December 2012 MMU Newsletter

Issue 39 - December 2012

Welcome

Contents

Dear Friends, Once again, we are all in the midst of Christmas activities. Again this year, the team here at MMU are involved in several carolling events, including London Bridge and Waterloo stations, Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital and Oxford Street. As a matter of interest, the ISB were once again at Westminster for the annual Parliamentary Carol Service.

This season is always an excellent opportunity here in the UK to show The Salvation Army and communicate something of what we are. Let’s look our best, (it is important how we look) sound our best, (consider the balance of the group) and present music to match the ability of the ensemble. Remember, we are giving a public performance to our biggest audience.

It is a time of cheer – so a welcoming word, smile and a thank you will go a long way with our public. Above all, it is an excellent opportunity to share the real message and meaning of Christmas through our music and witness.

Following Christmas, MMU’s first main event will be the Territorial Youth Band and Choir courses in February. The success of these two courses has been well documented and reflects the talented youth musicians we have in our Territory.

These will again take place in Bournemouth, culminating with a concert at the Lighthouse Theatre, Poole (details in the newsletter).

In early February, Andrew Blyth and I have the exciting prospect of a visit to Brazil (the first such visit from the UK Territory, I

Derick Kane ). believe).

We are indebted to the Condon Trust for their financial support for this visit. We would simply ask for your prayerful support for the work we will do and the encouragement we will offer, and I know, receive. I look forward to reporting on this unique and special visit in the next newsletter.

Various members of MMU have been involved throughout the year in various rehearsal visits, corps weekend visits and music training events. We are here to help, support and resource you, so please let us know if we can help you in anyway in your music ministry.

Christmas time can be a hectic month of activity and we wish you well in providing the music and message where you are.

People are still captivated by The Salvation Army band and warm to the nostalgic Christmas carols. However, maybe it’s a good time for us all to consider the lyrics as expressed by Joy Webb – And here, for a moment, again today, In the midst of all you must do, Let the surprise catch your heart once more, Making the old story new.

Publishing news The upcoming publications here at MMU plus latest news from SP&S.

Interviews Dr Kenneth Downie talks to Derick about his Christmas memories and Christmas music. Craig Buchan talks about his role as Bandmaster at Leeds Central Corps.

Training Article discussing the health benefits of singing.

Other Creative Worship Specialist Ira Thomas announces her new project. Information on Regent Hall’s lunchtime concerts.

INNOVATE RESOURCE DEVELOP ENCOURAGE

Wishing you a happy and peaceful Christmas!

Derick Kane

Music Ministries Unit Newsletter DECEMBER 2012

From the Assistant Territorial Music Director...

Once again I have enjoyed being part of some excellent events which included leading Chatham and Kettering Songsters in the Ray Steadman-Allen 90th celebration at the Regent Hall Corps. Both groups have a high standard of singing which showed during the festival. This was achieved despite the limited massed rehearsal time and thanks must go to Songster Leader Mark Allen (Kettering) and Songster Leader Adrian Horwood (Chatham) for their hard work in preparation for the festival. Lt Colonel Ray Steadman-Allen is a continued source of inspiration to me and the MMU. He continues to write music and often phones with a word of encouragement. The evening was a fitting tribute to a master musician.

Other events have included leading the East Midlands Fellowship Band rehearsal (David Garrett) and then to Sunbury Court for the Alive FM Music School. This school was once again fully subscribed with over one hundred children between the ages of 7-18 taking part in a range of activities. The brass and vocal electives were of an excellent standard and they achieved so much in the four days, this included a group writing their own music to the words Jesus loves me. This song is scheduled for publication in the next Sing to the Lord Children’s Voices.

A list of titles for the coming months is included opposite. The Judd Street Collection features three pieces written for the ISB120 celebrations The Victor, Tunesmith Overture and Atonement. The Triumph Series includes a beautiful selection from the pen of Terry Camsey entitled The peace of the Lord.

Terry presented this score to me during the weekend of ISB120 and we are pleased to now have the opportunity to publish this work as a tribute to a fine Salvationist composer. The Sing to the Lord Mixed Voice Series also has some new names within its publishing fraternity with Mark Porter from Doncaster and Gavin Whitehouse from Times Square Corps in New York.

The editorial team continue to work hard on the scheduled publications and over the course of the new year will assist in the next stage of the new tune book.

This project continues to progress although the scale of the work is certainly a challenge!

With the busy Christmas season ahead it is always great to see Salvation Army bands and non SA organisations featuring the New Christmas Praise Carol Book. This tune book, along with our Sounds of Christmas edition, continues to feature heavily amongst many groups during the festive period.

I hope that you have an enjoyable and blessed Christmas.

Andrew Blyth

Music Ministries Unit Newsletter DECEMBER 2012

Upcoming Publications (W)sps-shop.com (T)+44 (0) 1933 445 445 (E)mail_order@sp-s.co.uk

Unity Series - February 2013 (Five-part scoring, concert pitch parts and demonstration CD available 3 issues per year) Procession and praise (Andrew Mackereth) Suite - Learn, love and live (Martin Cordner) Trombone Solo - You can’t stop God (Kevin Larsson) March - The King’s people (Trevor Davis)

Triumph Series - March 2013 (Scored for 13 parts, ideal for a smaller band ensemble - 3 issues per year) March - Lord of the future (Erik Silfverberg) Selection - The peace of God (Terry Camsey) Horn Solo - St Bees (Ray Steadman-Allen) Song Arrangement - Stand up for Jesus (Noel Jones)

Judd Street Collection - March 2013 (Full band scoring, sold as separate pieces - up to 8 titles per year) Tunesmith Overture (Stephen Bulla) They shall come from the east (Kevin Larsson) The Victor (Kenneth Downie) Atonement (Roger Trigg)

Sing to the Lord (mixed voice series) Volume 20, part 1 (Songs for SATB choir, demonstration and accompaniment CD available - 3 issues per year) An Easter chorale (Isaac Watts/Gordon Camsey) Burst into cheers (Thomas Mack) Jesus is the way (James Morrison arr. Simon Gash) Breathe on me (Edwin Hatch/Mark Porter) A God raised and spirit filled army (Dick Krommenhoek) The wonders of thy grace (Herbet Booth/Tune: Wareham arr. Norman Bearcroft) Heaven came down (Stephen Poxon/Gavin Whitehouse) Peace be with you (Stephen Pearson/Andrew Blyth)

Bandmaster Craig Buchan has led the band at Leeds Central corps for the past 7 years.

In this article he explains his role within the corps and the challenges and opportunities that he regularly encounters.

In the same way I was with Moses, I’ll be with you. I won’t give up on you; I won’t leave you.

Strength! Courage! You are going to lead this people to inherit the land that I promised to give their ancestors. Give it everything you have, heart and soul. Make sure you carry out The Revelation that Moses commanded you, every bit of it. Joshua 1: 5-6 (The Message) Who we are and what we do With 20% of the congregation being of African origin, Leeds Central Corps is representative of the changing face of UKT corps. A busy city centre church with an average Sunday morning congregation of around 175, leading the band brings about fresh challenges every year. The band lead two outreach activities each Sunday; one in an old peoples’ home or hospital and a lunchtime shoppers service in the city centre.

The musical sections enjoy healthy numbers with 31 musicians in the band and 41 in the songsters. We also have an African choir, YP Band, Kids’ Church Choir and Worship Band.

On top of the musical section practices there are many varied mid-week activities, including Snack and Chat (a drop in café), the Joanna Project (a local outreach project) and 5-a-side football fellowship to name just a few.

In addition, we are involved annually at the Leeds Festival, have an active walking group and many golfers whose last trip was to St Andrews!

About the band A number of years ago a previous Commanding Officer used the motto ‘Tradition with imagination’. Although no longer used corpswide, the band continue to use it and I think it encapsulates what our Army music-making

should be all about. As a band we don’t do exchange weekends, choosing instead to go to corps and churches that don’t normally have the use of a band. A tour to Ghana in 2010 was a particular highlight for the band, being utilised as the duty band for the Ghana Territory’s Commissioning. The band have also been used in recent years in Emmerdale, A Touch of Frost and Songs of Praise as well as regular appearances on the local news programmes, usually around Christmas!

The leadership team comprises of Bandmaster, Deputy Bandmaster, Band Sergeant, Band Secretary and Band Librarian.

Ethos of the band The band support and enhance the worship experience, being empathetic in its approach.

Where possible, I won’t chose the final piece of music within a meeting until during the meeting itself, allowing to be led by the Spirit.

We are committed to outreach, and have seen several people come to faith as a result of our work. Open-airs still work! In recent years we have enhanced our links within the Civic community of the city and we are also regarded as a forward thinking, integral part of the City Centre Church ministry.

Open-Air work I would love to see more Salvation Army bands back on the streets; it’s where we belong and what we can do well, with a bit of preparation.

Open-airs need to be regular, well-led, relevant, appealing and slick. I’ve seen too many that are reliant on SA songs and music, use jargon and are don’t connect with the people who walk past the band (perhaps an article for another time)!

Get known in your town For many years we complained that the council didn’t give us permits to collect at Christmas.

Over the last couple of years I have gone out of my way to become ‘known’ at Civic Hall.

I’m sure there are other influences that have come to bear over the same period, but we now

seem to have an easier time when applying for permits. Of course, that’s not the only reason to get to know the Civic Leaders! We have been approached to be the only band used at the Remembrance Parade in the city (before were on a rota system) as we have been seen as the ‘safe pair of hands’. We were also honoured to have a Civic Reception called by the Lord Mayor this year for the work that the band does within the city.

A typical band practice A good practice is all about preparation. I was fortunate a few years ago to sit down with Dr Ron Holz who taught me the structure of a good practice, and it’s that guidance that I use to this day. I have a timed sheet, with the pieces that I intend to use written down with the amount of time we are to spend on each. This also means that I can communicate with the librarian before the practice so that we are not scrabbling around during precious practice time. Always have one piece that you play all the way through. This keeps the players’ interest up especially if you are breaking pieces down in the rest of the practice. Don’t be scared to break into sectional practice on particularly difficult pieces – the results can be incredible and weaker players can find encouragement and confidence by playing in a smaller group rather than in front of the larger band. I also use pieces in practice that we will never use out. The reason I do this is I want to push the band and broaden their musical horizons. A recent example would be Paul Lovatt-Cooper’s Where eagles sing.

I am fortunate in that I have a Deputy BM, and I ensure that he is used at practice on a weekly basis. I think it is important that deputies are used regularly and encouraged to continue and broaden their musical education. I would have more deputies if I could, to identify and encourage the next Bandmasters of Leeds Central.

Of course, bands have traditions that you can’t tinker with, and Leeds Central have always had a tea break half way through practice!

Health Benefits of Singing – Taken from article provided by Lynda Hampel • Singing is good for you. Many studies done over a number of years have focused on the health benefits of singing, and the evidence is overwhelming.

• Singing releases endorphins into your system and makes you feel energised and uplifted. People who sing are healthier than people who don’t.

• Singing gives the lungs a workout.

• Singing tones abdominal and intercostal muscles and the diaphragm, and stimulates circulation.

• Singing makes us breathe more deeply than many forms of strenuous exercise, so we take in more oxygen, improve aerobic capacity and experience a release of muscle tension as well.

• Singing the short-a sound, as in ahh, for 2-3 minutes will help banish the blues. It forces oxygen into the blood, which signals the brain to release mood-lifting endorphins.

stimulates the pancreas, which regulates blood sugar.

• Singing widens your circle of friends.

• To strengthen immunity; sing the double-o sound, as in tool. This activates the spleen, which regulates the production of infection fighting white blood cells.

Sing yourself happy and fit! If you have ever wondered why choral singers look to be on a high, here are some of the reasons.

The health benefits of singing are well documented: • Singing improves your mood. It releases the same feel-good brain chemicals as chocolate!

• It is very effective as a stress reliever and improves sleep.

• Singing increases poise, self-esteem and presentation skills.

• Singing strengthens concentration and memory.

• Singing develops the lungs and promotes superior posture.

• Singing broadens expressive communication.

• Singing adds a rich, more pleasant quality to speech.

• Singing animates the body, mind and spirit.

• Singing releases pain-relieving endorphins, helping you to forget that painful tooth/knee/ whatever.

• Your posture improves.

• Lung capacity increases.

• To boost alertness, make the long-e sound, as in emit. It stimulates the pineal gland, which controls the body's biological clock.

• Your confidence increases.

• Singing clears sinuses and respiratory tubes.

• Singing enables the performer to delve into characterisation/acting.

• Singing stimulates insight into prose and poetry and piques interests in the inner meaning of words.

• Singing enriches one’s ability to appreciate the art of great singers.

• Your mental alertness improves.

• Singing the short-e sound, as in echo stimulates the thyroid gland, which secretes hormones that control the speed which digestion and other bodily processes occur.

• Making the long-o sound as in ocean

• Singing tones your facial and stomach muscles.

• It boosts your immune system, helping to fight disease and prolonging life expectancy.

• Singing is an ageless enjoyment – you are never too young or too old.

• Singing is therapeutic both emotionally and physically.

Creative Worship idea - from Songster Leader Ann Howlett-Foster (Cambridge) There are some specials moments as we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus. For many people music plays a really important part in creating that very special atmosphere. I see and hear people using music in so many creative ways, offering something very meaningful to our worship.

For me, the combination of music and scripture can be very beautiful. Whether you lead a band, singers or perhaps play the piano why not try combining the Christmas story, perhaps taken from Luke, to some meditative music. For instance, Silent Night could be played gently behind a slow-paced reading, or the reading interspersed between sung verses.

If offered simply and well, this could create a beautiful creative and worshipful Christmas moment.

Christmas thought ‘Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel’.

We have lasting hope through the salvation we have in Christ. Hope means that even when it looks like it's all over, it's not all over yet. That's why the Bible says we can rejoice even in our tribulations.

God is working to produce proven character and hope in us.

The Son is the Spoken Word, the living expression of all that God has ever sought to communicate about Himself.

‘In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it. He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth’.

As in previous years, MMU will be involved in supporting local Christmas carolling. We will again be supporting the Southwark Corps at London Bridge and Waterloo stations with early morning (7:30am) sessions. We will also support Southwark Corps by playing in Oxford Street.

We will play at a couple of business functions in the city and also at the Great Ormond Street Hospital. This is always a lovely occasion as many parents and family are encouraged by our music and message.

The Oasis Trust has had Salvation Army involvement for some years now and we are playing at the lunch-time carol service in Lambeth.

Along with carolling at Borough Market and playing at our own THQ carol service, it is a busy time ahead for MMU musicians who are also p commitments throughout g busyy with their own corps December.

www.salvationarmy.org.uk/music

Latest news from SP&S As with most other retailers, the Christmas market is a crucial one for SP&S and the last quarter of 2012 has once again been a very busy period for everyone in the company.

Fire in the blood, one of the four albums released this year featuring The International Staff Band, has exceeded sales expectations both in CD and download versions, as has Songs from the heart on which the band provides the accompaniment to Hendon Bandsman and London Symphony Orchestra joint principal trumpet, Philip Cobb. Albums from The International Staff Songsters sell consistently well with its 2012 release, In the name of the Lord, being no exception.

This time last year, we were processing large numbers of orders for ISB120 The Complete Works, our highlights boxed set of DVDs from The International Staff Band’s 120th anniversary celebrations held in London in June 2011. Feedback from all over the world indicated an excitement about having a documented record of this unique occasion and so ISB120 The Story has been published.

This beautifully produced 256 page hardback book (designed by Andrew Wainwright and compiled by Malcolm Quinn) came into stock at the beginning of December and is proving to be a ‘must have’ this season.

Three months ago, Lt. Col. Ray Steadman-

SB120: THE STORY

Allen celebrated his 90th birthday and An audience with RSA was held at London’s Regent Hall as close as was as practical to the actual day. On that occasion, Barbara, one of Ray’s daughters, brought news of History, Harmony and Humanity, a unique book celebrating RSA’s life and work. Published in November, it includes autobiography, appreciation and analysis of his brass and choral music along with revealing insights into his life and his vocation as a minister of the Christian gospel. Friends, family, colleagues, academics and practitioners all have their say while, in a final section, RSA reveals his lesser-known lighter side, one which this writer is privileged to share at Chatham Citadel on most Sunday mornings. An audience with RSA was recorded for DVD release and is due into stock as I write.

Finally, we are pleased to announce the availability of new publications in the First things First series. If you’re not already aware, First things First is The Salvation Army’s training series aimed at developing brass playing, from picking up the instrument for the very first time and progressing through to playing in a small ensemble.

Following the success of Volume 1 of First things First, we are pleased to announce the launch of Volume 2, containing 20 pieces for instrumental ensemble. As with Volume 1, a complimentary CD is available for you to hear how the pieces sound.

Now comes the first in a series of three progressive tutor books which have been produced with the knowledge and expertise of Bandsman Keith Watts (Birmingham Citadel) who has over 40 years of brass teaching experience with The Salvation Army and with Sandwell Music Service. Let’s Play (Elementary Course) provides an exciting and challenging early introduction to brass playing using just the first five notes (C to G). Let’s Play is available in B and E editions for just £4.99 each while 10 B books or 10 E books can be purchased for just £45.00, a 10% saving. Let’s Play will be followed by Let’s Progress (Grade 1 Course) and Let’s Perform (Grade 2 course) in the coming months to provide a progressive series of tutor books to develop a new generation of brass players for The Salvation Army.

Thank you for taking the time to read Latest news from SP&S and for supporting us throughout 2012 as we have endeavoured to provide The Salvation Army with resources to enhance its mission.

We look forward to serving you however you choose to shop with us.

Carl Woodman Head of Marketing Salvation Army Trading Company Limited Direct Line; +44 (0)20 7367 6598 Email; carl.woodman@sp-s.co.uk www.worldofbrass.com www.worldofbrasstunes.com www.sps-shop.com www.spstunes.com

This book takes a “behind the scenes” look at that mission-led occasion in June 2011 when all 8 Staff bands of the world joined together to celebrate the 120th Anniversary of The International Staff Band. The book reflects how the whole of The Salvation Army world became engaged and energised into creating a sense of community, goodwill and optimism by this ground breaking event.

With a foreword by General Linda Bond, and an introduction by Staff Bandmaster Dr Stephen Cobb, as well as a multitude of photographs to remind us of the unique occasion, the book contains input from a broad variety of people who witnessed the occasion.

Available now from SP&S!

As well as contributions from a chosen member of each staff band, it includes relevant insight from Commissioner Betty Matear, Dr Ron Holz (USA), Andrew Woodhouse (former International Staff Bandsman), Dudley Bright (composer), Sue Blyth (music leader at Westminster Central Hall), Philip Biggs (Cadogan Hall and Royal Albert Hall audience member) Major Paul Johnson (a view from The Mall) and Glen Little (a Salvationist, and a Scots Guardsman, on duty in the Buckingham Palace forecourt).

Excitement and Anticipation (D i k Kane (Derick K asks k Dr D K Kenneth th D Downie i some Christmas questions)

What are your earliest memories of Christmas?

They are always tied up with great excitement and anticipation; my father always built up the coal fire on Christmas Eve so that it lasted through the night - the only time in the year when that happened; staring out from our tenement on the fourth floor in Greenock at all the Christmas trees in windows throughout the town; not being able to sleep on Christmas Eve; lying awake and hearing voices of other family members arriving late from other parts of the country; finally getting to sleep and then waking to find the pillow slip at the foot of the bed on Christmas morning with what always seemed a marvellous collection of presents, although in reality it was probably small by today’s standards. It always included a large main present, supported by some fun items, boring socks or hankies and then an orange and an apple in the bottom corner.

Can you share something of your earliest memories of Christmas music?

At first it would be carolling with the band, a major event throughout December but especially exciting on Christmas Eve when we would visit the posh areas where we were very generously received; later it would be the wonderful school Christmas concerts at Greenock High School held in the town hall, where the Army boys always seemed to have a large part to play. I can still remember a fanfare built on God rest ye merry, gentlemen written by our brilliant head of music; listening to my dad rehearsing Comfort Ye and Every Valley from Messiah whenever he had to sing the tenor arias.

Has Christmas inspired any composing?

I have written quite a few Christmas numbers to fulfil publishing needs. One that springs to mind that I felt prompted to write happened when I was driving home to Winchester after

a rather mundane corps council meeting close to Christmas period. For some reason, the opening phrase of Gustav Holst’s In the bleak midwinter came drifting in to my mind, and refused to go away! It led to my rather introspective Bleak Midwinter (SP&S), which I am always pleased to read about being performed from time to time.

What would you say is your favourite Christmas music?

The general answer to that has to be choral music. At school and university I sang a lot of Vaughan Williams, Warlock and arrangements

by Sir David Willcocks. Later, I discovered the music of Herbert Howells and John Rutter. I have many favourites, and they tend to vary from year to year, but one that remains a favourite is A spotless rose, by Howells.

As far as traditional carols are concerned, the powerful simplicity of Away in a manger and Silent Night never fails to move me.

In Salvation Army repertoire I am very fond of Kenneth Cook’s The spirit of Christmas, Bruce Broughton’s The new-born babe, and many of Leslie Condon’s Christmas works for band.

Will you attend a Christmas concert?

For many years Patricia and I have enjoyed the Advent Carol service in Winchester Cathedral, as well as many evensongs throughout the Christmas season, which extends well into January in the Anglican Church. Now, with our recent move to Devon, we are looking forward to sharing similar events at Exeter Cathedral. We always tune in to Radio Four for the Festival of nine lessons and Carols at 3 o’clock from King’s College Cambridge. That has become a most important part of Christmas.

What opportunities do you think we still have as SA musicians at Christmas?

Opportunities for Salvation Army musicians

are particularly plentiful at Christmas.

Many times while carolling with the band, people said that Christmas did not begin for them until The Salvation Army band was heard playing carols. That really makes us special people, people given the privilege of presenting a very special message. Very often it is the musicians of The Salvation Army who have the opportunity of reaching the greatest numbers with the real message of Christmas, whether it be in the high street, hospitals, schools, care homes or prisons.

What is your favourite part of the Christmas story?

The gospel accounts of Matthew and Luke, read in the King James’ version send a tingle down my spine! It is great language and an even greater message.

Is there any place you would like to visit at Christmas?

Oberndorf, the little village near Salzburg, where Joseph Mohr and Franz Gruber first performed their carol Silent Night on Christmas Eve 1818.

Can you give us a personal thought for this Christmas When I first learned the meaning of Emmanuel it made an impact on me. It means God with us. The build-up to Christmas is frantic and exciting for most age groups and anticipation reaches fever pitch on Christmas Eve. However there can often be a feeling of anti-climax when Christmas Day has come and gone. The message of Emmanuel however means that there need be no sense of anti-climax after Christmas, or indeed at any other time of the year. When the presents have all been opened - the traditional festive fayre consumed - the Christmas tree and its lights put away and the last carols played and sung, remember: God is with us!

Regent Hall’s lunchtime concerts concerts at Regent Hall which will take place at 7:30pm on the first Friday in each month.

Conditions The name of Stephen Maw may be known to some as a professional bassoonist and as a former member of the Regent Hall Corps. Although no longer a member of The Salvation Army, Stephen still has a very strong interest in our movement and a real passion for Salvation Army music. He conducts the Royal Greenwich Brass Band and regularly features SA music on their programmes.

Some twenty years ago, Stephen was inspired to set up what has since proved to be a highly successful series of weekly Friday lunchtime concerts that take place in The Salvation Army's Regent Hall. A constant stream of orchestras, soloists and instrumental and vocal ensembles, including professional and student performers, vie for the opportunity to be a part of this long-running and highly successful concert series, which is still coordinated by Stephen. The concerts are advertised in the London press, they are well attended and provide an excellent opportunity for musicians to perform in public.

I recently met Stephen at one of the Royal Greenwich Band's concerts in Charlton House and we chatted about an idea that he has had for another series of Regent Hall Concerts.

This time, his idea is to involve Salvation Army bands in a series of monthly brass band

• Each band will have access to the hall for set up and rehearsal from 5pm till 7pm at which point the stage area must be cleared of personnel.

• Chairs, stands, timps, drum kit, bass drum and stand and the Steinway Concert Grand piano will be available for use, but to be used with care.

• The gallery is closed except for PA and recording.

• Each performers are expected to bring their programme on A4 to be photocopied on the day (unless they choose to print in advance).

• The main hall will be open to the public from 7pm.

• Entry to these concerts will be free of charge, with a retiring collection which will be used to cover the running costs and staffing of Regent Hall (expenses cannot be given).

• Concerts will last for a maximum of two hours ie. 9:30pm finish and should include a 20 minute interval.

• The Regent Hall coffee shop will be open

before the concert and during the interval for the sale of hot and cold drinks and snacks • We would ask each visiting group to bring 2 people to assist with stewarding and the performers are welcome to sell CDs if they have them.

Programme content • After the band is seated a Regent Hall representative will welcome the audience, and performers.

• The whole range of Army music should be considered including instrumental and vocal solos and band songs, ‘Sunday night selections’, and the large scale band classics from the treasury of SA band repertoire which deserve many more public performances.

• Performers may wish to bring a visiting soloist or compere to raise the profile of the event.

• Each piece which has a basis in song book should have the words included in the printed programme.

A number of the available Fridays evenings have already been allocated, so if you are interested, please email either Kevin Ashman (kevin.ashman@salvationarmy.org.uk) or Stephen Maw (stephenmaw@aol.com) for further information.

Special Announcement New Worship Resource Project A new worship resource is planned for release in 2013. This project will be headed up by our Creative Worship Specialist Ira Thomas.

This will be a collection of new songs (both words and music) by Salvationist writers and composers.

The book will have a demonstration CD and an accompaniment CD, so can be used both for training and supporting worship.

This will be a welcome resource for events, special occasions, and week to week Sunday ministry. It will be available with keyboard, guitar, and other additional instrumentation.

Further details of this project will be in future Newsletters. However, if you are a budding writer or composer who feels that you could offer something for consideration, Ira would be encouraged to hear from you.

Please contact: Ira.thomas@salvationarmy.org.uk

www.salvationarmy.org.uk/music

Brass playing tips A-Z Derick Kane Articulation Time spent on exploring articulations will be of great benefit. Legato, single, double and triple tonguing exercises are fairly easy to get hold of, and will be valuable in playing all kinds of music. Diligent rehearsing throughout a range of tempos should be applied.

Breathing

Fill lungs – retain air – let air out slowly – practice phrases at different dynamic levels.

Challenge

Look for new challenges in your playing. Never be satisfied at the level you have reached. New repertoire and new study material will help you challenge your playing and maximise your ability.

Daily

The daily routine of practicing is essential. Everyone should make time to practice!

Expression

The best musicians are those who characterise expressive qualities. Find the musical line in all music.

Fingering

Exercises to strengthen fingers including complex patterns, should be in every practice routine. This can be laborious, however, without this, you will always struggle playing the same thing.

Influence

Never underestimate the influence we can be to others in our playing. We are all products of influence; therefore carry a responsibility to be a good musical influence to others.

Judge Be the judge of your own playing – be able to comment on others too. This way, you will be helpful to yourself and encouraging to others.

Question Never think your question is too straight forward (though learn the correct time to ask!). Question what you don’t know rather than waste rehearsal time (you know who you are).

Resolve

Find time to put things right. Practice difficult sections slowly. Use a metronome, try alternate fingering. In solo playing, maybe find an alternative option. Plan B can come in handy.

Keep it lyrical Singing qualities for a brass player are essential but sometimes ignored.

Even fast music should contain lyricism. Remember, music is an art of communication.

Scales

Learn Be prepared to learn new things. Never think you have arrived, you will only slip backwards. Look forward and learn new things about your playing. Look for something to improve.

Tone Aim for a full sweet tone throughout the range.

Model Best practise – achieves best practice!

A disciplined approach to rehearsing and performing is the only model for successful music making. There are plenty of bad models. Make sure you are a good example of modelling what is best.

New It’s good to play and practice the familiar, but look for new things too. A new study book or a new solo. Look to see what resources are available. Look up articles on playing your instrument.

Make the unfamiliar familiar. Put to memory those scales you have always ignored.

Utilise materials available

Use different study books to keep your practice fresh and interesting. Even make some up!

Vibrato

One of lifes essentials, but dangerous in the wrong hands. An enhancement to sound and expressive playing, not an alternative.

Warm ups

Preparation is a personal thing and much varied. Find what suits you in practice and performance.

X – citing

Group

One person – one sound It is important that we listen to the best players. However, in imitating, we must find what is our sound - our own musical footprint.

Yourself

Habits Good habits tend to stick with us – but so too do bad ones. Perpetuate your good ones and work hard to give up the bad ones.

Practice Enjoy your practice, find a good time and good conditions for practice, find advice on practicing, find others to practice with. Practice should be an enjoyable experience. Practice creates confidence and will when done properly, make permanent. Make practice one of lifes routines.

Playing with others can improve our playing and of course, music is a social activity. Find others to play with. Small group playing can be very rewarding.

Don’t be afraid to take a risk or to try something different. In solo playing trust the spontaneous. It can create excitement and musical theatre.

Be yourself in your playing, commit yourself to practice, performing and communicate yourself through your playing.

Zeal

A desire to achieve our best and through our music making; influence and encourage others.

Picture: Nigel Bovey/The War Cry

For over 25 years the ISB have been privileged to be part of the annual Parliamentary Carol Service, Westminster. In the presence of the Speaker of the House, and our Territorial leaders, the band leads a 30-minute service to a large crowd of parliamentarians, staff members and friends from Westminster.

It is a unique and significant occasion both in the life of The Salvation Army and in the high-powered workings of Westminster. At least for these 30 minutes in the historic Great Hall there is a serene atmosphere of worship and celebration. Following the service the ISB along with our Territorial leaders, have a welcome cup of coffee in the sumptuous surroundings of the speaker’s apartment, with its views over Westminster and the River Thames.

YOUTH MAKES MUSIC Date - February 22nd 2013 Venue - Poole’s centre for the arts Time - 7:00 pm

Tickets available from www.lighthousepoole.co.uk/youth-makes-music-2013