Sunderland Monkwearmouth Band

 

It is with excitement and anticipation we look forward to the visit of The Sunderland Monkwearmouth Band, under the leadership of Nick Hall, to Govan this week-end.

 

As part of our continuing 125^th Celebrations the band will feature a festival on Saturday Night 7.00pm – tickets £3.00.

 

The Govan Songsters will be supporting our guests.

 

The week-end celebrations continue with a morning meeting at 10.30am and a Festival of Praise 4.00pm.

 

Once again your support is appreciated and I look forward to seeing you over the week-end!

 

 

 

CD Rehearsal Tuesday 11^th September

The evening commenced with prayer and everyone's thoughts turned to the task in hand. The recording opportunity would lead to many people hearing the band. It was therefore our job to make sure we brought our contributions before God and allow him to utilize our efforts to uplift, renew and challenge all who were to listen. God’s presence could be felt!

First on the stand to be recorded was Norman Bearcroft’s song arrangement - They’ll Sing A Welcome Home.

I must admit - this to be a favourite of mine. Back at my home corps ( Kilmarnock ) I was very much influenced by the Corps Sergeant Major of that time, Howard Martin by his Christian spiritual leadership, and this was a song he introduced me to always when he took the meeting on a Sunday night. (Usually ending up with a good old fashioned Glory March).  Howard, after a short illness was promoted to glory I am positive He would have had a Welcome Home!

 

This was by far the easiest of numbers to record. After only 20 minutes which included, two recordings and a couple of touch-ups the first one was in the Can!

 

The second piece to record was He Giveth More Grace. This is another cleverly written piece of music from James Curnow.   If you have a closer look at the words in Salvation Army Song Book No.579  Curnow marries the musical chord structures with the words perfectly so much so that bandmaster, players and listeners cannot help but be individually challenged!

 

It was early on during the second take of this piece that I could not only sense, but also see in the faces of the band that this particular recording was going to be the one! (Brian Hillson made particular mention of the band’s sound and musicianship). This was Govan Band sound at it’s best!    

I don’t think it would be out of place to mention the Euphonium sections contribution during this piece - quite outstanding.

 

By now everyone could sense a beautiful atmosphere and this led nicely on to the next choice Such Love by Paul Drury.

 

I remember the first rehearsal I handed this gorgeous piece out. Immediately after the first run through everybody could sense this was indeed a special arrangement of the Graham Kendrick worship song. The warmth of the chords and the freedom of license allowed by all the players enhanced this stunning arrangement.

 

Last up on the recording session schedule was George Marshall’s great old favorite Mighty To Save

This was really a right old fashioned Army band Knees-up. The band responded with probably the best playing of the night. 

 

A good nights playing and Bonding had once again been had by all!

It had been several years since the band recorded a CD, however by all accounts this had been a great venture to be part of!

 

I would therefore extend a sincere thank you to the entire band for their special efforts during this venture.   It certainly was a privilege to conduct the band and one I shall never forget.  

 

May God Bless You!

BM

 

 

 

 

 

 

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