Following a good night of rest at our billets from the Reading Central Corps the band assembled at the hall for a mid morning departure on a day trip to Windsor. En route we were taken past Ascot Race Course as well as driven through Runnymede, the site where the Magna Carta was signed by King John in 1215.
We drove through Windsor Great Park and saw the 2.64 mile straight path that links Windsor Castle with Snow Hill. The coach then left us in Windsor for the remainder of the morning and early afternoon and we were free to explore and have lunch on our own. Most witnessed the 11:00 am guard change at the castle and many took a tour inside.
At 3:00 pm we boarded the coach for the return ride to the Army hall for a quick rehearsal before dinner. A 7:00 pm we presented our "B" concert to a full house that included Bandmaster Stephen Cobb and a number of the host for ISB120, the International Staff Band.
In response to a local request we added "Stand Up and Bless the Lord" as a congregational song just before the interval. During the concert Laura Brooksbank shared her personal testimony.
Following the concert we quickly packed our equipment in preparation for our departure from Reading Central on Tuesday. Although short, our visit to Reading will be remembered fondly.
The rantings and musings of the Salvation Army Chicago Staff Band Secretary...
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
UK Tour - Day 4 (May 30)
Sunday, May 29, 2011
UK Tour - A & B Programs
UK Tour - Day 3 (May 29)
Saturday, May 28, 2011
UK Tour Day 2 (May 28)
We started our first full tour day with a full English breakfast buffet at the hotel in Boscombe. Following breakfast we proceeded to the Pine Walk Bandstand in Bournemouth. The bandstand is located alongside a stream and walking paths through a lovely park. The first official piece presented was the march Petone Citadel. Many people stopped to listen to variety of music that was split into two mini programs with a 15 minute break between the two sets.
It was a pleasant surprise to see Lt Colonel Susan Bukiewicz, one of our divisional leaders, at the concert who is in the UK attending the ICO.
Following the concert we loaded our equipment before having lunch on the bus or on Boscombe Pier en route to Christchurch for an afternoon of sightseeing. The Christchurch Priory is over 900 years old. As we approached the Priory the church bells began to ring and a bride and groom were provided a surprise first greeting as they exited the church. The look on the brides face was priceless as 30+ plus people all in identical jackets applauded them. After a few pictures they were soon whisked away in a white Rolls Royce.
We then returned to the Boscombe Army hall for a quick sound check before enjoying a delicious dinner.
Tonight's concert consisted of our "A" program and I will provide details of our "A" and "B" programs in a later post. For now, just understand that we have two basic concert programs that serve as the basis of our tour concerts. We tend to alternate them and customize as needed. Tonight we had only one customization and that was inclusion of "Chassidic Dance" by Howard Evans who is the Bandmaster of the Boscombe Corps Band. Bandmaster Evans was asked to conduct the piece.
In addition, we played "Purcell Variations" and were pleased to have Kenneth Downie who composed the piece in attendance.
It was interesting to learn that although we are here to help celebrate the 120th anniversary of the ISB the Boscombe Band, our hosts for the weekend, are celebrating their 125th anniversary this year.
All in all it's been a day of blessing and we are looking forward to worshipping with our Salvation Army friends tomorrow in Boscombe (am) and Reading (pm).
Friday, May 27, 2011
UK Tour Day 1
The first day of our tour really began last evening with a departure from ORD to LHR. We departed on time and actually ended up arriving about an hour early. Unfortunately one of our bandsmen lost a few key articles of clothing from his suitcase en route. It will be a major inconvenience for him until he gets some things replaced.
We were met at the airport by Major Melvyn Ackroyd, Dr Stephen Cobb and Martin Tiplady. Major Ackroyd is appointed along with his wife as chaplain at LHR and he assisted in getting us through border control and customs. Martin has been working on the details of all of the UK touring bands and of course Dr Cobb is the bandmaster of the International Staff Band.
Once we were settled, Major Ackroyd went off to find me who had come in on a separate flight from the band that had been delayed. Once I was collected you can imagine the royal welcome I received from my colleagues who had been waiting patiently on the coach.
Next we headed off on the drive to Bournemouth after buckling our seat belts as required by law. The drive was uneventful and we went straight to the Boscombe Corps to set up for a brief rehearsal. It wasn't brief enough and we missed our opportunity for a cup of tea or coffee before checking in at the hotel where most got a little well deserved rest and several others took self guided walking tours of the area.
The English Channel is walking distance from the hotel and from the beach you can see the Isle of Wight which is very impressive.
Following our rest we returned to the Boscombe Corps for fellowship and food with members of the Boscombe Corps Band. The fish and chips were perfect as was the dessert. It's always enjoyable to meet Salvation Army bandsmen wherever we are and the members of the Boscombe Band are no exception to that. They were great hosts tonight.
It was great to see Bandmaster Howard Evans. Many of us got to know a him 6 years ago when he, his wife and two daughters were special guests at Central Music Institute. After his brief remarks we've returned to the hotel to rest and prepare for a good full day tomorrow.
Please keep us all in your prayers.
Until next time...