|
|
|
We knew it was important and significant - the first Salvation Army band to provide pre-contest music at the British Open Brass Band Championship. We were prepared, with a varied programme of music. We were psyched up – the Bandmaster always prepares us with words of encouragement for major engagements. But on the Tuesday before the contest, the world changed forever with the catastrophic suicide bombings in America.
|
|
|
Suddenly we weren’t so prepared, so psyched up. How do you respond to such a world-changing event? For a while the question hung in the balance, “will the contest go ahead or not?” In the end the organisers decided that it would. But what should we play? What should be the overall tone?
Was it coincidence – surely we as Christians don’t simply believe in coincidence – that we had planned to play Eric Ball’s masterpiece Triumph of Peace? This composition seems to bring out the best in the band, and in the listeners. Bandmaster David Nicholson explained to the audience – many active Salvationists, and perhaps more ex-Salvationists – what was about to unfold. We played it as a tribute to all those who lost their lives or loved ones on that fateful 11th September. Our supporting multimedia captured the full horror of warfare, but ended with a dove ascending heavenward. 'Peace in our time, O Lord.' Wishful thinking? A sincere prayer?
Perhaps the greatest honour was to be invited into the great Birmingham Symphony Hall to take part in the one minute silence and then to play the national anthem of the United States – The Star Spangled Banner. As Salvationists we know something of the real significance and importance of our flag, so it was with great pride that we were able to honour the American flag and all it stands for.
Everyone seemed to know someone, who knew someone, directly affected by the tragedy. It was clear from the huge amount of feedback that our efforts on the day were greatly appreciated by everyone present. It may seem trite, but it is a wonderful privilege being a Salvation Army bandsman.
