NCV Divisional Youth Band and Timbrels Visit Winchester, Virginia

The Divisional Youth Band and Timbrels of the National Capital and Virginia (NCV) Division performed in Winchester, Virginia on the weekend of November 10 - 11, 2001. This was the group's first public performance since they toured Costa Rica last spring.

The weekend began with rehearsals on Friday evening, November 9, at the NCV divisional camp, Camp Happyland. Following three hours of rehearsal (ending at 11:30 pm!) and a "restful" night at camp, the band and timbrelists boarded a chartered bus for the two-hour trip to Winchester.

The city of Winchester, Virginia, is located approximately 70 miles west of Washington, DC, at the northern end of the Shenandoah Valley. Winchester's history dates back to the Colonial period. Founded in 1744, the city was chartered in 1752, making it the oldest city west of the Blue Ridge. In recent times, the city has become known as the site for the annual Apple Blossom Festival, which has been held each spring since 1924.

The band and timbrels arrived in Winchester just in time for lunch at the Winchester Corps. They then traveled to the The Willows, a retirement home in Winchester, for a short concert. The band opened the concert with the march Bognor Regis (Leslie Condon), followed by The Star-Spangled Banner. William Himes' Caribbean Sing-Along was warmly received by the audience. The band then played the familiar hymn tunes How Great Thou Art and Amazing Grace, followed by Stephen Bulla's contemporary arrangement of Bringing In the Sheaves. The concert ended with a festive finale, as the timbrelists joined in as the band played Novarc (Stephen Bulla).

The band then moved the the First Assembly of God church. Following a light supper, the group prepared to open for The Waiting, a Christian rock group. After a few numbers by the band and timbrels, The Waiting took the stage. Following the concert, the band and timbrels were treated to pizza in the fellowship hall of the church, where they were joined by the members of The Waiting.

On Sunday, the Divisional Youth Band and Timbrels participated in the morning worship at the Winchester Corps. Deputy Bandmaster Keith Morris conducted on Sunday, as Bandmaster Ljungholm left early to prepare for a trip to Sweden. Most of the members attended the teen Sunday School class, where they voiced their opinions firmly. The Holiness Meeting was preceded by preliminary music from the band. The band also provided accompaniment for the congregational songs. Commissioner Paul Kellner's Infinite Grace was the band's feature item. The meeting ended in a spirit of praise, as the band played the march Novarc (Stephen Bulla) with the timbrels playing down the center aisle.

Source:
Brass Crest Staff Report

Posted by Webmaster 15 November 2001 12:00:00