The death has been announced of James Williams MBE, one of the foremost Salvation Army musicians and conductors. He was aged 93.
As a young man he was a renowned cornet player of the SP&S Band, the Rosehill Band and the International Staff Band of the Salvation Army. In 1944, whilst serving with the Band of Her Majesty's Grenadier Guards he joined the cornet section of the then Tottenham Citadel Band (later to become Enfield Citadel Band).
Definitive
His 1957 recording of Leidzen's solo 'Happy All the Day' with them is still regarded by critics as its definitive version, whilst his association with the band lasted the rest of his life, as principal cornet, soloist, Deputy Bandmaster and Bandmaster.
During his time as bandmaster, Enfield not only travelled extensively to present its ministry in music throughout the UK, but also in Europe, North America, Australia and New Zealand.
He was also a highly regarded lecturer and instructor and was an enthusiastic developer of musical talent through his work with the Salvation Army Summer Schools as a brass teacher and conductor in north London with the Barnet Schools Wind Orchestra.
Awards
In 1995, he was awarded the Certificate of Exceptional Service in recognition of his service as Bandmaster of Enfield Citadel Band and in 1997 he became only the second Salvation Army musician to be awarded the Iles Medal.
He adjudicated at the British Open Championship on five occasions in 1993, 1995, 1998, 2000 and 2001 and at the Grand Shield in 2003.
In 1995, he was awarded the Certificate of Exceptional Service in recognition of his service as Bandmaster of Enfield Citadel Band and in 1997 he became only the second Salvation Army musician to be awarded the Iles Medal4BR
MBE
Bandmaster Williams was appointed MBE in Her Majesty the Queen's Golden Jubilee Birthday Honours list in June 2002 in recognition of his service to the brass band movement and Salvation Army.
The funeral will be held in the afternoon of Wednesday 5th July at Enfield SA Hall, Churchbury Lane, Enfield EN1 3HQ.
