Music Editorial

19/01/2025

Here is a video of The International Staff Band playing Keith Manners’ latest piece, 'Everlasting Love', which forms part of the December 2024 General Series journal. Keith, a former ISB member, uses the tunes 'Such Love' (Graham Kendrick) and 'The wonder of his grace' (Howard Davies).

This piece is available to purchase from Salvation Army Music Index:
https://samusicindex.com/brass/everlasting-love/11866

17/01/2025

SING TO THE LORD (MIXED VOICE SERIES) Volume 32, part 1

January sees the publication of the latest edition of Sing to the Lord (Mixed Voice Series) with Volume 32 part 1. It contains 8 new songs for your singing groups to use and enjoy.

Dan Elson (Liverpool Walton Corps) provides his first contribution to this journal with a song based on Psalm 119, 'I love your way'.

NiK King (Music and Creative Arts, THQ) has arranged the song 'Yours the grace', by Major Bruce Tulloch (Worthing Corps) which has lyrics based on Romans 5.

Stephanie and Jonathan Mead (Morriston Corps) bring us a song written as part of the 150th anniversary celebrations for The Salvation Army’s work in Wales, 'Dyma Gariad' ('Here is love') with the opportunity to sing some Welsh words!

Captain Nicholas Samuel (Canada and Bermuda Territory) has written a song based on Commissioner Robert Street’s words, used as the introduction to his recently published book of readings, 'For the privilege of service', from which this song takes its title.

Two well-known contributors, Malcom Westwood and Major Howard Davies combine to bring us the song, 'The greatness of God', which describes how God cares for us even whern we don't care for ourselves.

'In Need' is a beautiful song by songwriter and worship leader Ross King. Music Editorial's Simon Gash brings us this arrangement.

'Sacred Space' is a song by Major Nigel Bovey and Andrew Mackereth that speaks of the daily quest we face seeking a sacred space with God.

This edition is completed by the song 'Praise Hymn', by regular contributors, Dawne Neeve and Daniel Bates. This upbeat song is very accessible, and its positive message sums up the journal, Praise the Lord! Sing with joy to him.

This publication, with its 8 new songs, is available to purchase from SP&S:
https://www.sps-shop.com/sing-to-the-lord-mixed-voice-series-volume-32-part-1

Demonstration and backing tracks are available here:
https://www.sps-shop.com/STTL2501-download

15/01/2025

This new, exciting Festival March 'Fight Through', comes from the pen (and/or mouse!) of a new contributor to our Brass journals, Bandmaster Michael Cooper (Brisbane City Temple Band, Australia). He skilfully uses tunes to depict the idea that Spiritual warfare is an essential component of our Christian faith. Enjoy this video of The International Staff Band playing down this march in their rehearsal room.

This piece is available to purchase from Salvation Army Music Index at:

https://samusicindex.com/brass/fight-through/11867

11/01/2025

** FULLY SCORED - Episode 63 **

Season 6 of Fully Scored starts off with a bang. In a fresh new format, we are honoured to welcome not one, not two, but three esteemed retiring/retired Staff Bandmasters for an enlightening discourse.

Ken Waterworth, of the Melbourne Staff Band, Olaf Ritman, of the Amsterdam Staff Band, and John Lam, of the Canadian Staff Band, talk about this seismic shift in Staff Bandmaster leadership we’re currently experiencing.

They regale us with cherished memories from their illustrious times with their respective bands, recounting favourite moments, epic tours, and innovations they have championed. The three outgoing leaders also impart invaluable wisdom to their incoming successors, ensuring a seamless transition of musical excellence. The episode also includes the introduction of a new segment, ‘Fully Scored news’, where we uncover some of the latest developments in the world of Salvation Army music. In a thrillingly close contest, we discover who will be crowned the ultimate Staff Bandmastermind champion.

For season six we’re going to be trialling some more fresh formats like this, but don’t worry we haven’t thrown the traditional format out completely, keep your eyes peeled for February’s release.

Listen to this episode, and all 62 previous episodes wherever you get your podcasts, or simply by clicking the link below:

https://shows.acast.com/5e78987f.../6780069b027583ffa62aa7aa

08/01/2025

**GENERAL SERIES BRASS BAND JOURNAL - NOW AVAILABLE**

During our December posts we focussed on seasonal musical offerings. Now as we commence 2025, here is some information about the December 2024 General Series journal and its four new pieces scored for Brass Band.

The issue begins with a transcription of Vaughan Williams’ organ prelude ‘Rhosymedre’ by Douglas Engle. This beautiful tune is associated with Samuel Crossman’s words, 'My song is love unknown'. Sam Creamer brings us the fantastic 'Hosanna Shuffle', an upbeat fusion of rock and swing styles together!

Keith Manners has written 'Everlasting Love', featuring the tunes 'Such Love' and 'The wonder of his grace'. The issue is completed with a composition by a new contributor, Michael Cooper who has written the imposing Festival March, 'Fight Through', featuring the tunes 'I want to be a soldier', 'Lift up the banner', and 'My Jesus, I love thee'.

The December 2024 General Series, with these four great new compositions, is available to purchase from:

https://www.sps-shop.com/general-series-brass-band-journal-numbers-2250-2253-december-2024

24/12/2024

Have you ever wondered what brass players love to do at the end of a long session in the studio? Entertaining the rest of the orchestra with some carols seems to be a popular choice!

Here is an impromptu rendition of 'We wish you a merry Christmas' (Christmas Collection 138) by the orchestral brass section - featuring Philip Cobb - from Air Studios, London.

With the busy Advent season for Salvationist musicians coming to an end, Music Editorial would like to wish you a very happy Christmas!

24/12/2024

Did you know that the tune 'Joy to the world' was written by George Frederick Handel? This 18th Century carol, with words by Isaac Watts, is hugely popular all around the world. Please enjoy this video, performed by the trainee British Army musicians at The Royal Military School of Music, based at HMS Nelson, Portsmouth.

This arrangement is part of the CHRISTMAS COLLECTION; a hugely versatile resource containing 143 arrangements of carols and Christmas tunes, plus 10 arrangements that were originally published in the SOUNDS OF CHRISTMAS journal. It is available in both march card and A4 sizes and can be purchased - so you're all set for next December! - from SP&S at:

https://www.sps-shop.com/search/for/christmas+collection/

We are grateful to The Royal School of Military Music, Portsmouth for their permission to use this video.

23/12/2024

Here is one of our most popular videos from Christmas past! It features a quartet version of Deck the Hall, recorded by the talented Seb Farrell. Originally recorded during the pandemic, this is an arrangement by Head of Music Editorial, Andrew Blyth, of the Welsh tune 'Nos Galan'.

21/12/2024

Most Salvation Army bands will have spent many hours this month carolling in their local areas, so much so that most band members will be able to tell us the Christmas Collection number of the tune featured in this video. For the more seasoned players, perhaps you'll be able to tell us what number it was in New Christmas Praise or even Christmas Praise?

And for those experts in Salvation Army music trivia you may know the year and number of the first published SA band piece that featured this tune!

While you think about that, please enjoy this video of British Army musicians playing it, in training at The Royal Military School of Music, Portsmouth.

We are grateful to The Royal School of Military Music, Portsmouth for their permission to use this video.

20/12/2024

Christmas 2020 was a difficult time for Christians around the world who, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, were unable to gather together to celebrate Christ's birth.

This video of Major Yvonne Field's (Sale Salvation Army Church & Community) 'Majesty Resides' performed by the Sing to the Lord Choir is complemented by some wonderful artwork by Georgia Smith which was produced in 2020.

19/12/2024

Many musical groups outside The Salvation Army make use of our arrangements. Here is a video from the East of England Co-op Band’s recent Christmas concert.

It features Jason Beattie on Soprano cornet (who also plays in the band at The Salvation Army - Norwich Citadel) playing Niels Silfverberg’s 'Little Lord Jesus', based on 'Away in a Manger'.

This piece is available to purchase from SAMI at: https://samusicindex.com/brass/little-lord-jesus/9740

We are grateful to the East of England Co-op Band for their permission to use this video.

17/12/2024

** FULLY SCORED - Episode 62 **

A fun, festive finale to season 5 of Fully Scored is now available.

Episode 62 features an interview with Kevin Coates ( International Staff Band) and an analysis of one of the most-played Christmas marches, 'Christmas Praise'. The legend that is Noel Jones joins Matthew to talk about his sparkling march.

You can listen to this now at: https://www.salvationist.org.uk/podcasts/fully-scored/fully-scored-ep-62

Or from wherever you normally get your podcasts.

11/12/2024

'Silent Night!' is one of the nation's favourite carols. This arrangement, by Richard Mingay, is part of a resource entitled ADVENT JAZZ VESPERS, which gives congregations the space to gather, stop and wait over the busy Christmas period.

If you are in the Sutton (South London) area, you can experience Advent Jazz Vespers in person at 7pm on 18th December.

We are grateful to Major Richard Mingay, Paul Scott, Calum Montgomery and Anthony Thompson for recording this beautiful track.

04/12/2024

Did you know that the 36 pieces in the SOUNDS OF CHRISTMAS journal are now available to download from the Salvation Army Music Index. Just follow the link below and choose the piece/pieces you want to purchase.

https://samusicindex.com/brass?series=Sounds+of+Christmas

03/12/2024

It’s that time again!🎄 Have your say on the territory's favourite Christmas carols.

It’s that time again!🎄 Have your say on the territory's favourite Christmas carols.

The most popular choices will form this year's Christmas Top 10 on Salvationist Radio. Voting closes on Sunday 15 December. Vote now: salvationarmyuk.typeform.com/to/wjVFKv3G

02/12/2024

For several years now the CHRISTMAS COLLECTION has been used by bands and choirs, both within The Salvation Army and outside. This year we've expanded its utility with the addition of three new books: Euphonium Bb (without melodic cues), Euphonium B.C. (without melodic cues) and Baritone B.C. (part III).

Christmas Collection contains 143 arrangements of carols and Christmas tunes, plus 10 arrangements that were originally published in the Sounds of Christmas journal.

These books are available to order in both standard March Card size:

https://www.sps-shop.com/cc-marchcard

and Large Print A4 size:

https://www.sps-shop.com/cc-largeprint

Just select the relevant part from the dropdown menu.

29/11/2024

Please enjoy this short video, taken at World of Sound studios, Wellingborough, at the end of a long day of recording. It features Mervyn Clarke’s latest publication in the November Triumph Series Brass Band journal, 'With life anew'. The piece features the tunes 'Trentham' and 'Carlisle' with the associated words of 'Blessèd Saviour, now behold me' and 'Breathe on me, breath of God'.

This piece is one of four available in the November Triumph Series journal, and is available to purchase from SP&S at:
https://www.sps-shop.com/triumph-series-brass-band-journal-numbers-1367-1370-november-2024