Leslie Condon

From Sawiki

Major Leslie Condon

For many years, the name of Leslie Condon could be found in the various journals of Salvation Army Bands. Whether it was a simple hymn tune arrangement to a detailed tone poem, the message would still be there. His pieces have gone on to become undisputed classics and are still loved by those who hear them for the first time or for the hundredth time!.

Leslie Condon became a Salvation Army officer, having been a part of the Ambassadors Session in 1950 along with fellow future Army composer Norman Bearcroft. He then went onto serve with the International Staff Band of The Salvation Army as deputy Bandmaster and gained a worthy reputation as a vocal soloist!. He also held various other positions including National Bandmaster of Great Britain and Secretary For Band & Songsters.

Leslie Condon was born on 28 October 1928 and before entering the International Training College, (ITC) was a postman. He entered training on 29 August 1950 and was commissioned as a Salvation Army Officer on 25 May 1951. He was posted as Assistant Sergeant Major at the ITC and also was posted to Linton & West Wickham and Sudbury until his marriage in July 1953. Then together with his wife, Ruth, was posted to Hadleigh and Bury St. Edmunds. From November 1957 to August 1968, he was with Salvationist Publishing & Supplies (SP&S) then in August 1968 was transferred to the then National Headquarters where he took on the position of UK National Bandmaster.

In April 1972 however, he became National Secretary for Bands and Songsters before being re-appointed back to SP&S to become the Assistant Head of the Musical Editorial Department. Major Condon was finally transferred to International Headquarters in January 1983. Before his promotion to Glory on Christmas Eve 1983.

According to his record, his qualifications were: Brass (composer), Piano and a Fellow of Trinity College (F.T.C.L) and also Music Theory, D.Mus. T.C.L (Doctor of Music, Trinity College London) and Conducting & Teaching, L.T.C.L (Licentiate of Trinity College London).

He received the promotion of 2nd Lieutenant in 1952 and then 1st Lieutenant in 1955. He was then promoted to Captain in 1957 before his final promotion to Major in 1968. Together with his wife Ruth, had 5 children: Dorothy, Sylvia, Valeria, David & Phillip between 1954 and 1964.

It was through his music that he was not afraid to break new ground, this he proved with "The Call Of The Righteous". One of his first published pieces was "Duke Street" and later Fakenham Temple" which includes the tune associated with the words "I believe we shall win!". Leslie also wrote a march in memory of the Salvation Army Holiday week fellowship then held at Bognor Regis and titled it accordingly. This march includes a lovely chorus, "Life is a song when you walk with Jesus".

He was sadly promoted to Glory while playing Carols with Croydon Citadel Band, where he served as Bandmaster, on Christmas Eve in 1983.

[edit]