An air of excitement and anticipation swept through the audience at Scarborough Citadel, Toronto, as they awaited the entry of the Canadian Staff Band for its 41st Anniversary Festival on Saturday, May 29. This year’s guest was the founding bandmaster, Lt-Colonel Norman Bearcroft, so the night was sure to be entertaining as well as musically satisfying and spiritually uplifting.
The band commenced with James Curnow’s scintillating Hallelujah!, followed by the congregation joining in heartily on Norman Bearcroft's Happy Song, led by Deputy Bandmaster Major Ken Smith.
Following a prayer and greetings from Colonel Floyd Tidd, chief secretary for the Canada and Bermuda Territory, Bandmaster John Lam welcomed the audience and introduced Lt-Colonel Bearcroft. In response, the colonel recalled the circumstances under which the band was formed in 1969 and remarked that it was good to see it still going strong 41 years later.
For its first major item of the evening, the band delivered a sparkling rendition of Shostakovich’s Festive Overture (arranged by William Gordon), much to the delight of the audience. Then it was on to the first of three instrumental solos newly written for CSB soloists. Ralph Pearce’s meditative Incarnation is the result of a request by trombonist Craig Lewis, and has special significance in that it features the hymn tune Armadale, written by Craig’s wife’s grandmother, Mrs. Colonel Lily Skinner.
In a complete change of mood, the CSB presented Leonard Ballantine’s Daniel’s Band. Written in 1975, it is an imaginative and colourful setting of the timeless children’s song “Dare to be a Daniel.” Major Ballantine’s presence in the audience was acknowledged following the band’s presentation.
The second solo of the evening was the world premier of a new work by Colonel Robert Redhead, who was invited to the platform to introduce it. Salvus, featuring euphonium soloist Stephen Pavey, features Martin Luther’s “A mighty fortress is our God” and the contemporary worship chorus “I cast all my cares upon you.” Written as an expression of the faith that Steve and his wife Valerie demonstrated during the serious illness of their daughter over the past two years, this major work is based on the promise of Psalm 91 that God is our refuge and strength and will keep us safe (Latin ‘salvus’) when we put our trust in him. The presentation was warmly received by the audience.
For a complete change of pace, Cameron Rawlins presented the vocal solo What a Friend. The bright, energetic arrangement by Darren Bartlett also featured Major Ken Smith on piano, Doug Elvin on bass and CSB alumnus Gordon Mayer on drums.
To round off the first half of the concert, the CSB then presented a new major work by James Curnow, The Ellacombe Chronicles. Featuring a set of diverse variations on the hymn tune of the same name, it is based on a musical interpretation of Isaac Watts’ well-known hymn, “I sing the mighty power of God.”
The intermission gave opportunity to purchase Colonel Bearcroft’s new book, In Good Company. The limited supply of books went quickly, and many took advantage of the chance to greet the author and get his signature.
The second half of the program featured no less than four Bearcroft pieces, starting with the march To Regions Fair. Then it was the popular Just Like John, introduced and conducted by the composer in his own inimitable style. During the playing of this old favourite, written for the Canadian Staff Band during its formative years, the audience enjoyed a slide presentation featuring humorous and light-hearted CSB memories from the previous four decades.
The third new solo of the night featured CSB Executive Officer Major Kevin Metcalf in Down by the Riverside by Jeff Christmas. Based on the spiritual of the same name, the music is arranged in the style of a New Orleans street band complete with the distinctive “second line” swing.
A complete change of pace took place once again with the presentation of Randall Thompson’s popular choral work, Alleluia, in a new setting by Major Len Ballantine. Then, after some brief devotional comments by Colonel Bearcroft, more than 20 former CSB members joined the present band to sing The Calvary Track, Bearcroft’s male-voice setting of Albert Orsborn’s song, “I know thee who thou art.” It was a moving moment as bandsmen representing 41 years of CSB ministry lifted up the words:
Let nothing draw me back or turn my heart from thee,
But by the Calvary track bring me at last to see
The courts of God, that city fair,
And find my name is written there.
To conclude the program, Colonel Bearcroft had chosen one of his most well-known and popular works, Songs of Newfoundland. Introducing the piece by telling of its origins in preparation for the CSB’s tour of Newfoundland in 1971, he then went on to conduct the band in a memorable performance that was much appreciated by the audience.
Following the concert, CSB alumni shared in an informal reception with Colonel Bearcroft and present band members. It was significant that four CSB bandmasters were present for the occasion—Lt-Colonel Norman Bearcroft (1969-76), Colonel Robert Redhead (1976-85), Brian Burditt (1985-2002, 2006-08) and John Lam. It was a wonderful occasion to renew acquaintances and share old memories—the perfect end to a wonderful night of music and fellowship.
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The CSB is grateful for the assistance of alumni Ted Sparks (cornet) and Gordon Mayer (percussion), who helped us out with this year's anniversary festival. We also thank CSB alumnus Major Gary Venables for taking pictures on the night. Some of his photos are included below.
