This concert marked the end of Steven Hanover's 24 years as Bandmaster at Regent Hall Corps. Organised under the auspices of his ‘Life for Linda’ charity, the proceeds went to the Salvation Army's Wiamorase Clinic in Ghana.

Many familiar elements of the ‘Expressions’ concerts were on show; with choreography and imaginative use of space and lighting effects. The band opened with 'Cathedral'; the cornets and trombones ranged across the gallery, which led into the march 'Rousseau'.

Roll call

Using a video presentation and Dudley Bright's 'Excelsior', each section was introduced, including a roll-call of all who had played during Steven's tenure. Derick Kane then gave a superb rendition of his trademark solo 'Better World', coping well with the hot conditions.

Darren Bartlett's 'Song of Love' was the first of two contributions (they later sang James Curnow's exquisite 'Christ's Part') from the songsters.

The trombones played the first section of 'I Will Follow Him' offstage before completing the slickly-choreographed performance in the hall. The vocal group Four Hymn (on this occasion a trio due to illness) continued with 'This is Amazing Grace'.

While the collection was taken, members of Rink Jazz played 'Now I Belong to Jesus' with Richard Mingay on piano, Paul Sharman on cornet and Gareth Craik on bass guitar.

The Young People's Band followed in their elder’s footsteps with 'Mission Hymn-possible', incorporating 'Building up the Temple'. 'He is Lord', featuring Gary Waters on flugel, led into the scripture thoughts and a powerful reading of 'Shine as the Light'.

Using a video presentation and Dudley Bright's 'Excelsior', each section was introduced, including a roll-call of all who had played during Steven's tenure. Derick Kane then gave a superb rendition of his trademark solo 'Better World', coping well with the hot conditions.

Anything you can do

The lively 'Swingtime Religion' preceded two duets by Derick Kane and David Daws; with 'Glorious Venture' contrasting with 'Donegal Bay'. The former incorporated a comical 'anything you can do' cadenza with extracts from their best-known solos, whilst in the latter they were accompanied at the piano by Paul Sharman.

Paul Sharman moved to the piano to accompany 'My Peace I Give Unto You', before an up-tempo 'Daniel', with an extended drum break enabled the band to spread around the hall, including the balcony.

The meeting ended with 'God be with You Till We Meet Again', as Steven passed the baton to his successor, Paul Sharman.

Peter Bale