigrating to Canada from England, Stan was already well known for his technical proficiency and full, marvellous sound. His skill enabled him to occasionally fill in for the great Josh Walford in the ISB, his euphonium partner at his home corps of Plumstead. Moving to Toronto, Stan served with distinction at Scarborough Citadel, where he was the songster leader and taught instrumental learners. It is interesting to note that two of those learners, Rick Allington and Ron Pearson, are members of the current CSB today. Stan was pleased to be chosen by Major Norman Bearcroft as a founding member of the Canadian Staff Band in 1969. He is remembered by his fellow bandsmen as an excellent musician and a fine, quiet gentleman. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family in their loss.

41st Anniversary Festival

Wed, 09 Jun 2010 09:00:20 GMT

An air of excitement and anticipation swept through the audience at Scarborough Citadel, Toronto, as they awaited the entry of the Canadian Staff Band for its 41st Anniversary Festival on Saturday, May 29. This year's guest was the founding bandmaster, Lt-Colonel Norman Bearcroft, so the night was sure to be entertaining as well as musically satisfying and spiritually uplifting.

The band commenced with James Curnow's scintillating Hallelujah!, followed by the congregation joining in heartily on Norman Bearcroft's Happy Song, led by Deputy Bandmaster Major Ken Smith.

Following a prayer and greetings from Colonel Floyd Tidd, chief secretary for the Canada and Bermuda Territory, Bandmaster John Lam welcomed the audience and introduced Lt-Colonel Bearcroft. In response, the colonel recalled the circumstances under which the band was formed in 1969 and remarked that it was good to see it still going strong 41 years later.

For its first major item of the evening, the band delivered a sparkling rendition of Shostakovich's Festive Overture (arranged by William Gordon), much to the delight of the audience. Then it was on to the first of three instrumental solos newly written for CSB soloists. Ralph Pearce's meditative Incarnation is the result of a request by trombonist Craig Lewis, and has special significance in that it features the hymn tune Armadale, written by Craig's wife's grandmother, Mrs. Colonel Lily Skinner.

In a complete change of mood, the CSB presented Leonard Ballantine's Daniel's Band. Written in 1975, it is an imaginative and colourful setting of the timeless children's song ...Dare to be a Daniel.o Major Ballantine's presence in the audience was acknowledged following the band's presentation.

The second solo of the evening was the world premier of a new work by Colonel Robert Redhead, who was invited to the platform to introduce it. Salvus, featuring euphonium soloist Stephen Pavey, features Martin Luther's ...A mighty fortress is our Godo and the contemporary worship chorus ...I cast all my cares upon you.o Written as an expression of the faith that Steve and his wife Valerie demonstrated during the serious illness of their daughter over the past two years, this major work is based on the promise of Psalm 91 that God is our refuge and strength and will keep us safe (Latin 'salvus') when we put our trust in him. The presentation was warmly received by the audience.

For a complete change of pace, Cameron Rawlins presented the vocal solo What a Friend. The bright, energetic arrangement by Darren Bartlett also featured Major Ken Smith on piano, Doug Elvin on bass and CSB alumnus Gordon Mayer on drums.

To round off the first half of the concert, the CSB then presented a new major work by James Curnow, The Ellacombe Chronicles. Featuring a set of diverse variations on the hymn tune of the same name, it is based on a musical interpretation of Isaac Watts' well-known hymn, ...I sing the mighty power of God.o

The intermission gave opportunity to purchase Colonel Bearcroft's new book, In Good Company. The limited supply of books went quickly, and many took advantage of the chance to greet the author and get his signature.

The second half of the program featured no less than four Bearcroft pieces, starting with the march To Regions Fair. Then it was the popular Just Like John, introduced and conducted by the composer in his own inimitable style. During the playing of this old favourite, written for the Canadian Staff Band during its formative years, the audience enjoyed a slide presentation featuring humorous and light-hearted CSB memories from the previous four decades.

The third new solo of the night featured CSB Executive Officer Major Kevin Metcalf in Down by the Riverside by Jeff Christmas. Based on the spiritual of the same name, the music is arranged in the style of a New Orleans street band complete with the distinctive ...second lineo swing.

A complete change of pace took place once again with the presentation of Randall Thompson's popular choral work, Alleluia, in a new setting by Major Len Ballantine. Then, after some brief devotional comments by Colonel Bearcroft, more than 20 former CSB members joined the present band to sing The Calvary Track, Bearcroft's male-voice setting of Albert Orsborn's song, ...I know thee who thou art.o It was a moving moment as bandsmen representing 41 years of CSB ministry lifted up the words:

Let nothing draw me back or turn my heart from thee,
But by the Calvary track bring me at last to see
The courts of God, that city fair,
And find my name is written there.

To conclude the program, Colonel Bearcroft had chosen one of his most well-known and popular works, Songs of Newfoundland. Introducing the piece by telling of its origins in preparation for the CSB's tour of Newfoundland in 1971, he then went on to conduct the band in a memorable performance that was much appreciated by the audience.

Following the concert, CSB alumni shared in an informal reception with Colonel Bearcroft and present band members. It was significant that four CSB bandmasters were present for the occasion'Lt-Colonel Norman Bearcroft (1969-76), Colonel Robert Redhead (1976-85), Brian Burditt (1985-2002, 2006-08) and John Lam. It was a wonderful occasion to renew acquaintances and share old memories'the perfect end to a wonderful night of music and fellowship.
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The CSB is grateful for the assistance of alumni Ted Sparks (cornet) and Gordon Mayer (percussion), who helped us out with this year's anniversary festival. We also thank CSB alumnus Major Gary Venables for taking pictures on the night. Some of his photos are included below.

CSB Alumni President Appointed

Thu, 03 Jun 2010 15:51:00 GMT

During the reception following the recent anniversary festival, Major Kevin Metcalf, CSB executive officer, announced that Bob Young has been officially appointed as the CSB Alumni President.

With more and more names being added to the list, the band executive felt it was important to have someone officially responsible for keeping in touch with alumni members and organizing alumni events. A charter member of the band who served until 2003, Bob's dedication to detail and organizational skills make him the perfect person to take on this responsibility.

Congratulations, Bob! We look forward to hearing more from you in the days to come.

Here We Grow Again

Wed, 02 Jun 2010 21:22:32 GMT

Congratulations to the following staff band members and their respective spouses who have recently welcomed new little ones into their homes:

Andrew and Shona Burditt
Son - Wilson

Nicole and Nathan Downer
Daughter - Chloe

Nicole hopes to begin playing again in September.

ISB 120th Anniversary - June 3-5, 2011

Mon, 21 Jun 2010 11:36:02 GMT

As followers of The Salvation Army's International Staff Band are no doubt already aware, plans are well underway for a weekend of celebration in London, England, June 3-5, 2011, marking the ISB's 120th anniversary.

The Canadian Staff Band is one of eight staff bands from around the world that has been invited to share in this historic occasion with the ISB, along with the Amsterdam Staff Band, German Staff Band, Japan Staff Band, Melbourne Staff Band, New York Staff Band and Chicago Staff Band. Three of the bands (Chicago, Japan and Melbourne) will have opportunity to tour the U.K. prior to the weekend.

Over the three days a series of events will be held:

Friday, June 3
With all eight bands descending on London, the weekend will commence with a Friday night concert at Regent Hall featuring the world's oldest staff band (New York) and the ISB.

Saturday, June 4
Saturday will feature a spectacular evening concert at the Royal Albert Hall involving massed bands, vocalists, soloists, ...flags, trumpets and tromboneso and plenty of audience engagement and participation. The evening program will be preceded in the afternoon by each band giving a 20-25 minute concert of their own choice (with multimedia presentation) highlighting their own distinct ...charactero and their places in The Salvation Army's work of their own country. There will also be a series of fringe events taking place during the day around the Royal Albert Hall.

Sunday, June 5
As part of an annual event, The Salvation Army's music leaders from throughout the United Kingdom will be joined in the morning by all eight staff bands in the congregation. Music will be provided by the U.K.'s Territorial Youth Band and the International Staff Songsters.

In the afternoon, in what is sure to be one of the highlights of the weekend, all eight staff bands will march down The Mall to Buckingham Palace where permission has been granted by The Queen to present a small concert in the forecourt of the palace grounds.

Anticipation is mounting for this memorable weekend of celebration.
For the Canadian Staff Band, it will be our fourth visit to England, having been there previously in 1974 (left), 1983 and 1990. At this point in time, we are working on arranging a tour elsewhere in Europe that will likely take place before the ISB anniversary. Further details will be announced in due course.

Visit to Midland

Mon, 03 May 2010 14:35:49 GMT

The CSB was privileged to support the Midland Corps, Ontario, in celebrating their 125th anniversary May 1-2, 2010. Majors Neil and Merrilee Evenden, corps officers, together with a team of faithful workers, had put a lot of planning and effort into the weekend and we were grateful for their organization. Guest leaders were Majors Raymond and Caroline Braddock, former corps officers, who brought their own unique touches to the various meetings.

Arriving by bus, we enjoyed lunch at the corps before heading to the Midland Alliance Church to set up for the evening concert. All morning it had been pouring rain, casting doubt on whether we'd be able to hold the scheduled outdoor events in the afternoon. But by 2:00 the rain had stopped and the open-air meeting at the town dock was able to proceed as planned. This was then followed by a march through the downtown streets, during which the sun came out from behind the clouds and bystanders happily greeted the site of the band followed by soldiers and friends of the corps.

It was then off to the corps anniversary dinner, held at the Royal Canadian Legion Hall in nearby Penetanguishene. An ensemble from the band provided a musical prelude and accompanied the singing, which was intermingled with greetings by civic leaders and speeches reflecting on the history of the corps. Unfortunately the proceedings ran a bit long, pre-empting the singing of O Boundless Salvation and making for a mad dash for the church in order to make our 7:30 concert starting time. With just a few minutes to grab our instruments and suit up in our red tunics, we just made it onto the church platform by 7:29.

A sizeable audience from the community added to visiting Salvationists and members of the local corps, and they were not to be disappointed. From the opening notes of the percussion section in Living Flame (causing at least one person to jump out of their seat and issue a loud exclamation), it was very evident that those present were not used to hearing a band of our size. It was going to be quite the night.

Highlights of the first half included staples of our current concert repertoire: Festive Overture, Canadian Folk Song Suite, A Joy Untold (featuring euphonium soloist Steve pavey), Dance Like David and Variations on Terra Beata. Then after a short intermission, the band played Hallelujah! and the march Lowell Anniversary. Two ...newo works were then heard for the first time: Len Ballantine's Daniel's Band (actually written in 1975, this has been seldom used over the years, making it seem like new), and the world premier of Jeff Christmas' cornet solo, Down by the Riverside, written especially for Major Kevin Metalf to play on our new CSB recording.

Two devotional items The Light of the World and Cameron Rawlins' vocal solo It Is Well - surrounded a brief devotional thought by Major Metcalf. The program then concluded with Robert Redhead's Corpus Christi, which elicited an immediate standing ovation by the audience.

Sunday morning worship was led by Major Neil Evenden, CSM Joan Finely and other local leaders. In addition to a prelude before the service, including Craig Lewis' trombone solo Incarnation, the CSB's main contributions were Major Ken Smith's new meditation In Quiet Confidence and Steve Brown's cornet solo, Don't Doubt Him Now. The band also accompanied a very fine timbrel drill to the march Montreal Citadel. The novelty of live music to accompany the singing was especially appreciated by the congregation, who have to rely on recorded music most other weeks.

Basing his thoughts on the story of Noah from Genesis 6, Major Ray Braddock brought the Bible message on the subject ...I Am Responsible For My Choices.o The congregation were invited to respond as they sang William Himes' beautiful song of commitment, All That I Am. The meeting then ended with a rousing rendition of I'll Go in the Strength of the Lord, followed by the band benediction God Be With You (arr. William Gordon), played by special request.

Following an enjoyable lunch including a delicious anniversary cake, it was back on the bus for the trip home. It was a lovely weekend, and the CSB is especially grateful for the assistance of two of our alumni - Justin Poirier and Gordon Mayer (on second cornet and percussion respectively) filling in for Bob Gray and Leigh Rowney, both of whom had other commitments.

It was also a pleasure to connect with two other CSB alumni during the weekend - Major Ken Evenden, a founding member and later executive officer, and Paul Rayment, who has recently organized a new brass band in the Midland community - Georgian Bay Brass.

It was a privilege to be part of this weekend celebration and we pray God's continued blessing on the Midland Corps in the days to come.

Personnel Update - April 2010

Wed, 21 Apr 2010 11:31:34 GMT

The Canadian Staff Band is pleased to welcome Sherie Keogh into the band on solo cornet. Sherie attends Mountain Citadel Corps in Hamilton, where she plays in the senior band and helps out with the junior band. Of interest is the fact that Sherie is the sister of current CSB member Nicole Downer, making this the first time two sisters have served in the Canadian Staff Band together.

The CSB was grateful to have Sherie helping us during our recent weekend visit to Meadowlands Corps, as well as playing on our recent recording, Corpus Christi, due out later this year. We're happy to now welcome her as a full-time member and look forward to her contributions in the days to come.

"A Day in the Life"

Tue, 13 Apr 2010 13:34:09 GMT

Staff Bandsman Craig Lewis has posted a photo journal - "A Day in the Life of the CSB" - on Facebook. Click here to see images and captions detailing the band's activities on Saturday, April 10, 2010, starting with our recording session at Brampton Corps and ending with our concert as part of the Hannaford Street Silver Band's 7th Annual Festival of Brass. Thanks, Craig!

CD Update

Mon, 19 Jul 2010 14:37:00 GMT

The CSB has now recorded the tracks for our upcoming CD, Corpus Christi.

Recording sessions at Brampton went well and we hope to have the CD available by July.

The new CD will include the following:

* Hallelujah! (James Curnow)
* March - Lowell Anniversary (Stephen Bulla)
* Festive Overture (Shostakovich, arr. William Gordon)*
* Down by the Riverside (Jeff Christmas)*
(Cornet Solo - Major Kevin Metcalf)
* Daniel's Band (Leonard Ballantine)*
* A Joy Untold (Terry Camsey)
(Euphonium Solo - Steve Pavey)
* Variations on Terra Beata (James Curnow)
* Incarnation (Ralph Pearce)
(Trombone Solo - Craig Lewis)
* Dance Like David (Andrew Mackereth)
* Don't Doubt Him Now (Leonard Ballantine, arr. Craig Woodland)*
(Cornet Solo - Steve Brown)
* Corpus Christi (Robert Redhead)*
* In My Life, Lord, Be Glorified (Bob Kilpatrick, arr. Kevin Metcalf)*

*Canadian composer or arranger