Fall Festival of Praise in Baltimore

On Sunday, 20 November 2005, at the Middle River Corps in Baltimore, Maryland, the Baltimore Brass Band of the Salvation Army presented its Fall Festival of Praise. The concert was enjoyed by the audience who listened appreciatively to the band, directed by Bandmaster Melinda Ryan. This was her second concert with the group since moving from Newfoundland in February to assume the position of Divisional Music Director for the Maryland and West Virginia Division of the Salvation Army.

Joining the band for this event were several new young members – Sam Bass (percussion), Rachel Bass (tenor horn), and an 11-year old baritone player, Jamie Whiten. Other new musicians for this concert included Brian Ellison (euphonium), George Payne (baritone), Randy Baumbach (cornet), Dave Ingalls (Bb Bass), and Joel Bristor (Eb Bass).

The concert began with the band playing William Himes' march God of Wonders. Following words of welcome from Captain Robin Starr, Divisional Financial Secretary, the congregation sang the hymn “Praise My Soul”, accompanied by the band.

The next item was Shaker Tune Variations (Dirk Krommenhoek), based on the well-known American folk tune. This was followed by Douglas Court's gospel rock piece Victory in Jesus. The festival then moved to a devotional mood as Bandmaster Ryan conducted the band in playing Lord, With My All I Part (Richard Phillips). This was followed by the swing arrangement All to Jesus (Eilav Herikstad) and Ray Steadman-Allen's spirited Joy In My Heart.

After a short intermission the band played the classic march Golden Jubilee (Milton Kippax) and the song arrangement Promised Land (William Broughton), followed by Richard Phillips' beautiful arrangement of Amazing Grace.

Major Jim Arrowood, Baltimore Area Commander, presented the Devotional Thought before the band concluded their program with Solid Rock Sing-A-Long (Stephen Bulla) and Nick Simmons-Smith's march Good Old Army.