This was Birmingham Citadel Band's first attendance at this annual event. Like all engagements, eagerly awaited and then - before you know it - it's all over! So, let's reflect on the highlights of the 'Highlights'.
After travelling to central London, in what could only be described as monsoon conditions, we joined with our Hendon comrades for rehearsal. Can you imagine the logistics nightmare of arranging seating for almost 100 bandsmen? However, like a well-oiled machine, everything was set in place for the massed bands. Bandmaster David Nicholson and Bandmaster Stephen Cobb then each took a turn at transforming the massed band into a well-oiled machine! Well, almost.
Another feat of logistics and the platform seating was laid out to accommodate two separate band formations, plus a grand piano. Each band had the opportunity for a sound check and the musical equivalent of dotting the remaining i's and crossing the outstanding t's.
A feature of this year's programme was the vocal soloist Deanna Cheyne ably
supported by her husband Jim on the piano. She can be seen here in
rehearsal.
An opportunity for a look at the London Eye awaited us at tea-time. A huge structure that can only really be appreciated from close quarters. Just our luck - it was closed for annual maintenance, but it was illuminated nonetheless and still turning ever so slowly.
At 7:15 the lights dimmed, the stragglers rushed to their seats, the baton came down and we heard the opening festival march The Joybringer. A scintillating march, brilliantly played with all the light and shade we have come to expect from Hendon Band.
Deanna introduced herself with a beautifully sung arrangement of I'll Be a Light which led us into the opening prayer.
Hendon Band then presented Shine As the Light - again, a very crisp bright performance.
Half an hour into the programme, instruments cold and palms hot and sticky, it was our turn. Partita on St Theodulph. The basses were superb - they start the piece very quiet and very low. Well done. That gave everyone the confidence needed to present a credible performance. Multi-media is not for everyone, but few could not have been transfixed by the powerful images used to support and explain the music and its message. From the fire of the Holy Spirit to the outpouring blood at the crucifixion, it was emotionally challenging and truly memorable.
Deanna was featured again, followed by Carl Saunders playing the cornet solo Caprice for Cornet. This was an excellent rendition, all the more appreciated once we were informed that Carl was unable to take part in the second half due to a sore on his top lip. Not the sort of problem any brass bandsman would welcome.
After Hendon Band's rendition of Corpus Christi (and again, special mention must be made of the bass section) and more solos from Deanna, it was our turn to present Eric Ball's classic Triumph of Peace.
We have featured this item from time to time in the past couple of years and benefited from the sensitive use of multi-media. Roy Richley who, along with Bandmaster Nicholson, produces most of our multi-media material had updated it to incorporate footage showing the full horror of today's warfare with shots of the collapse of the twin towers on 11th September. Also shown were various images showing the Army's caring support following that world-changing tragedy. However, as the music reached its triumphant conclusion with the tune Peace in Our Time O Lord the image of a dove ascending heavenward left everyone in no doubt that there was hope, something to cling to in these troubled times.
An interval provided the ideal opportunity to meet up with friends from around the Army world and also the time for a further rearrangement of the platform chairs to accommodate the massed bands.
Band items were Choose Freedom, Procession to Covenant and Farandole.
All in all an excellent evening of Salvation Army music-making of the highest quality under the able chairmanship of Lt Col Ray Steadman-Allen.
