The expertise and professionalism of the staff of Normans Musical Instruments has allowed a Salvation Army band from Sunderland to honour the memory of a former player.

Legacy

Neville Quinn was a valued member of the Sunderland Monkwearmouth Corps Band who died aged 55 in December 2001.

Neville’s generosity and commitment to the Salvation Army saw him leave a substantial legacy to the organisation, one that was to be used in time for the benefit of the Sunderland Monkwearmouth Corps Band in their work in the community.

Time was right

And with his former Corps being revitalised in recent years, Neville’s brother, Gordon, himself a Corps member for over 50 years and an executor of his legacy, believed the time was now right to do just that.

The decision was made to replace the majority of instruments in the senior Corps band, allowing the older instruments to be sold to other organisations and individuals so that further funds could be generated.

Professional help

Gordon was adamant that they needed professional help from people who knew exactly how to deal with their requirements, and so he contacted Gary Bond, European Sales Manager at Normans for advice.

Gary traveled to Sunderland with Besson Musical Instruments to meet Gordon and immediately struck up an understanding of their needs.

Options

"After talking through different options and carefully looking at what the Corps required, it became clear that we could make sure Normans maximised the practical assistance we could give," Gary told 4BR.

Gordon meanwhile was delighted that such a major project was in such safe hands.

Brilliant

"Gary has been brilliant. He came and discussed things with us. There was no pressure, no immediate quick fixes – just a very professional service and understanding. We knew we had the right person to help us carry out the wishes of Neville’s legacy."

After a couple of months of months of travel and further detailed meetings, Normans was able to provide Sunderland Monkwearmouth Corps with no less than 24 brand new top of the range instruments – from cornets to tubas, as well as helping the band with those all important added extras such as mutes and stands.

Immensely pleased

Gordon is immensely pleased at the result – and believes his brother’s legacy has been met in full.

"There are four organisations with Sunderland Monkswearmouth Corps, and each of them will now benefit from the legacy and the expertise of Normans," he said.

New instruments

"The Senior Band will gain 24 brand new instruments, with the Young Persons Band benefited from a further two new instruments. The Senior Songster Brigade will be getting a fantastic electronic piano and the Young Persons Singing Company is receiving a great new sound system too."

Gordon believes that the ‘refit’ means that the Corps that was formed in 1884, can now go out into the community to do its work revitalized by the results of his brother’s generous legacy.

The new instruments will also be used in the furtherance of the Corps work and in the next fortnight will be blessed locally at a service at the Corps headquarters4BR

Delighted

"Bandmaster Nick Hall who has been with us since 2004 is delighted, as the 49 members of the band now either have their own instruments or the brand new ones thanks to Normans," he added.

"It’s the first time in the Corp’s history that we have enjoyed such an influx of new instruments to the main band. We are already sounding so much better," he laughed.

Good use

The instruments themselves have already been put to good use, and it has given Gordon even greater pleasure that others are now using the older instruments too.

"We had great interest from all over the country for our old instruments, so its good to see that they will still be used and enjoyed."

Blessing

The new instruments will also be used in the furtherance of the Corps work and in the next fortnight will be blessed locally at a service at the Corps headquarters.

"It’s important that we bless them for the work they will become involved in," Gordon added. "In November we will also hold a dedication service too."

Fulfilling

For Gary, the project has been one of the most fulfilling in his time with Normans.

"It was an absolute pleasure to work with Gordon and the members of the Corps. To be able to provide such an organisation with the tools of their trade so to speak was real privilege for Normans and one were have been delighted to have been able to undertake."