The
morning was a very quiet one for the travel-weary members of BCB. A few
poor unfortunates had to get themselves out early to pick up pieces of
equipment, while others decided to get up to try and re-adjust their body
clocks, but the rest of us succumbed to a 3.30am bedtime and 24 hour journey and
stayed firmly in bed.
Once consciousness was reached, members of the band headed out of the hotel to discover the surrounding area. A number of eating establishments were located (an important task for this band) as well as a shopping mall to explore. The heat and humidity of this part of the world also started to hit us and we quickly realised the benefits of air-conditioning in every building.
Just after 2.30pm we all started to regroup at the hotel. We were pleased to see the safe arrival of Roy, Graham and the van, which was carrying all the equipment. This morning journey followed on from Roy and Graham spending the night at the home of former Citadel soldiers Graham and Lynne Weller. We also welcomed the arrival of our hire cars and settled into them with our drivers as our travel source for the next few days.
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Our first engagement of the tour was held at the Des Moines Temple Corps. We were treated to a fine buffet meal with Southern Fried Chicken, Taco salad, fruit pie and muffins amongst all the other food on offer. This is a band that enjoys its food, and this was well received. We then had a little time to chat with our friends from the Corps and relax ourselves before going into the festival.
Once the formalities of the two National Anthems were completed we presented Let there be Praise as our first official piece of the tour. This evening we featured solos from Paul Sharman (Cornet - Glorious Fountain), Mark Sharman (Trombone - Blue Bells of Scotland), Neil Blessett (Tenor Horn - The Old Rustic Bridge) and Keith Watts (Euphonium - Pictures of Perfection). The Timbrels played to the march Goldcrest while the band featured Renaissance as their major work. BM David Nicholson led the programme through in his natural and informative way, while our Executive Officer for the tour - and Commanding Officer - Major Vic Kennedy opened God's Word and reminded us of the privilege it is to be identified in Christ's family as Christians.
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Our festival was soon at an end and once the extensive hall moves had been rectified it was time to head back to the hotel. As we wound down and relaxed, some went out in search of food, while others stayed in in an attempt to get an early night. As we moved into the night hours it seemed to be agreed that the first full day in the country had been a success, and we had much to look forward to in the coming days.
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Words: Edward Dixon
Photos: Gordon McKee
