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Chelmsford SA Band |
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CHELMSFORD SA BAND 1959 to date The history of the band from its inception in 1886 to the retirement of Bandmaster Tom Jordan are dealt with in part 1 of the band's history.In October 1959 Bandmaster Eric Hayward, who like Ted Jackson before him was a product of the Chelmsford Corps, took up the baton and served for over 27 years. Under his leadership the band visited, amongst others, Bedford Congress Hall, Hemel Hempsted, Southsea, Gloucester, Maidstone, Chatham, Newark-on-Trent, Diss, Watford Citadel, Brighton Congress Hall and Worthing.
During this time the band were proud to participate in The Salvation Army Centenary celebrations at Crystal Palace in 1965 as a solo band, and as part of the massed bands in a concert at the Royal Albert Hall, London. In 1974 the band headed the march of all corps sections from the old citadel to the present suite of buildings to celebrate the official opening of the new citadel and community centre. A special piece of music, "The Faithful Witness" was composed for the occasion by the then Major Robert Redhead. This was subsequently rescored and published in The Salvation Army's Festival Series as "We are an Army" & "Oh My Jesus". The move commenced a new chapter in the history of the corps and was soon followed by the presentation of the band's first complete set of new instruments. The money to pay for these was raised thanks to the help of a great number of people both from outside and inside the ranks of the band, and due to the success of this scheme the last instrument to be purchased was a new grand piano for the corps. The conclusion of the scheme was marked by a special weekend, led by the then Major Norman Bearcroft, when the band wore for the first time their new red open neck festival tunics. These replaced the old set of lion tamer style tunics which had fallen into disuse several years previously. It was during Eric's leadership of the band that the first serving member of the band was privileged to play in The Salvation Army's International Staff Band. Percussionist Stephen Watson joined the ISB in March 1986 and travelled extensively both in the UK as well abroad. He relinquished membership of the band in 1999.
Under Simon's guidance the band have been involved in a number of recordings for both local and national radio, the latest being for two editions of the Sunday half hour programme broadcast in December 2001. They have also made two CDs in conjunction with the Songster Brigade (or choir) from the corps. Details of the CDs can be found elsewhere on this site. About once a year a guest conductor is invited into practice to take the band through both music in the band's current repertoire and often some of their own compositions. Guests have included Ray Bowes, Stephen Cobb, Robert Redhead, Ray Steadman-Allen, Don Jenkins, Peter Graham and Dr Ronald Holz from the USA. In February 2001 the band and songsters were privileged to have Bill & Linda Himes join them for a weekend. Bill is the current Bandmaster of the Chicago Staff Band. Bill took band practice on the Thursday evening and he was joined by Linda in an informal "An Evening with.. " on the Friday. The Saturday was devoted to a day of bible study and discussion led by our guests and they led the meetings at Chelmsford on the Sunday. A wonderful weekend for all concerned. Chelmsford Salvation Army Band is proud of its history but does not rest on it but rather uses it as a springboard for the future. It is always seeking to achieve high standards both in its music making as well as in its promulgation of the gospel and looks forward to new opportunities for witness wherever they are. |
Latest News! Promoted to Glory
Geoff Hart 12th May 2008 We are now worshipping at St Peters College, Fox Crescent, Melbourne, Chelmsford
Band Practice Thursday evenings at St Peters College @ 8pm
Recording Copies of the band's latest CD called Go Tell It is still available. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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