Iowa City, IA - April 24 & 25, 2010

As mentioned previously the CSB traveled to Iowa City, IA on Saturday, April 24, 2010. We made our way west on I-88 and then I-80 in a light rain that seemed to be turning the Midwest green as we went.

We arrived at Parkview Church in time to set up and have a short rehearsal with Joyful Noize, the youth gospel choir of the Salvation Army in Iowa City. Next up was a very short rehearsal with the Eastern Iowa Brass Band under the baton of Casey Thomas.

Following those rehearsals and sound checks we were treated to a fantastic meal cooked by one of the Salvation Army soldiers from the Iowa City Corps. The meal was provided to both bands and a number of special guests. It was amazing that after this meal either band was able to play any notes at all. It was truly spectacular.

But eating was not the reason we’d been invited to Iowa City. So, at 7:00 pm we entered the stage for the evening concert. We led off the evening with a short set that included Joyful Noize singing “The Spirit of the Lord” to our accompaniment. Following that set and recognition of local Salvation Army volunteers the Eastern Iowa Brass Band took the stage for a solo set.

The format then called for each band to present more solo items before we formed a single band to conclude the evening but not before a beautiful presentation from Ordained 2 Praise a dance troupe from the Iowa City Salvation Army.

While it was a late night, the evening was worthwhile for all participants and I believe the audience as well. A complete listing of the program items will follow at the end of this posting for those who are interested.

On Sunday morning the band joined with the Iowa City Corps for both Sunday School and worship. Sunday School was led by our own Captain John Pook and the band chorus sang along with an instrumental ensemble. But, the most exciting part of the entire weekend was the opportunity to celebrate with the Iowa City Corps as they made new church members that included 31 children and adults.

Following the worship service that included preaching by Colonel Carol Seiler we boarded the bus to head back east to Chicagoland having been thoroughly blessed to have been in Iowa City. Our thanks go out to Captains Terry & Jennifer Smith, the Eastern lIowa Brass Band, Casey Thomas, Joyful Noize, Ordained 2 Praise, Set The Atmosphere and all of the wonderful people we met in Iowa City. We’ll look forward to the next invitation if we’re fortunate enough to get one!

Now… here’s what the band geeks are looking for:

CSB
El Es Él Senor (Jones)
Concertino For Flugel and Band Mvt I & III (Himes) – Beth Cooper, soloist
The Spirit of the Lord (Funk/arr. Thomas) – Joyful Noize
Time and Eternity (Bosanko) – Peggy Thomas & Shaun Thomas, soloists
Sirocco (Graham)

EIBB
The Contestor (Powell)
Mr. Sandman (arr. Baker)
I Am The Resurrection from Requiem (Rutter/arr. Thomas)
A Gaelic Blessing (Rutter/arr. Thomas)
American Overture (Jenkins)

CSB
Concertino for Trombone Mvt II & III (David/arr. Condon) Matthew Luhn, soloist
Cause For Celebration (Himes)
The High Council (Steadman-Allen)

INTERMISSION

EIBB
Blue Rondo A La Turk (arr. Edwards)

Ordained 2 Praise – dance troupe

Massed Bands
Light Walk (Gott) Casey Thomas, conductor/Paul Waech, soloist
Amazing Grace (arr. Himes)
The Stars and Stripes Forever (Sousa/arr. Himes)

CSB
Choral Benediction