by Staff Bandsman Major Ken Smith

In June 2004, the Canadian Staff Band visited Winnipeg to help the Grace Hospital celebrate its 100th anniversary. Three years later, we found ourselves once again at the Gateway to the Golden West, this time as part of a busy weekend of activities billed as Celebration OneTwoFive, marking the 125th anniversary of the Canada and Bermuda Territory.

From the time we arrived on Thursday until the final moments of the Sunday afternoon meeting, the band maintained a hectic schedule fulfilling a total of 15 different engagements over the four days. While playing a supportive role in the big public meetings, the CSB was featured in concert on Thursday night at Calvary Temple, a large church in downtown Winnipeg. The audience enjoyed a program of old and new favourites, including solos by Brindley Venables, Steve Pavey and Andrew Poirier.

To conclude the evening, Colonel Robert Redhead led the band in his own new piece, “Back to the Future,” written for our recent anniversary festival. Then as a special encore, the CSB played “The Canadian.” This brilliant and exciting old festival march resonated with the hometown audience, as it had been written by one of their own, Winnipeg Citadel Bandmaster James Merritt, for the territory’s 50th anniversary celebrations in 1932.

Also taking part in the program was a marvellous vocal ensemble from Bermuda called Jabulani, who sang with live instrumental backing. Their enthusiasm was contagious as they led the audience in songs of praise and worship, the first of many contributions throughout the weekend that would leave a lasting impact.
On Friday, the band divided up into groups for the morning and afternoon, playing at the Booth Centre, Weetamah Corps, Grace Hospital, Grace Hospice and Golden West Lodge. In between, we played an outdoor concert in the business district at noon, before marching back to Booth College. All in all, it made for a busy day, but presented many good opportunities to interact with local Salvationists and community residents, letting people know that The Salvation Army was in town.

All the big public events had been carefully planned and orchestrated by Colonels Robert and Gwenyth Redhead. Their creative input was noticeable right from the start of the very first meeting on Friday night, which included singers, dancers, contemporary rap music, multimedia presentations, live TV cameras catching people’s testimonies on-screen, and the introduction of two dramatic characters who would lead us throughout the weekend as we reflected on the Army’s past, present and future.

Saturday morning presented a unique opportunity for the staff band to be seen and heard as never before! In a circus-like family event billed as “Under the Big Top,” the CSB was featured along with clowns, balloons, face-painting, dancers, mime artists and various other acts that were used to present Bible stories in some very unique and clever ways. The opportunity for the band to dress the part helped enable us to really get into the spirit of playing music such as the famous circus march, “Entrance of the Gladiators” and other light-hearted selections featuring various soloists and ensembles. The CSB worship team also helped lead the audience in two segments of praise and worship.

Following an indoor concert at Portage Place Shopping Centre, it was off to the night meeting at Calvary Temple, which featured the commissioning of new officers. While the band was on hand in a more supportive role, we were happy to be present for this memorable and meaningful occasion as members of the Heralds of the Good News Session were ordained and commissioned as captains. Afterwards, members of the CSB worship team shared with young people at the youth event.

A large crowd of Salvationists and friends braved the threatening weather on Sunday morning to attend an outdoor outreach service at The Forks. Thankfully, the rain held off, and a great time was had by all. The CSB was augmented by local Winnipeg band members and provided a number of appropriate selections that were conducted by Staff Bandmaster Brian Burditt. Jabulani had the crowd rocking with their upbeat musical items and various presentations were made to civic leaders in recognition of their support of the Army’s work in the city.

On Sunday afternoon, it was finally time for the last big event of the weekend. Celebrating the energy of Christ’s presence at work in our lives, the lively meeting featured the march-in of new officers to receive their first appointments and the opportunity for those present to rededicate their lives to Christ’s service before heading back to their local communities to engage in Salvation Army mission. A special farewell to Commissioner M. Christine MacMillan was also included, allowing Salvationists to voice their appreciation and best wishes before she leaves to take up her new appointment on July 1.

The CSB was happy to be present for this significant territorial celebration and is particularly grateful for the hospitality of staff and residents at Booth College and the practical assistance of local Winnipeg bandsmen and others who helped transport instruments, music stands and other equipment throughout the weekend. Celebration OneTwoFive was a memorable occasion that will live in all our memories for many years to come.