Jubilee Brass kicked off the 2009 season at the London Hillcrest Community Church annual band concert and pie event. This is a most popular event sponsored by the Hillcrest Community Care Ministries with all proceeds going to Partners in Mission.

This event is a gourmet delight. Lots of exotic pies for consumption and take out. None for throwing.

The Band resplendent in their maroon jackets and with music stands adorned with the new banners of the same hue, began the concert with the stirring march, “With shield and banner bright”.

Following the congregational song, prayer and introductions the band changed the pace with the William Gordon Processional, “Be Glorified”.

Next on the program was the ever popular cornet solo “Tucker” presented by our principal cornet, Major Gary Venables. The Major has just recently joined the band after retiring as a Salvation Army officer and possesses superior technique and warm but solid sound.

Band Sergeant Jack Bernard, joined at the hip with his ever present bagpipes, again stole the show with his rendition of ‘Amazing Grace’.

The congregation joined the band with a hearty rendition of Bearcroft’s “Sing along with the Band”. We haven’t heard some of those tunes in a long time let along having had the opportunity to sing them.

The Hugh Roberton classic “ All in the April evening” arranged by Eric Ball was next on the program. This is a very beautiful number requiring a most sensitive read by the band.

Trombonist Bandsman Tom Quick took the stage front and centre and presented a composition of our Band Librarian Jon Pittock based on the well known song “Jesus loves you and me”

This was followed with another of Jon’s compostions,”Hillcrest”, a snappy march prepared for the corps being visited on this occasion.

Just prior to the devotional presented by our Executive officer, Major Wilson Noble, the band presented a beautiful arrangement of ‘In His presence” written by another new member to the band, EEb bass player Ray Brooks. This number should be published.

Following the devotional the band became a chorus and presented a moving presentation of the song “What will you do with Jesus?”, another arrangement of Norman Bearcroft.

Jubilee Brass concluded the program with a golden oldie,’Great and Glorious”

Another season of music making and ministry has begun. The next big event is a week-end away at Goderich,Ontario.