Netherlands National Band
From Sawiki
In 1945 a few letters where written to Ensign Gerrit Claeys, who was at that moment of time responsible for the development of music in the Salvation Army in the Netherlands. In this letter the suggestion was made that there should be a National Band in the Netherlands, and described in detail, how this band could function. The writer was Bernard Verkaaik, then living in Zwolle because of the lack of food in Amsterdam where he originated from. In a meeting which followed the foundation was laid for the Netherlands National Band, with it’s instructor Bernard Verkaaik. The band startred to practise in the beginning of 1948 and the installation meeting was on the 22nd of April in the same year. “Heroes of the Combat” was the first march which was played.
In the first years many corps in the Dutch territory where visited. With eager anticipation people where looking forward to the band visiting their area. Every year the band was featured during Bandsmen’s Councils Festivals. A few of those festivals where in the famous Concertgebouw. The press spoke about the wonderful sound of the band, the technical capability of soloists and the beautiful singing. Of course there where some critical reviews as well.
Soon the band was invited to visit other countries. The first tour was made to Great Britain in 1951, with another visit in 1957. Other countries visited where Belgium in 1952 and 1957, and Denmark and Sweden in 1953. Towards the end of it’s existance in 1959 the band toured the USA and Canada. The music of the Netherlands National Band of Amsterdam often has been compared by the European press with the best symphonic efforts. Organized in 1947 from the leading players of Holland's fifty-six Salvation Army Brass Bands, this elite group has enjoyed remarkable success under the skillful baton of its brilliant bandmaster Bernard Verkaaik.
Leading music critics, evidently inspired and surprised by the gallant Hollanders have reflected their impressions of the band with lofty phrases such as: "absolute dedication"; "fantastic, radiant, and sonorous sound"; "a sublime example"; "impeccable technique"; "pure and wonderful balance"; "the conductor is a connoisseur as well as an artist"; "a high standard of repertoire"; "the velvet sound of a symphony orchestra"; "this proud possesion of all musical Holland".
The band is a symbol of the couragage and fortitude of the Dutch people in their rapid rebuilding and recovery from the unparalleled destruction and ravages of the World War 2. In less than twelve years it has progressed from the humblest of beginnings to an instrument of musical maturity. It is used to demonstrate the best in service and musicianship to the growing brass band movement in the Netherlands, and exemplies the highest standards of Salvation Army Bands.
For important civic occasions the National Band is frequently called upon to provide noble music. When the city of Alkmaar celebrated it's 700th anniversary with a festival in its great cathedral, it required conducting of Bernard Verkaaik. Such an idea was projected many years ago by George Bernard Shaw who claimed that Handel's oratorios would have been immeasurably enriched if the instrumentation of one of the great Salvation Army Bands had been available to him. While the band is touring North America for the first time, it's musical ministry has been by no means confined to the Netherlands. England heard them in 1951 and 1956, Belgium in 1952 and 1957, Denmark and Sweden in 1953, and Scotland and Ireland in 1956. In addition the band broadcasts regularly on several Dutch radio stations abd has been featured by BBC and Radio Stockholm. The band is featured each year in Amsterdam's famed "Concertgebouw".
