For this 33rd Highlights concert, Hendon Band was joined by the International Staff Songsters and Richard Marshall.  

They opened with James Curnow's 'Faith is the Victory' in a reading which combined the crispness of the transatlantic rhythms with the smoothness of the trio section, before further American influences were heard in 'The Adventurers' (Martin Cordner), drawing on the world of Hollywood and its western films with the melodies, 'He leadeth Me! O Blessed Thought!', 'By His Hand' and 'Lead Me'.

Classic solo

Richard Marshall charmed the audience with 'Life's Pageant'; a parody of the caprice 'Zelda' written when Terry Camsey was in the Band of the Irish Guards. It certainly found favour with audience member David Daws, who frequently played it in his days as a cornet soloist.

Paul Sharman penned 'Quest' for the Salvation Army's Territorial Youth Band.  A testing piece with contrasting sections, it featured tight ensemble work and accomplished solo playing. 'My God and King', Paul's up-tempo setting of 'Let all the world in every corner sing' opened the second half.

Contrasting solos

Richard Marshall returned for 'Carnival of Venice', written by his teacher when he was just twelve - although he has no doubt added some embellishments over the years.  Ray Farr's setting of 'Ave Maria' incorporated Richard Phillips on piano, although there were a few tuning issues. Richard also took up the trumpet to add solo contributions to 'Jubilo Jubilo' (Martin Cordner).

The International Staff Songsters have been at the forefront of Salvation Army vocal music for some forty years and their singing certainly enhanced the evening.  A varied programme was marked by first-class balance, phrasing and intonation, with the unaccompanied items particularly telling.

Uplifting finale

'To Boldly Go' (Peter Graham) made for an effective finale, with Richard Marshall joining the cornet bench.  From the opening 'I'll go in the Strength of the Lord' through to the closing statement of 'I'll Not Turn Back' it showed the band off to good effect, although one felt they could have been given their head a little more in the final section.

Peter Bale