The Sunderland Monkwearmouth Salvation Army Band will be celebrating a very special occasion this weekend with the help of one of the brass band movement’s finest performers.

Bequest

Thanks to the generosity of a bequest from one of their most valued members, the band will dedicate the presentation of new instruments to all sections of the organisation with the help of cornet virtuoso Roger Webster.

Memory

The dedication is in memory of the late Neville Quinn who devoted a huge part of his life to the band and its work. With proceeds from his generous bequest the organisation has been able to purchase a number of new instruments – from cornets and bass drum to electric piano thanks to the work of Normans Musical Instruments.

Gordon Quinn told 4BR: "It was a wonderful gesture from Neville, which means that not only will the current band and organisation benefit greatly, but future generations will too."

It was a wonderful gesture from Neville, which means that not only will the current band and organisation benefit greatly, but future generations will tooGordon Quinn

Masterclass

Roger will be holding a free Brass Masterclass on Saturday 5th November, where he will help as many budding young players as possible with tips about how to improve their playing, whilst he will also be the guest soloist the same evening when the instruments themselves are dedicated to the corps in the presence of friends, colleagues and guests.

Guests

Gordon added: "To have Roger with us on such an evening is wonderful. Sir Peter & Lady Vardy will be present, as will Lt Cols Melvin & Suzanne Fincham, Leaders of the Noth London Division of the Salvation Army. A very special guest though is Clarence Adoo. Proceeds from the concert will go to the Clarence Adoo Trust.2

Further information

Further information can be found at: http://www.monkwearmouthsa.org.uk/announce.html