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The band was privileged to play to a large crowd in the delightful setting of Shareshill Church.
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From the thrilling Overture, Excelsior, to the final, evocative Benediction, An Irish Blessing, the band were in good form, bringing much blessing and entertainment to a receptive congregation.
As someone who is not a fan of the use of multimedia I have to admit that the use of words and pictures greatly enhanced the performances of the three pieces for which they were used: What a Wonderful World, The Present Age, and in particular the trombone solo, The Eternal Quest. It seemed to make the message and meaning all the more poignant, especially for the large non-Army element of the audience.
At the end, the lady sitting in front of me turned to me and said how much she had enjoyed it and how moving she had found the trombone solo, in places she had been reduced to tears. (Mark’s trombone playing has often had this effect on me, but not for the same reasons!!!).
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The other soloists, Karen Farmer (flugel horn) and Martin Hughes (cornet) acquitted themselves well.
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There was a real mix and blend of different types of music: good old Army marches, classical, jazz and the real challenge for players and listeners of Ken Downie’s Purcell Variations.
All of this wonderful musical fayre was served up with the usual enthusiasm and dedication that we have come to expect from the Citadel band.
As the hundred or so of us who had had the pleasure of being there spilled out into the pleasant September evening, I’m sure that we all felt it had been good to meet in the House of the Lord.
Words: John S Sharman
Pictures: Gordon McKee