Solent Area Fellowship Band at Eastleigh

The Solent Area Fellowship Band (Bandmaster Chris Kennett) presented their latest concert at Eastleigh Salvation Army Corps on Friday, 5 March 2010.

Following the band’s first item, Emblem of the Army (Arthur Gullidge), Envoy Margaret Moore, the corps officer, welcomed the band and congregation.

After the band and congregation joined in the song “He Who Would Valiant Be,” Major Derek Smith offered prayer.

The program continued with the band’s principal tenor horn, Callam Carter, playing Hugh Nash’s arrangement of Demelza before the guest vocalist, Songster Cherri Clee (Portsmouth Citadel) sang Shepherd of My Heart (Mark Baldwin and Dick Tunney).

In recognition of the recent promotion to Glory of Lt.-Col. Ray Bowes and his contribution to Salvation Army music, Bandmaster Kennett included Lord, Show Me What I Need, a delightful arrangement of a singing company song, in the program. This cornet solo was played by Dennis Rudd, the band’s principal cornet.

Rudd the joined with Aubrey Ford for a cornet and soprano duet, The Cleansing Stream (Erik Leidzén) before the band played Eric Ball’s air varié The Old Wells.

After a short break, the second half of the program commenced with the festival march Salvation’s Song (William Gordon) followed by the congregational song “O Happy Day.”

Further band items included The Last Spring (Edvard Grieg) and I Vow to Thee, My Country, both arranged by Ray Steadman-Allen, and the suite Shout Salvation (Robert Redhead).

After accompanying Cherri Clee in the song You Are, pianist David Samuels played Plaisir d’Amour (Martini) and Roses from the South (Johann Strauss).

Major Derek Smith read from Scripture before words of appreciation were expressed by Bandmaster Kennett and Envoy Moore. The concert concluded with the march Flag of Freedom (Bramwell Coles).