JUBILEE BRASS AT

INTERNATIONAL FOOD FESTIVAL – LONDON, ONTARIO 

In spite of the weatherman’s forecast to the contrary, it was a beautiful day for a program in London, Ontario’s historic Victoria Park.  The Jubilee Brass responded enthusiastically to the opportunity to perform from the band shell at the International Food Festival on June 29^th. 

Having gained the attention of all with “O Canada”, the band gave an energetic rendering of the march, Amsterdam Congress.  Bandmaster Jim Gordon then explained the connection of the traditional melody, Londonderry Air in introducing the next number, Robert Redhead’s transcription, “In Tune With Thy Divinity”. 

Approximately 215 years of banding experience were represented by Bandmaster Jim Gordon, band members Bert Wormington and Fred Boycott as they played the classic cornet trio, “The Veterans” (Ray Steadman-Allen).  This was followed-up by the wartime favourite Colonel Bogey from the pen of Kenneth J. Alfred. 

Bandmaster Gordon related how an encounter with Canadian trumpeter/bandleader Bobby Herriot resulted in the acquisition of the Herriot arrangement of “Just a Closer Walk with Thee” which the band presented to the pleasure of those listening.  Often the object of good natured razzing, band sergeant, Jack Bernard was supported by band members who quickly reminded the bandmaster that he had missed the bagpipe solo on the program.  Predictably, the crowd responded enthusiastically as piper Bernard, accompanied by Jubilee Brass played the Jon Pittock arrangement of “Highland Cathedral”. 

William Gordon’s march medley, “Gospel Jubilee” was next on the program.  Strains of “Standing on the Promises”, “Rejoice in the Lord Always”, and “I Will Sing of the Mercies of the Lord Forever” filled the air with the spirited presentation by the band. 

A change of pace by way of an enthusiastic vocal rendition of the old spiritual “I’ve Been Changed” led by George Holmes was next on the program as band members testified to the “difference it made when the Lord came and stayed in my heart.”  As ever, the band’s vocalization was well received.

Another Jon Pittock arrangement added to the program as bandsman Karl Jolly played the flugel horn solo based on Andrew Lloyd-Webber’s “I Don’t Know How To Love Him”.  Karl’s clarity of sound and sensitivity to the meaning behind this tender melody was reflected in the audience’s appreciation of the presentation. 

Returning to traditional brass band style, Jubilee Brass performed the Ray Steadman Allen march, “Hadleigh Camp”.  Following appropriate words the band created a thoughtful mood with Leonard Ballantynes beautiful treatment of the traditional melody,
Shenandoah with which we associate the words of “Mid All The Traffic” (of the way).  This spirit of reflection was supported by the hymn tune, “What A Friend We Have in Jesus”.

The theme of the band’s final piece of the concert, Noel Jone’s march, “Blue Lake” is Jesus Saves.  This is the message with which we left the enthusiastic crowd, promising to return on July 31^st for another concert at Rib Fest.