Cambridge Heath Brass

Conductor: Roy Terry
The Salvation Army
Lewisham
Saturday 17th May

To mark the 125th anniversary of the work of The Salvation Army in Lewisham, a programme was given by Cambridge Heath Brass, directed by Roy Terry. 

Discussions over the tea table at the conclusion of the afternoon rehearsal revealed that several of the players have had links with Lewisham Corps over the years, and the current Commanding Officer, Martin Cordner, is a valued member of the cornet section. 

The programme commenced with Ray Steadman-Allen’s march “Silver Star”, followed by Ray Bowes’ meditation “My heart’s desire”. Based round the familiar children’s hymn “Praise Him, praise Him, all His little children”, the latter displayed the smooth, sustained sound that has for so long been a feature of Cambridge Heath Brass and its predecessor, the Cambridge Heath Band, whilst the march was notable for its crisp articulation and effective dynamic contrasts.

After the Introductions and an opening song, prayer was offered by the Divisional Commander, Major Ray Irving, himself a former member of the band. Captain Nick Hanover, currently stationed across the river from Lewisham at Stratford Corps, was for several years a member of The Salvation Army’s premier vocal ensemble, the International Staff Songsters, and his songs complemented the sounds of the brass. 

Bandmaster Nigel Schultz of Chelmsford Corps was the sensitive piano accompanist in “Beyond my understanding”, whilst “Listen to our heart” was sung to a pre-recorded backing track.

Martin Cordner wrote “Celebration Overture” in response to a request from Stephen Cobb for a contemporary number for the International Staff Band. Described as “a celebration of new life in Christ” Martin has featured the tunes “I am a new creation”, “There is a Redeemer”, “Let your light shine”, “All heaven declares” and “We celebrate you”, incorporating a range of styles and prominent passages for all sections of the band.

Nick Hanover took centre stage once more with a sensitive rendition of “The Invitation” before giving a demonstration of the sort of work he carries out as part of his schools ministry, with the well-known children’s song “Jesus loves me” being developed into a call and response item, with the congregation being asked to echo Nick’s lead.

“A Pilgrim Song”, by New Zealander Thomas Rive, can be counted as a classic of Salvation Army repertoire. A set of variations on the tune “Monk’s Gate”, so named by Ralph Vaughan Williams after the Sussex village where he first heard it, the central passacaglia features a minor mode version of the melody in the bass, whilst the subtle use of varying dynamics throughout the band is most effective.

After an interval, with the opportunity to meet up with old friends and to reminisce, the congregation joined in a lively rendition of the hymn “O happy day!” Cambridge Heath Brass has strong links with the work of The Salvation Army in Africa, in particular the Democratic Republic of Congo, so it was appropriate that they should include Kenneth Downie’s “African Trio”. 

Written for the Brass Aid recording, the composer has included the songs “Kumbayah”, “The Lord’s Prayer” and “We are marching in the light of God”, featuring his characteristic use of shifting harmonies and rich chords in the lower half of the band.

For his final contribution, Nick Hanover provided two songs in contrast, following “Can you feel the love tonight” (from Disney’s “The Lion King”) with Peter Graham’s “It’s been a wonderful day”, written for Albert Avery and the New York Staff Band. Former Commanding Officer Lt Col David Lambert Gorwyn then reflected on the history of the Corps, including sharing some of his own memories of his time in Lewisham, linking this with the Scripture presentation.

Dean Goffin wrote his “Symphony of Thanksgiving” for the Diamond Jubilee of the International Staff Band in 1951, and with its use of the hymns “For all the saints”, “Come ye thankful people come” and “Praise my soul” it was a fitting climax to the band’s programme. 

The tempos chosen allowed the full majesty of the music to come across without the scramble that can sometimes result, making for increased clarity and tightness of ensemble.

Lewisham Singing Group introduced the anniversary song, “We praise you, Lord”, especially written by Barbara Parker, with music by Martin Cordner. Having sung it through with piano accompaniment, the whole congregation was given the chance to join in, this time backed by the band.

After a spoken benediction, the band brought the evening to a close with the arrangement of the hymn tune “French” - “How sweet the name” (Ronald Tremain arr Osgood), with which Cambridge Heath Brass traditionally end the Watchnight Service at St Paul’s Cathedral.

Peter Bale

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