It hardly seems 12 months since we were playing in the foyer of the International Convention Centre providing pre-contest music to the crowds of onlookers. But, again, this year we were able to portray the message of Christ through our music.
There is something special about 'the open' which seems to attract a faithful following year after year. Throughout the hour of our 'concert' many bandsmen and band supporters stopped to listen. Even more were able to hear the band as they browsed the trade stalls on the floors above. We saw many familiar faces both from Salvation Army bands and contesting bands.
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We count it a great privilege to play in such a prestigious building surrounded by people with a love of music. We know many also have a love of Jesus Christ but suspect, sadly, that some may have lost that love over the years. It is our sincere prayer that we may have touched a chord in someone's heart and that as a result of our playing here former Salvationists may return to their roots, and other people may either go to Church or their local Salvation Army.
Those of us who stayed on for the contest were treated to a wonderful day of music making. Obviously there has to be winners, and by definition losers, but it has to be said that the standard throughout the day was of the highest order and all of the bands and their leaders have to be commended on their superb playing.
A particular highlight of the day was the Gala Concert in the evening sponsored by World of Brass. The first half featured Yorkshire Building Society Band who provided a traditional brass band programme. Their choice of programme was excellently balanced and included two of the bands soloists, Sheona White on tenor horn and Peter Roberts on soprano. Both players displayed absolute mastery of their craft. The final piece Music of the Spheres by Philip Sparke brought the first half of the evening to a close in brilliant style. One could have been forgiven for thinking the Symphony Hall organ was part of the proceedings - but it wasn't, the organ sound was purely from the band. Wonderful playing - thank you.
If the day was good up until now, it moved to a new dimension as the Stavanger Brass Band from Norway took to the stage. This band moves brass banding to an entirely new level. Quoting from their programme notes, "the simple realisation, but one that the majority of bands have not embraced, was that the presentation of a concert was dependent not only on what the audience hear but also what they see ... ... ...the bands concert performance ...has turned inherently introvert Norwegians into one of the most extrovert and exciting concerting bands in Europe - with all music memorised and added visual elements with full stage choreography."
Whilst the full programme was played without music - either for playing musicians or professor David King, the conductor - most of the programme was played without seating! This provided the opportunity for virtually continuous choreographed movement around the stage.
Words fail to describe the impact this band had on the audience. Even following a standing ovation, the audience was reluctant to leave the hall in case they should miss any encore item. This was music making at its best where the audience was treated to a visual display that matched the unbelievable musicianship.
The reason for dwelling on this subject? What can brass bands in general learn from this? And more specifically, what can Salvation Army bands learn? One thing is for sure - the world has moved on. Anyone who has heard and seen this band has heightened expectations of a brass band. Of course, it is not necessary for all brass band personnel to memorise their music and learn choreographed routines, but everyone responsible for brass band programmes in future - be they indoors or in the open air - should consider the visual impact on their audience as well as the impact of the music. I suggest this can be applied to the negative elements of banding (chewing gum, drinking water, and talking) as well as the positive elements where deportment is already at a high standard. Live music is just that - live. And as the saying goes, 'you only get one chance to make a first impression'.
Stavanger Brass Band has made a lasting impression on at least one listener (sorry, viewer!).
Words: David McKee
Pictures: Gordon McKee