en 60
Over the Christmas holidays, we were saddened to hear that Phil Rayment has decided to step out of the band for personal reasons. A longstanding contributor to the CSB's ministry over many years, we will miss him but wish him well in his future endeavours. We are grateful that Greg Bebbington of Mountain Citadel, Hamilton, has agreed to help us out on bass trombone over the next few weeks as we prepare for the first of two recordings we will be doing between now and the end of April.

Keep watching for further details about our various activities, including the upcoming visit of the New York Staff Band in March.]]> 1467989520 Thu, 06 Jan 2011 00:00:00 -0500 219240356 1467989520 0 2011-01-06
Over the Christmas holidays, we were saddened to hear that Phil Rayment has decided to step out of the band for personal reasons. A longstanding contributor to the CSB's ministry over many years, we will miss him but wish him well in his future endeavours. We are grateful that Greg Bebbington of Mountain Citadel, Hamilton, has agreed to help us out on bass trombone over the next few weeks as we prepare for the first of two recordings we will be doing between now and the end of April.

Keep watching for further details about our various activities, including the upcoming visit of the New York Staff Band in March.]]> Congratulations to CSB percussionist Leigh Rowney and his wife, Kourtney, who welcomed a baby daughter, Lauren Willow, into their home on December 20th.]]> 605121534 Wed, 05 Jan 2011 00:00:00 -0500 219240356 605121534 0 2011-01-05 Congratulations to CSB percussionist Leigh Rowney and his wife, Kourtney, who welcomed a baby daughter, Lauren Willow, into their home on December 20th.]]> For your listening pleasure, the Canadian Staff Band is happy to announce that its early LP albums are in the process of being made available for purchase online. You can now revisit recordings from the band's early years and listen to these digitally remastered albums by visiting the Sound Classics 4 U Music Shop. The project is a work in process and new recordings will be added as they become available.

Major Kevin Metcalf, CSB Executive Officer, writes: "These recordings have significance for us - they are a part of our musical heritage and our own musical and spiritual development. But they are also still worth listening to! Our hope is that you might receive enjoyment and blessing from these historical recordings."

The CSB thanks Heinz Schmidt for his work on restoring these old albums and making them available.]]> 128587326 Fri, 17 Dec 2010 00:00:00 -0500 219240356 128587326 0 2010-12-17 For your listening pleasure, the Canadian Staff Band is happy to announce that its early LP albums are in the process of being made available for purchase online. You can now revisit recordings from the band's early years and listen to these digitally remastered albums by visiting the Sound Classics 4 U Music Shop. The project is a work in process and new recordings will be added as they become available.

Major Kevin Metcalf, CSB Executive Officer, writes: "These recordings have significance for us - they are a part of our musical heritage and our own musical and spiritual development. But they are also still worth listening to! Our hope is that you might receive enjoyment and blessing from these historical recordings."

The CSB thanks Heinz Schmidt for his work on restoring these old albums and making them available.]]>
First up was the annual Christmas With The Salvation Army program at Toronto's Roy Thomson Hall. This year's guests were the Peterborough Singers under their conductor Sydney Birrell, trumpet soloist Michael Baker from New York, organist Ian Sadler and perennial favourite actor Colin Fox. The Peterborough Singers made up the core of this year's Festival Chorus, supplemented by Salvation Army songster groups from London Citadel, North York Temple, OshawaTemple, PeterboroughTemple and Yorkminister Citadel. The massed group sang four selections, including And the Glory from Handel's Messiah (with organist Ian Sadler), Randall Thompson's Alleluia (accompanied by the CSB in an arrangement by Major Len Ballantine), Night of the Angel (commissioned for the Peterborough Singers in 2009), Every Star Shall Sing a Carol and The Virgin Mary Had a Baby Boy.

The Peterborough Singers brought a somewhat classical flavour to this year's concert as exemplified in such works as Christians, Be Joyful from J.S. Bach's Christmas Oratorio (with organ, trumpet and timpani accompaniment), O Brilliante Estrella (Mark Sirrett) and Gloria from Missa Kenya (Paul Basler), sung a capella with only two African djembe drums for accompaniment.

Soloist Michael Baker delighted the audience with four contrasting selections Gloria in Excelsis (arr. Dorothy Gates) on piccolo trumpet, Ray Bowe's Rhapsody for Cornet and Band, Douglas Court's What Child Is This? and Stephen Bulla's Blessed Assurance featuring both flugel horn and trumpet.

In addition to accompanying three carols and the holiday song I'll Be Home For Christmas, the CSB's main contributions to the evening were Carol of the Bells (arr. Jeff Christmas), The Holly and the Ivy (arr. Douglas Court) and Leroy Anderson's A Christmas Festival (trs. William Gordon), which was especially appreciated by the audience.

Also appearing on the program were dramatist Colin Fox who presented a series of readings; the territorial commander, Commissioner William W. Francis, who brought a devotional message; and Ontario Lieutenant-Governor David Onley, who brought greetings and thanked the Army for its valuable work to the community. A surprise moment occurred when Canadian Salvationists Bob and Shirley McArthur were presented with The Salvation Army's highest recognition of achievement, the Order of the Founder, honouring their sacrificial service in the CaribbeanTerritory over the past 25 years.

_____

A week later it was off to St. Paul's Church for the 32nd annual Christmas Carol Concert, an event that is always packed out for both performances and helps the Toronto Star provide gift boxes to 45,000 underprivileged children in the Greater Toronto Area. Conductor emeritus Giles Bryant was once again in top form, leading the massed choirs and congregation in the usual carols with band and organ accompaniment. The CSB's contributions were Douglas Court's The Holly and the Ivy and a new piece written by Robert Redehad for the band last year, Christ is Born!, featuring numerous carols associated with Christ's birth, including A Great and Mighty Wonder (Lo How a Rose E'er Blooming), the Huron Carol ('Twas in the moon of wintertime), A Child This Day Is Born and Unto Us a Child Is Born.

December is a busy month for Salvation Army band members, and the extra-mile service when you're in the staff band is all part of the privilege of service.

To our regular visitors, we wish you a Happy Christmas and a new year filled with God's richest blessing.]]> 1145876903 Wed, 15 Dec 2010 00:00:00 -0500 219240356 1145876903 0 2010-12-15
First up was the annual Christmas With The Salvation Army program at Toronto's Roy Thomson Hall. This year's guests were the Peterborough Singers under their conductor Sydney Birrell, trumpet soloist Michael Baker from New York, organist Ian Sadler and perennial favourite actor Colin Fox. The Peterborough Singers made up the core of this year's Festival Chorus, supplemented by Salvation Army songster groups from London Citadel, North York Temple, OshawaTemple, PeterboroughTemple and Yorkminister Citadel. The massed group sang four selections, including And the Glory from Handel's Messiah (with organist Ian Sadler), Randall Thompson's Alleluia (accompanied by the CSB in an arrangement by Major Len Ballantine), Night of the Angel (commissioned for the Peterborough Singers in 2009), Every Star Shall Sing a Carol and The Virgin Mary Had a Baby Boy.

The Peterborough Singers brought a somewhat classical flavour to this year's concert as exemplified in such works as Christians, Be Joyful from J.S. Bach's Christmas Oratorio (with organ, trumpet and timpani accompaniment), O Brilliante Estrella (Mark Sirrett) and Gloria from Missa Kenya (Paul Basler), sung a capella with only two African djembe drums for accompaniment.

Soloist Michael Baker delighted the audience with four contrasting selections Gloria in Excelsis (arr. Dorothy Gates) on piccolo trumpet, Ray Bowe's Rhapsody for Cornet and Band, Douglas Court's What Child Is This? and Stephen Bulla's Blessed Assurance featuring both flugel horn and trumpet.

In addition to accompanying three carols and the holiday song I'll Be Home For Christmas, the CSB's main contributions to the evening were Carol of the Bells (arr. Jeff Christmas), The Holly and the Ivy (arr. Douglas Court) and Leroy Anderson's A Christmas Festival (trs. William Gordon), which was especially appreciated by the audience.

Also appearing on the program were dramatist Colin Fox who presented a series of readings; the territorial commander, Commissioner William W. Francis, who brought a devotional message; and Ontario Lieutenant-Governor David Onley, who brought greetings and thanked the Army for its valuable work to the community. A surprise moment occurred when Canadian Salvationists Bob and Shirley McArthur were presented with The Salvation Army's highest recognition of achievement, the Order of the Founder, honouring their sacrificial service in the CaribbeanTerritory over the past 25 years.

_____

A week later it was off to St. Paul's Church for the 32nd annual Christmas Carol Concert, an event that is always packed out for both performances and helps the Toronto Star provide gift boxes to 45,000 underprivileged children in the Greater Toronto Area. Conductor emeritus Giles Bryant was once again in top form, leading the massed choirs and congregation in the usual carols with band and organ accompaniment. The CSB's contributions were Douglas Court's The Holly and the Ivy and a new piece written by Robert Redehad for the band last year, Christ is Born!, featuring numerous carols associated with Christ's birth, including A Great and Mighty Wonder (Lo How a Rose E'er Blooming), the Huron Carol ('Twas in the moon of wintertime), A Child This Day Is Born and Unto Us a Child Is Born.

December is a busy month for Salvation Army band members, and the extra-mile service when you're in the staff band is all part of the privilege of service.

To our regular visitors, we wish you a Happy Christmas and a new year filled with God's richest blessing.]]>
Mathias Divert was born in Sweden to officer parents and has studied trumpet at Gothenburg University (Sweden), the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama in Glasgow and Laval University in Quebec City. He has played with many Salvation Army bands and other ensembles and was corps bandmaster at Jonkoping, Sweden, before coming to Canada. He currently works as a freelance musician and has a passion for teaching students of all ages to ...reach their goals, have fun and glorify God with their music.o Mathias currently attends Mississauga Temple CommunityChurch.

Emily Ewing, originally from Peterborough Temple, is in her third year of studies at the University of Toronto, where she is taking a double major in English and History. Emily attends North York Temple where she is actively involved in the corps band. She is the third member of her family to be in the CSB, following in the footsteps of her father Stan and sister Sarah.]]> 227817041 Wed, 01 Dec 2010 00:00:00 -0500 219240356 227817041 0 2010-12-01
Mathias Divert was born in Sweden to officer parents and has studied trumpet at Gothenburg University (Sweden), the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama in Glasgow and Laval University in Quebec City. He has played with many Salvation Army bands and other ensembles and was corps bandmaster at Jonkoping, Sweden, before coming to Canada. He currently works as a freelance musician and has a passion for teaching students of all ages to ...reach their goals, have fun and glorify God with their music.o Mathias currently attends Mississauga Temple CommunityChurch.

Emily Ewing, originally from Peterborough Temple, is in her third year of studies at the University of Toronto, where she is taking a double major in English and History. Emily attends North York Temple where she is actively involved in the corps band. She is the third member of her family to be in the CSB, following in the footsteps of her father Stan and sister Sarah.]]>
Visiting band members were kept busy from the moment they arrived, presenting a concert to an appreciative audience at Meadowlands Corps, Hamilton, on Friday evening. The audience appreciated the presentations of the guest band under the direction of Bandmaster Steve Sjogren and featuring world-renowned soloist Mark Ridenour, a Salvationist and assistant principal trumpet of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.

After a busy day of rehearsals on Saturday, the visiting group joined the Canadian Staff Band and Ontario Central-East Divisional Youth Chorus to present an enjoyable concert at Scarborough Citadel. CSB items included Leonard Ballantine's Ein Feste Burg, Martin Cordner's The Name, Kevin Norbury's Rhapsody on a Theme by Purcell, Rimsky-Korsakov's Dance of the Tumblers (arr. Wilfred Heaton) and the premier of a new piece, Deep Harmony, by young Canadian composer Marcus Venables.

The youth chorus under leader Cathie Koehnen added significantly to the program with their energetic presentations of I'm Gonna Sing Till the Spirit Moves in My Heart and Shackles, and the more meditative selections Your God Will Come and God So Loved the World.
.
Rockford Temple Band showed their diversity by playing everything from their signature march Rockford Temple (written by Emil Soderstrom more than 50 years ago) to William Broughton's trombone ensemble Glory Be! In between the audience was treated to William Himes' So Glad! (featuring Mark Ridenour on flugel horn), Martin Cordner's Round-Up, and the Finale from William Tell's William Tell Overture (arr. Dean Goffin). Two pieces were featured that were written and conducted by resident composers within the band: Stan Kelley's march Peru Cien and George Strombeck's Day of Pentecost.

In addition to all of the above, soloist Mark Ridenour was featured along with the CSB's Steve Brown in Peter Graham's scintallating cornet duet Quicksilver, accompanied by the staff band.

The evening concluded with the massed bands playing Neils Silfverberg's march True Colours, followed by William Himes moving Procession to Covenant, a setting of the hymn ...O love that will not let me goo written for the composer's wedding in 1998.

On Sunday morning, the visiting band participated in worship at Bloor Central Corps, where the message was given by Major Kevin Metcalf, CSB executive officer. It was then off to march in the 106th annual Toronto Santa Claus Parade. With the Rockford Temple Band and Canadian Staff Band, as well as players from many other corps bands in and around Toronto and southern Ontario, this year's group of 170'including territorial and divisional leaders, the colour party and timbrellists'was the largest since The Salvation Army re-commenced participating in this event in 2005. It was a tremendous witness to the 500,000 who lined the parade route as well as the millions more who watched the event on TV throughout Canada and around the world.

The Canadian Staff Band was pleased to host the American visitors for this second annual fall festival and parade weekend. Plans are underway for next year and details will be announced in due course.]]> 2065492196 Wed, 01 Dec 2010 00:00:00 -0500 219240356 2065492196 0 2010-12-01
Visiting band members were kept busy from the moment they arrived, presenting a concert to an appreciative audience at Meadowlands Corps, Hamilton, on Friday evening. The audience appreciated the presentations of the guest band under the direction of Bandmaster Steve Sjogren and featuring world-renowned soloist Mark Ridenour, a Salvationist and assistant principal trumpet of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.

After a busy day of rehearsals on Saturday, the visiting group joined the Canadian Staff Band and Ontario Central-East Divisional Youth Chorus to present an enjoyable concert at Scarborough Citadel. CSB items included Leonard Ballantine's Ein Feste Burg, Martin Cordner's The Name, Kevin Norbury's Rhapsody on a Theme by Purcell, Rimsky-Korsakov's Dance of the Tumblers (arr. Wilfred Heaton) and the premier of a new piece, Deep Harmony, by young Canadian composer Marcus Venables.

The youth chorus under leader Cathie Koehnen added significantly to the program with their energetic presentations of I'm Gonna Sing Till the Spirit Moves in My Heart and Shackles, and the more meditative selections Your God Will Come and God So Loved the World.
.
Rockford Temple Band showed their diversity by playing everything from their signature march Rockford Temple (written by Emil Soderstrom more than 50 years ago) to William Broughton's trombone ensemble Glory Be! In between the audience was treated to William Himes' So Glad! (featuring Mark Ridenour on flugel horn), Martin Cordner's Round-Up, and the Finale from William Tell's William Tell Overture (arr. Dean Goffin). Two pieces were featured that were written and conducted by resident composers within the band: Stan Kelley's march Peru Cien and George Strombeck's Day of Pentecost.

In addition to all of the above, soloist Mark Ridenour was featured along with the CSB's Steve Brown in Peter Graham's scintallating cornet duet Quicksilver, accompanied by the staff band.

The evening concluded with the massed bands playing Neils Silfverberg's march True Colours, followed by William Himes moving Procession to Covenant, a setting of the hymn ...O love that will not let me goo written for the composer's wedding in 1998.

On Sunday morning, the visiting band participated in worship at Bloor Central Corps, where the message was given by Major Kevin Metcalf, CSB executive officer. It was then off to march in the 106th annual Toronto Santa Claus Parade. With the Rockford Temple Band and Canadian Staff Band, as well as players from many other corps bands in and around Toronto and southern Ontario, this year's group of 170'including territorial and divisional leaders, the colour party and timbrellists'was the largest since The Salvation Army re-commenced participating in this event in 2005. It was a tremendous witness to the 500,000 who lined the parade route as well as the millions more who watched the event on TV throughout Canada and around the world.

The Canadian Staff Band was pleased to host the American visitors for this second annual fall festival and parade weekend. Plans are underway for next year and details will be announced in due course.]]> 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.o

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.]]> 108705962 Mon, 25 Oct 2010 00:00:00 -0400 219240356 108705962 0 2010-10-25 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.o

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.]]> Adam Pearson and Alex Bolton, both of whom have found they are unable to continue with the CSB and stepped out of the band over the summer. We wish them well as they continue to be actively involved at their home corps of Guelph Citadel and North York Temple respectively.

Returning to the band following a year's absence is Derek Ritson of OshawaTemple. Derek previously played with the band from 2001 to 2009 and will be rejoining the CSB on solo horn.

Stepping out of retirement is longtime Staff Bandsman Ian Watkinson of Mountain Citadel, who has agreed to help us out on second horn for the coming season. A founding member of the band in 1969, Ian played soprano cornet until 1975, then returned to play solo horn from 1992 to 2001.

We also welcome the return of new mother Nicole Downer following a brief maternity leave in the spring. Nicole will be playing flugel horn this coming year, as Valerie Moreton moves to first horn.]]> 466624433 Mon, 13 Sep 2010 00:00:00 -0400 219240356 466624433 0 2010-09-13 Adam Pearson and Alex Bolton, both of whom have found they are unable to continue with the CSB and stepped out of the band over the summer. We wish them well as they continue to be actively involved at their home corps of Guelph Citadel and North York Temple respectively.

Returning to the band following a year's absence is Derek Ritson of OshawaTemple. Derek previously played with the band from 2001 to 2009 and will be rejoining the CSB on solo horn.

Stepping out of retirement is longtime Staff Bandsman Ian Watkinson of Mountain Citadel, who has agreed to help us out on second horn for the coming season. A founding member of the band in 1969, Ian played soprano cornet until 1975, then returned to play solo horn from 1992 to 2001.

We also welcome the return of new mother Nicole Downer following a brief maternity leave in the spring. Nicole will be playing flugel horn this coming year, as Valerie Moreton moves to first horn.]]>
Highlights will include our Fall Festival on November 20th at Scarborough Citadel, featuring Rockford Temple Band, Illinois, under the direction of Bandmaster Steve Sjogren. More details about this, including ticket information, will be available shortly.

We also look forward to welcoming the New York Staff Band under Bandmaster Ron Waiksnoris for the weekend of March 4-6, 2011. The Toronto Centre for the Performing Arts has already been booked for the CSB's 42nd anniversary festival on the Saturday night, so interested followers of both groups will want to mark their calendars now for this exciting event. More details and ticket information will be available in the new year.

Under Bandmaster John Lam, the CSB is once again rejuvenating its recording ministry, with three new CDs having been released in the past year. This coming year, the band will be recording two new CDs, including a long overdue Christmas album.

In addition to all of the above, there's no doubt that the highest anticipation centres around the CSB's tour of Holland and Germany (May 27-June 2, 2011), and our subsequent involvement in the International Staff Band's 120th Anniversary in London, England (June 3-5). It will be the CSB's first overseas tour since Australia and New Zealand in 2001.

Also in the mix for this year are corps visits to Mountain Citadel (Hamilton) and Listowel, Ontario, as well as participation in the usual seasonal activities leading up to Christmas.

Thank you for your ongoing interest and support of the band's ministry. Check back with us often for the latest news and updates.]]> 1243342308 Mon, 13 Sep 2010 00:00:00 -0400 219240356 1243342308 0 2010-09-13
Highlights will include our Fall Festival on November 20th at Scarborough Citadel, featuring Rockford Temple Band, Illinois, under the direction of Bandmaster Steve Sjogren. More details about this, including ticket information, will be available shortly.

We also look forward to welcoming the New York Staff Band under Bandmaster Ron Waiksnoris for the weekend of March 4-6, 2011. The Toronto Centre for the Performing Arts has already been booked for the CSB's 42nd anniversary festival on the Saturday night, so interested followers of both groups will want to mark their calendars now for this exciting event. More details and ticket information will be available in the new year.

Under Bandmaster John Lam, the CSB is once again rejuvenating its recording ministry, with three new CDs having been released in the past year. This coming year, the band will be recording two new CDs, including a long overdue Christmas album.

In addition to all of the above, there's no doubt that the highest anticipation centres around the CSB's tour of Holland and Germany (May 27-June 2, 2011), and our subsequent involvement in the International Staff Band's 120th Anniversary in London, England (June 3-5). It will be the CSB's first overseas tour since Australia and New Zealand in 2001.

Also in the mix for this year are corps visits to Mountain Citadel (Hamilton) and Listowel, Ontario, as well as participation in the usual seasonal activities leading up to Christmas.

Thank you for your ongoing interest and support of the band's ministry. Check back with us often for the latest news and updates.]]>

























The weekend of June 11-13, the CSB was privileged to participate as one of the guest bands at the 2010 Great American Brass Band Festival. Commencing in 1990, the event is held annually in Danville, Kentucky, and features a wide variety of brass bands, a hot-air balloon race, a colourful parade down the main street, a picnic and other activities. Each year up to 40,000 people travel to the small town (population 15,000) for the event. Bands play at various venues where people can spread out on the spacious grounds of Centre College, soak up the sun and enjoy the festivities. A highlight is the ecumenical worship service on Sunday morning, always accompanied by a Salvation Army band and featuring a community choir drawn from area churches. Most CSB members had been there previously, either with the CSB during its previous visit in 1999, or with their own corps band. It was a long bus ride there and back from Toronto, but all agreed it was well worth it to take in this marvellous musical extravaganza.


]]> 457305493 Mon, 21 Jun 2010 00:00:00 -0400 219240356 457305493 0 2010-06-21

























The weekend of June 11-13, the CSB was privileged to participate as one of the guest bands at the 2010 Great American Brass Band Festival. Commencing in 1990, the event is held annually in Danville, Kentucky, and features a wide variety of brass bands, a hot-air balloon race, a colourful parade down the main street, a picnic and other activities. Each year up to 40,000 people travel to the small town (population 15,000) for the event. Bands play at various venues where people can spread out on the spacious grounds of Centre College, soak up the sun and enjoy the festivities. A highlight is the ecumenical worship service on Sunday morning, always accompanied by a Salvation Army band and featuring a community choir drawn from area churches. Most CSB members had been there previously, either with the CSB during its previous visit in 1999, or with their own corps band. It was a long bus ride there and back from Toronto, but all agreed it was well worth it to take in this marvellous musical extravaganza.


]]>