Canadian Staff Band
From Sawiki
History
The first Canadian Staff Band consisted of about 18 members who accompanied General William Booth, The Salvation Army’s Founder, through Eastern Canada , usually traveling on the same train. When the train stopped at each appointed city, the band would immediately form up and play while the General left the train and was greeted by officers and dignitaries. The band would then lead the parade to the hall chosen for the General’s meeting. Although this band only lasted for a little more than a year, it received many good reports on its playing.
A third Staff Band was in existence during General Booth’s visit of 1898 and accompanied him to various cities. This was followed by a fourth group, formed in 1907. It was called the Territorial Staff Band and over a seven-year period consisted of 36 to 42 members. In the early hours of May 29, 1914, while on its way to the Army’s International Congress in London, England, the ship on which they were traveling - the Empress of Ireland - was struck by the Norwegian collier Storstad and sank in 14 minutes. Only eight bandsmen survived.
From a large number of applications, the second Staff Band originated. It consisted of 20 players and was known as the Household Troops Band, modelled after a similar group in England . Staff-Captain McHardy was the executive officer and Captain Leonard the bandmaster. They played at summer camp meetings on Wells Hill (now Casa Loma), Toronto , where they were formally commissioned. Their first trip was by boat to Niagara Falls.
Following this tragedy, a fifth Staff Band existed for a short period of time during 1917-18. It consisted of 17 members made up of survivors of the Empress of Ireland and other headquarters staff, and lasted for about a year.
After an absence of more than 50 years, it is interesting to note that the possibility of reforming a Canadian Staff Band was discussed on the waters of the Atlantic as Major Norman Bearcroft and his wife, Jill, made their way to Canada in 1968. Norman had been appointed as Territorial Music Secretary, and following a number of interviews with the Territorial Commander, Commissioner Clarence Wiseman, the concept soon became a reality.
Although there was some opposition, a few key musicians, officers and leaders were brought together in late summer to plan the formation of a new band. Major Bearcroft casually visited a number of corps within easy reach of Toronto, listening to the players to ascertain their ability and potential role in the new band. The Financial Secretary agreed to a loan to fund the band and the Trade Secretary helped supply some converted pitch instruments. This, together with a generous gift of three instruments and music, set the stage for the first rehearsal. Invitations and phone calls resulted in a meeting at THQ in the fourth-floor cafeteria in October 1968. Those invited were addressed by the Chief Secretary, Colonel Leslie Russell. Then, following a cup of tea and prayers, each bandsman made his way to the film room in 2B – the second basement. There each man’s name appeared on his appointed chair. This studio was excellent for detecting any errors … when the air conditioning unit was off!
The Inaugural Festival was held in Toronto’s Bramwell Booth Temple on January 18, 1969 , to a capacity crowd. The Staff Band was supported by a composite band and male chorus selected from local corps bands. The excitement was heightened as the massed band played the festival march The Canadian and one of the 1914 bandsmen, Colonel Ernest Green, carried the new flag, donated by five survivors, to the platform. Each new staff bandsman followed, smartly attired in his new uniform. Symphony of Thanksgiving was the Staff Band’s major contribution to that historic night, presided over by Commissioner Clarence Wiseman.
On Sunday the band led the meetings at the Temple , and Bandmaster Bearcroft insisted on an evening march of witness. Bitter winter winds were blowing and not long into the march all attempts to keep instruments open failed. The band arrived back at the Temple whistling a march!
The Staff Band soon made a name for itself as it ministered in corps small and large throughout Canada and the United States. Typical programs of the day featured numerous new compositions and arrangements by Bandmaster Bearcroft, invariably introduced by the composer in his own inimitable style.
The band toured Western and Eastern Canada, visiting Newfoundland for the first time in 1971, where it left a lasting impression. Bandsmen recall how night after night Newfoundlanders in the audience rose to their feet for the Ode to Newfoundland, featured prominently in Bearcroft’s Songs of Newfoundland, written especially for the tour.
In 1974, the band undertook its first major overseas tour, visiting England , Scotland and Wales. Highlights included Deryck Diffey’s presentation of Golden Slippers at the Royal Albert Hall, where the CSB shared the stage with the International Staff Band.
During these years, the band was also featured regularly at congresses and commissionings, including the 90h Anniversay Eastern Canada Congress in 1982, led by General Erik Wickberg at Toronto’s Varsity Arena. The band also was a regular feature at the annual Spring Festivals and the Festivals of Gospel Song inaugurated by Major Bearcroft, held each fall at Toronto’s historic Massey Hall.
Following seven years of excellent service to the Canada and Bermuda Territory , the Bearcrofts returned to England in 1976, leaving behind an exciting, maturing Staff Band. The next bandmaster was also from England - a tall, slim Captain Robert Redhead - who arrived along with his wife, Gwen, and daughters Joanne and Corinne. Robert had been working in the International Music Editorial Department and was already well known for his band and vocal compositions. What a tremendous contribution the Redheads were to make in the years to come not only to the band but to the territory.
Bandmaster Redhead, like Bandmaster Bearcroft, added many compositions to the band’s repertoire, while Gwen was prominent in her contribution to drama. Together they wrote two full-length stage musicals, Chains of Gold and Ruth. Inevitably, many of the more familiar songs were made into band arrangements and featured in CSB concerts.
During this time, the band’s ministry expanded throughout the territory and around the world. In 1979, the band participated in the first Toronto Star Christmas Concert at St. Paul ’s Anglican Church in Toronto, an event which has now become an annual highlight of the Christmas season. The band also continued to play for congress and commissioning events. In 1982, it helped the territory celebrate its 100th anniversary by participating in the Centenary Congress and Commissioning in Winnipeg led by General Jarl Wahlstrom. It also made a valued contribution to the first Salvation Army festival held in Toronto’s brand new Roy Thomson Hall.
In addition to touring extensively throughout Canada and the United States during these years, the band also visited Holland, Germany, Switzerland and Italy, and in 1983 made a second trip to Great Britain.
Following the band’s tour of Australia and New Zealand in 1985, the Redheads were appointed as corps officers of Southmount Corps, Vancouver, and Brian Burditt assumed the responsibility of Staff Bandmaster. A charter member of the band, Brian began the first season on solo cornet, soon moved to flugel horn and eventually became deputy bandmaster. Well known for his training and conducting abilities, he became the first Canadian and lay person to permanently conduct the band.
Under Brian’s leadership, the band’s ministry continued to flourish. Overseas tours included Switzerland , Norway , a third visit to England for the 1990 International Congress with General Eva Burrows, and the band’s first visit to Bermuda in 1993. Visits to the United States included playing at Disney World in Florida, playing in the 1994 Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California, and performances at the Great American Brass Band Festival in Danville, Kentucky.
In 1989, former bandmasters Lt-Colonel Norman Bearcroft and Major Robert Redhead returned to help the CSB celebrate its 20th anniversary. Then, in 1994, an historic event was held at Toronto ’s Roy Thomson Hall to celebrate the band’s 25th anniversary. For the first time ever, four staff bands gathered to present an International Brass Spectacular. The International Staff Band, led by Lt-Colonel Robert Redhead, joined with the New York, Chicago and Canadian Staff Bands, and bandmasters from the Melbourne, Amsterdam, German and Japan Staff Bands, to present two unprecedented concerts, necessary to accommodate all those wishing to attend from around the world.
In 1997, the band visited Brazil, a trip that left a lasting impact on each bandsman privileged to take part. In July 2000, the band took part in the International Millennial Congress in Atlanta, Georgia, and in 2001 conducted a second tour of New Zealand and Australia.
In June 2002, following 17 years of leadership, Brian Burditt retired as bandmaster, to be succeeded by Kevin Hayward. Born in Bermuda, Kevin moved to Toronto in 1985 to complete his university education and had been a member of the band’s trombone section since 1988, serving as deputy bandmaster since 1992.
Although not embarking on any international tours, the CSB visited seven out of ten Canadian provinces during Kevin’s four years of leadership, including visits to Halifax , Winnipeg , St. John’s , and a 10-day Western Canada Tour in 2005 that took the band to Victoria , Vancouver , Calgary , Edmonton and Saskatoon . It also continued to minister at commissioning events and at the popular Christmas With The Salvation Army programs in Toronto beginning in 2002. A particular highlight was working with world-renowned trumpeter Jens Lindeman to produce a unique recording, Rising Sun, which was released in 2003.
In 2004, the CSB celebrated its 35th anniversary with a gala festival featuring guest artists Jens Lindeman and Curtis Metcalf, guest conductors Lt-Colonel Norman Bearcroft and Brian Burditt, and a host of CSB alumni. The weekend, which included an anniversary dinner, was a memorable one for all concerned. During the second half of the Saturday night program, CSB alumni joined the current band to present a selection of items from the band’s repertoire over the years, including Bearcroft’s Songs of Newfoundland, Just Like John and Timepiece, played by eight euphonium soloists.
Also in 2004, the band played at the Empress of Ireland 90th anniversary memorial service and the historic closing events for the Toronto College for Officer Training. It also played before a worldwide audience at the International Mosaic of Worship at Jackson ’s Point, Ontario, part of the International Music and Other Creative Ministries Forum organized by Colonel Robert and Gwenyth Redhead.
Unfortunately, following a difficult 2005-2006 season owing to ongoing health concerns, Bandmaster Hayward’s term as leader came to a premature end with the announcement of his resignation effective August 1. His final performance with the band came during the CSB’s participation in the 120th annual Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Congress, which included the closure of the St. John’s College for Officer Training. Unfortunately, Kevin was unable to be with the band for its visit to the Old Orchard Beach Camp Meetings later that summer. However, under the capable leadership of Deputy Bandmaster Steve Brown, the band inspired audiences and made a lasting impression by its participation throughout a memorable weekend.
Today, the Canadian Staff Band continues to have an effective musical and spiritual ministry. Since its re-formation in 1969, it has played and ministered at various locations and functions, including open-air meetings, jails, hospitals, hostels, government buildings, churches, auditoriums, theatres, schools, concert halls, many large and small corps, music clinics, a royal palace, even a race track. It continues to be acknowledged as one of the most renowned bands in the Salvation Army world.
