Category: Engagement

Report: SASWE at Brighton Congress Hall

Brighton Congress Hall was the first Saturday engagement of the season for the Salvation Army Symphonic Wind Ensemble (SASWE). A large congregation gathered to hear a very good evening of music from this fine ensemble of musicians from all  areas of the country under the leadership of Bandmaster Andrew Mackereth.

At brighton congress hall

Pieces ranged from the march ‘Rejouissance’ written by a former member of the group, the late Alan Laken, to two new items one written by Retired Songster Leader Michael Babb, also a former member for many years and a valued composer, ‘I bring my heart to Jesus’ the second by Bandmaster Andrew Mackereth, ‘The Presence and the Power’.

Special mention was made of the Promotion to Glory of Songster Leader Maisie Wiggins who, until last year was a very loyal member of the ensemble since it began more than twenty years ago. As a tribute to her, Andrew composed a piece which included parts of solos Maisie had played, and choruses and melodies which were personal to her family.

The Corps community choir ‘All Aloud’ were included in the evening and brought a good selection of secular songs.

Other items included some Army classics which had been transposed by member Kevin Horner.

Many comments were made that the programme provided many varied and well played items making the event a great evening of fellowship and music making.

As a fitting gesture to Retired Songster Leader Michael Babb for all his contributions to the ensemble, a souvenir picture was taken of him with the band.

Bram Warren

At Symphony Sounds

In June SASWE had the absolute pleasure of joining with other Salvation Army musicians at Symphony Sounds, the annual celebration of Salvation Army music here in the UK.

Here we are playing in our foyer concert in the afternoon…

SASWE at Symphony Sounds

…and here we are playing Glory! Honour! by Andrew Mackereth.

I guess we aren’t the Salvation Army’s “best kept secret” anymore! We even made it into the Salvationist 🙂

SASWE in the Salvationist

 

Visit to Bedford Congress Hall, March 2016

The reputation of the Salvation Amy Wind Ensemble preceded their visit to Bedford Congress Hall. We were not disappointed, as the concert progressed with music that both excited and blessed the listener. We were reminded from the start by the Ensemble’s musical director Andrew Mackereth that, the evening, besides being a musical experience would also be a spiritual one. The response of the audience to the items as they were presented bore out to the success of the Ensemble on both points.

Bedford Congress Hall

The applause that greeted the scintillating playing of their opening item Glorious Service (Barrie Hingley) was equally met with a reverent silence as we were reminded of the words associated Michaels Babb’s arrangement of Lead Kindly light. These contrasting emotions were evoked as the programme continued with Wilfred Himes Joyful Celebration, Norman Bearcroft’s Just Like John arranged by Kevin Horner for the wind Ensemble. Andrew Mackereth’s arrangement of the Beatles song Here, There and Everywhere, Demonstrated the versatility of this fine group of musicians. The evening concluded with an arrangement of Let the Children sing (Alan Laken\Andrew Mackereth) of the Singing Company song it is a thing most wonderful too wonderful for words. Bedford Congress Hall Songsters supported throughout.

Theo Armstrong
Bedford Congress Hall

SASWE at Symphony Sounds

We are very pleased that SASWE will be taking part in this year’s Symphony Sounds festival in June. How exciting!!!

Symphony Sounds

The festival, which is an annual event by The Salvation Army, takes place on Saturday 4 June at Birmingham Symphony Hall. We are honoured and very excited to be taking part alongside some other great Salvation Army musicians.

Perhaps SASWE won’t be the Army’s “best kept secret” for much longer?

We would love to see lots of our supporters and friends at the event – tickets are available now direct from Birmingham Symphony Hall.