To kick of its 2010-11 season, the Canadian Staff Band was pleased to visit Mountain Citadel in Hamilton, Ontario, the weekend of October 2-3. The congregation was celebrating its 20th anniversary as Mountain Citadel, reflecting back on its roots as the former Mount Hamilton and Westmount Corps, which amalgamated in 1990. Guest leaders were Colonels Floyd and Tracey Tidd, chief secretary and territorial secretary for women’s ministries for the Canada and Bermuda Territory.

 

Following a wonderful anniversary dinner, we presented our evening concert to a packed hall and very appreciative audience. Items included James Curnow’s Hallelujah!, the festival march Able (Turkington, arr. Himes), Robert Redhead’s suite Shout Salvation and Edward Gregson’s Variations on Laudate Dominum. Also featured in the first half of the program were euphonium soloist Steve Pavey in Salvus (Redhead) and a special treat for the local audience—Mountain Citadel Bandmaster (and Staff Bandsman) Philip Rayment with Stephen Bulla’s Rhapsody for Bass Trombone.

 

The second half of the program featured the march Lowell Anniversary (Bulla), Daniel’s Band (Ballantine), cornet soloist Major Kevin Metcalf in Down by the Riverside (Jeff Christmas) and Wilfred Heaton’s transcription of the exhilarating Dance of the Tumblers by Rimsky-Korsakov. Throughout the evening welcome contributions were received by a reunion songster group. Video highlights depicted something of the corps’ history over the past 20 years and a devotional message was brought by Colonel Floyd Tidd. The program ended with the CSB playing James Curnow’s Ellacombe Chronicles, based on Isaac Watts’ hymnn “I sing the mighty power of God.”

 

Sunday began with visits to local seniors’ residences followed by morning worship at the corps and an afternoon musicale featuring both the CSB and Mountain Citadel Band. It was a weekend to remember and the CSB wishes the corps well as they move into their 21st year and beyond.