Memorial Concert in Support of Hospice

The Anglia Divisional Golden Oldies Band (Bandmaster Bram Scott) joined with vocal soloist Juliet Parker on October 25, 2003 for a concert in memory of former bandsman Jim Harris, who passed away one year ago. The concert, held at the Woodbridge Methodist Church, was a benefit for the St. Elizabeth Hospice in Ipswich. A total of £750 was raised through this festival.

The festival began with a congregational song, "Praise my soul, the King of Heaven" with the band accompanying. This was followed by the classic march The Red Shield (H. Goffin), showing the band's technical excellence (which is considerable for a group with an average age of 73). Corps Sergeant-Major Ken Stutterford of the Woodbridge Corps made introductions for the evening, followed by Eric Ball's The Triumph of Peace performed by the band. The guest vocal soloist for the festival, Juliet Parker from Ipswich Citadel, then sang two items accompanied by Norma Howe on piano, Separation (George Snook) and O Maker of This Lovely Day (Edgar Grinsted).

The concert continued with the band performing Stainer Variations (Kenneth Ketteringham), followed by a flugel solo played by Dennis Versey, Alleluja (Mozart, arr. George Marshall). Brian Cooper contributed with a piano solo version of Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring.

Many of the items presented during the festival were ones that Jim enjoyed during his time as a bandsman. The march Faithful Service was written by Keith Manners for Jim to mark 70 years of service as a bandsman. This was followed by another solo item, Jesus I Come to Thee (Norman Bearcroft) played by Neale Whittell on baritone.

Following a short deveotional by Lt.-Col. Caddy, the band contributed to the spirit of worship with Divine Communion (Arthur Gullidge) and singing a male voice arrangement of Rock of Ages. Just prior to intermission, Jim Harris' son Mark spoke.

Another classic Eric Ball work, The Old Wells, began the second portion of the program, followed by three more solo items from Juliet Parker: Pié Jesu (Andrew Lloyd Webber), Rest in My Love (Marilyn Baker) and James Curnow's He Leadeth Me. The band returned with "Nimrod" from Elgar's Enigma Variations (arr. Dennis Wright). The concert concluded with Memories (Kenneth Ketteringham) and the congregational song "Now thank we all our God". The final tally of funds raised for the hospice was £750.

Source:
Anglia Divisional Golden Oldies Band

Posted by Webmaster 20 November 2003 15:03:41