Concert at Great Dunmow URC

The Chelmsford Citadel Band (Bandmaster Dr. Simon Schultz) visited the Great Dunmow United Reformed Church for a music festival in October 2009.

The concert opened with The Ambassadors (Peter Graham), followed by an opening prayer. Amazing Race (Andrew Mackereth) was well-received by the congregation. Two cornet soloists were featured: David Wright, who performed A Happy Day (Erik Leidzén) and Ian Wilson, who offered This Is My Story (Bright). All of the soloists played to a high standard, down to the “flute” solo performed by Gary Smith on tuba.

The congregation joined in for the song Praise My Soul. The minister of the church commented that it was his first time listening to a Salvation Army band other than hearing Christmas carols and that the large variety of the program encouraged him. He was impressed with the diversity of music from spirituals to classics, contemporary to old favorites.

As the audience returned to their seats following the interval, there was much anticipation as the band went into “big-band” style. This was thoroughly enjoyed by the listeners. A Bible thought given by Gary Smith ensured that the context of Christian service to the needy in the world was identified to the congregation.

Overall, it was an evening where a splendid display of musical dexterity, fine musicianship and the readiness of the members of the band to mingle at every opportunity with the congregation portrayed the depth of devotion to Jesus as our Lord and Saviour – with the desire to want to share this with others.