New Beginnings

Posted by Melvyn James on Dec 20, 2013 in Band news | 0 comments

Under the new leadership of  Julian Bright,  the 2013-14 season was  met head on with a trio of rehearsals  in preparation for what has come to be known as “Hendon Night” .  This yearly event has established itself in the band’s diary with a near capacity audience yet again eager to hear and encourage the band in its endeavours. Guest soloists this year were Phillip McCann, cornet, David Daws, euphonium, and Julian Bright’s “other band”, the EverBlessed Youth Choir. Phillip delighted the crowd with some fine playing which included the much loved “Share my Yoke” and David reassured us that his new found affair with the Euphonium is no  flirtatious  diversion with a virtuostic rendition of  “The Better World” and later “Czardas”  with piano accompaniment.  David and Phillip later teamed up with a delightful duet based around  the theme “Lord With My All I Part”. The EverBlessed Choir exuded youthful vitality allied to a sincere motivation.  Click here to read Professor Stephen Maw’s report of the evening.

LCFB at Maldon Parish Church, October 2013

October saw the band participating in the Corps Anniversary celebrations at Maldon, Essex.  An appreciative congregation greeted the band in the Parish Church. Eric Ball’s “The Kingdom Triumphant” partnered more contemporary offerings typified by Dudley Bright’s “ Paean”. This was the band’s third visit over the past 15 years…the church dates back some 800 years!  How many before us have offered praise over the years, what an awesome thought.

As previously reported on this site, the LCFB is pleased to be involved with a new venture being championed at the Regent Hall in London’s Oxford Street.  Professor Stephen Maw of Trinity College of Music and life long associate of The Salvation Army is working on a new “Friday Bandstand” series of concerts featuring Salvation Army Music for brass band.  Following the successful inaugural concert in October by the Solent Fellowship Band, the November concert was presented by the LCFB with guest soloist David Daws who played Norman Bearcroft’s Solo for Euphonium and Band “The Better World”. Ray Bowes’  “Rhapsody for Cornet and Band” was also featured this time presented by the band’s principal cornet, Dave Thomas. The series has kicked off very successfully and further concerts are planned for the Spring of 2014. The band were greatly encouraged by the warm and responsive congregation which included 4barsrest reporter Peter Bale. Please click to read his encouraging report. Charlie Brighton also reported on the concert in SA Bandsman. You can read his review here.