Household Troops Visit Norwich at Easter

For many years, the Easter weekend at Norwich Citadel has been a special occasion, with Generals and Commissioners leading the meetings as well as bands visiting the corps. 2012 was no exception, with a visit from General Linda Bond.

Under the leadership of Bandmaster Carl Saunders, the Household Troops Band came to share Easter Saturday with the General. The day began with a march from Norwich Citadel to the city’s Millennium Forum followed by an open-air concert. Many tourists and shoppers stopped to listen to the music and hear the message.

In the evening, a large crowed gathered to hear the Troops play items such as Summon the Dragon (Peter Graham), Let Everything Praise (Martin Cordner) and Variations on “Laudate Dominum” (Edward Gregson). The soloists where Daniel Robson (cornet) and Christian Marklew (euphonium), who played Concerto for Trumpet (Harry James) and In Christ Alone (Richard Phillips), respectively.

The second half of the program included a “Salute to the General”, which turned out to be themes from the [James] Bond films. The General was quite delighted to have this “salute” played in her honor. The evening concluded with Steven Ponsford’s Kerygma following a a powerful and personal message from General Bond.

On Easter Sunday, Mark Woodrow, son of Bandmaster Richard and Elizabeth Woodrow, was commissioned as a bandsman of Norwich Citadel by General Bond. Mark is a production of the Citadel’s youth band. He has been attending Norwich Citadel Band rehearsals for six months and is now part of the bass section. It was noted that three more members of the youth band are currently attending rehearsals with a view to becoming members of the Citadel Band later this year.