Dean Goffin

From Sawiki

Sir Dean Goffin

Sir John Dean Goffin was born on July 9th. 1916, and was one of New Zealand's first prolific Salvation Army composers who composed not only music for the Army but for non-Army bands as well, such as his "Rhapsody in Brass" which is part of the New England Brass Band's repertoire.

He grew up in a musically active Salvation Army family, his father (Henry Charles Goffin) a famous bandmaster and composer of popular marches. From a very young age he was active in the musical life of New Zealand, both in and out of the Salvation Army, becoming, at the age of 19, bandmaster of the famed Wellington South Corps. During World War II he served as a military musician, forming and training the band of the 20th Infantry Battalion of the 4th Brigade that was active in the Middle East.

Goffin was the first major Salvation Army composer to complete a bachelor in music from Otago University in 1950. Shortly after he trained to become a Salvation Army Officer, serving initially in New Zealand, then in Great Britain where he held the positions of National Bandmaster (1956-1960) and National Secretary for bands and Songster Brigades (1960-1966). Transferred back to New Zealand (1966), Goffin assumed senior administrative positions culminating in his appointment as Territorial Commander (1980).

His "The Light of the World" meditation takes its inspiration from the famous painting of the same name by William Holman Hunt.

Goffin was knighted in the 1983 Queens Birthday Honours List, and was promoted to Glory the following year.

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