On the weekend of February 28-March 1, the CSB was privileged to conduct a weekend at Barrie Corps, just an hour’s drive north of Toronto. It was an unexpected visit hastily arranged due to the cancellation of a previous commitment, and thus all the more appreciated by local Salvationists and friends of the Army who were able to enjoy the band’s musical presentations and spiritual ministry.
Following a Saturday afternoon rehearsal, we shared a rich time of fellowship with local band members over a delicious roast beef dinner that was thoroughly enjoyed by all. A crowd of more than 200 then filled the sanctuary and spilled out into the overflow section to take in the evening concert – and they were not to be disappointed.
Leading off with Where Eagles Sing (Paul Lovatt-Cooper), the program was quickly off to a good start under the direction of Bandmaster John Lam. Many of the pieces featured in the first half were taken from repertoire to be featured on the band’s upcoming recording, scheduled for release in June. Items included the march Bounty Down (Howard Davies), Leslie Condon’s Festivity and a new work by Len Ballantine, Great Lakes Mission, written for the 125th anniversary celebration of Hamilton Meadowlands and London Citadel Bands in 2008. Two soloists were featured – Major Kevin Metcalf with Pleasure in His Service (Bruce Broughton) and Steve Pavey playing Ralph Pearce’s Welsh Fantasy for Euphonium and Band. Thrown in for good measure were the first movement from Stephen Bulla's Concertante for Band, featuring the cornet section, and Dean Goffin's classic Symphony of Thanksgiving.
The second half of the program was generally lighter in tone and included items such as Hallelujah Parade (Norbury), Libertango by Piazzola (arr. Burgmayer) and the xylophone solo Joyous Rhythm, featuring a dazzling display of manual dexterity by percussionist Leigh Rowney. A new piece by Major Ken Smith was introduced, Songs of the Pioneers. Written for the 125th anniversary of Guelph Corps, it features songs from the early days of the Army associated with the opening of the work in this Ontario community. A moment of spiritual reflection came as the trombones played Olaf Ritman’s exquisite setting of When I Survey. Then, following a Scripture reading by Major Metcalf, the band stood to sing Lord, Listen to Your Children under the direction of vocal leader Steve Brown. The evening then concluded with Paul Lovatt-Cooper’s Vitae Aeternum, featuring the popular song His Provision.
The next morning it was back to the corps for Sunday worship. Many gathered early to enjoy the band’s prelude, which included Morten Lauridsen’s choral masterpiece O Magnum Mysterium, a wonderfully rich harmonic setting transcribed by Len Ballantine. Various band members participated in the service, which included the vocal solo I Stand in Awe by Cameron Rawlins, a flugel horn solo – I Surrender All (Chaulk, arr. Mackereth) – played by Steve Brown, the selection ‘Tis So Sweet (Burgmayer) and the band’s singing of Michael W. Smith’s Shine On Us. In his message, Major Kevin Metcalf encouraged his listeners to emulate the Apostle Paul by living a life of purity and holiness in response to the gift of God’s grace.
After the service, band members shared in fellowship with members of the congregation during a light lunch provided by the corps before departing for home. It had been a short but memorable weekend and we trust that many lives were impacted and enriched by our ministry.