Norwich Citadel Band
From Sawiki
Norwich Citadel Band was established in 1882 following a visit by General William Booth, founder of The Salvation Army, who came to preach at the newly opened corps (church) based in a former roller skating rink in the heart of the old medieval city of Norwich. The General implored its citizens to “Get a drum and rouse Norwich from one end to the other”. This directive was immediately acted upon, instruments were purchased and a band was formed. By December 1882 the band was heard playing and marching the streets proclaiming the message of God’s love for all.
1882 was a prolific year for The Salvation Army. Its work was commenced in Canada, India, Switzerland and Sweden as well as the opening of corps number 304 in Norwich, England. Some of the bandsmen of today can trace family roots back to those early days and are justly proud of their heritage.
Today the band is very much involved in the life of the city and provides music for many civic, church and cultural events including the annual Lord Mayor’s Civic Service and the Remembrance Day Parade. It also regularly plays in the magnificent 11th century Cathedral and in concert halls around the region.
Travel to other parts of Great Britain giving concerts and leading worship at Salvation Army centres is part of the band’s raison d’être. Appearances at famous venues include London’s Royal Albert Hall, Royal Festival Hall and Queen Elizabeth Hall, Amsterdam’s Concertgebouw, the concert hall of the University of Cape Town, the Centennial Memorial Temple in New York City and Sandringham, the Queen’s residence in Norfolk.
For many years the band has toured overseas and has visited the Netherlands (1959), Sweden (1971 and 2004), Norway (1990), the USA (1985 and 1998), Canada (1985) and South Africa (1983), where NCB were the first Salvation Army band ever to visit the African continent from overseas and the first ever brass band to travel to that country.
Always looking for new and innovative ways of communicating it’s music and message to people, Norwich Citadel Band has appeared many times on television as well as making numerous recordings. Five are currently available on CD and cassette. Laudate, Ultrachrome, Joy to the World and Majesty.
