BCB was delighted to be back at Symphony Hall, Birmingham for the British Open band contest once again.  It is an opportunity that the band enjoys and counts it a privilege to play to the thousands that gather for this special day in the banding calendar.  

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Despite an earlier start due to the long test piece which was to be played by the 20 competing bands, there seemed more people than ever milling around the Symphony Hall concourse as BCB started the hour-long programme.

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The band featured soloists Mark Sharman (Trombone), Neil Blessett (Horn) and David Taylor (Euphonium) who all delighted the knowledgeable audience gathered.  It was also great to see so many Salvationist musicians who offered their support and encouragement.

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Each year the band seems so well received and there were many positive comments once again regarding the performance of the band and the repertoire that was played.  A blend of light entertaining music with much loved classic SA repertoire was thoroughly appreciated by those gathered and provided the perfect vehicle for the band to show what great shape they are in.

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The following day, as per tradition, the band led the morning worship at Birmingham Citadel and were delighted to see so many visitors who had been in Birmingham for the contest.  The meeting was led by Band Sgt. Ian Kershaw and he featured three of our soloists in three segments: sitting with God, standing with God and walking with God.

 

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Programme

 

1.Vox Dilecti (Ken Downie)

2.Praise Him! (Stephen Bulla)

3.Trombone Solo: Blessed Assurance (Bill Himes) – Mark Sharman

4.Faith is the Victory (Sam Creamer)

5.Tenor Horn Solo: You Love Me (Paul Sharman) – Neil Blessett

6.High and Lifted Up (Stephen Ponsford)

7.The Light of the World (Dean Goffin)

8.Euphonium Solo: Air ‘n Variations (Stephen Bulla) – David Taylor

9.Let Everything Praise! (Martin Cordner)

10. Everlasting Hope (Paul Sharman)

11. In the Firing Line (Bramwell Coles)