Norwich Weekend in Bristol

On Saturday, 10 October 2009, the Norwich Citadel Band (Bandmaster Richard Woodrow) traveled to the Bristol Easton Corps, completing a four-way exchange in which the bands and songster brigades have carried out weekend campaigns at the others’ Corps.

The concert on Saturday evening included the march Salvation’s Song, Heart Beat, a transcription of Brahms’ Academic Festival Overture, This Little Light of Mine, and Leslie Condon’s classic Easter Glory. Soloists included Alex Gibson (cornet) who played Zelda, David Winch (tenor horn) who played The Old Rustic Bridge and Daniel Beattie (euphonium) who played Harbour Light. In addition, Sam Gibson delighted the audience with his skills and musicality as he brought two piano items and Gemma Welch danced beautifully to The Shepherd’s Song.

The next morning, Norwich Citadel Band was at the forefront of the worship service led by Captain Richard Welch. They contributed three pieces during the Holiness meeting: My Comfort and Strength and the hymn setting Colne (both conducted by Deputy Bandmaster Andrew Gibson, and, as a benediction, God Has Healed. Matthew Peek gave a relevant personal witness during the meeting.

After lunch the band returned to the platform for an afternoon festival, with the worship led by Band Sergeant Joe Allen. Items included Fanfare to Worship, Shekinah, Let Everything Praise and the ever-popular El es el Señor. Andrew Gibson gave his personal testimony. The band continued with People Need the Lord and James Curnow’s A Psalm of Praise before concluding with the march Wondrous Day. The soloist for the afternoon was Nick Giles, currently a music student at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester, who expertly played the scintillating euphonium solo Travelling Along (Chris Mallett). After a good day, the band played St. Theresa before boarding the coach for the long journey home.