West Midlands Fellowship Band
From Sawiki
About The Band
In March 2000 Colonel Janet Smith of West Midlands Divisional Headquarters asked the Divisional Bandmaster, Charles King, to form a group of musicians to supply music for a Home League and Over Sixties rally that was to be held in Dudley Town Hall in the April. The small group or fifteen or so only had two rehearsals prior to this performance, but their playing was very enthusiastically received. A further invitation was received to play again at the 2001 rally. This coupled with requests to play carols at large shopping centres began to generate a fellowship, which is the foundation of the present band.
Other invitations arrived. Because of this demand regular two-hour rehearsals began and are now held weekly at Lye Salvation Army Corps in the Black Country, West Midlands.
The dedication, enthusiasm, energy, time and miles travelled to participate in this group is impressive, which indicates the quality of those involved. Many hold responsible positions in their own corps. The joy and spiritual fellowship we experience as we develop both spiritually and musically enables us to look forward as a group with optimism and confidence. This band is unique, because although it is part of the Salvation Army, it is open to all other Christian musicians who share our passion for Christ and his way of life and teaching.
The music is varied, and while the majority of it is from the Salvation Army's Festival, General, Triumph, or Unity series, some secular music as well as many well-known jazz standards is equally appreciated.
The band is becoming more and more in demand and will be performing again at Stratford, Worcester, Birmingham, Dudley, Royal Leamington Spa, and Cheltenham as well touring Norway in May 2004.
The Divisional Commander Major William Heeley on behalf of the Salvation Army, and in particular the West Midlands Division U.K. officially inaugurated this Fellowship band on the 27th March 2004.
