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On Saturday October 4th,
Jubilee Brass presented its
first annual concert. The
Woodstock Corps hall was
filled to capacity in
expectation of a brilliant
performance by the special
guest, Trumpeter, cornetist,
conductor and Salvationist
Robert Venables. No one left
disappointed.
Robert was absolutely
brilliant in “ The Southern
Cross” (Herbert I. Clarke),
and “Concert Etude”
(Alexander Goedicke). His
articulation, tone and range
is the envy of every serious
musician. In these numbers
Robert was accompanied at
the piano by his charming
wife Rhonda. Her giftedness
was impressive to an
appreciative audience.
Robert was supported by the
band in the theme from “
The Phantom of the Opera” (weber-arr.William
Gordon). He was principal
trumpet in this production
for ten years.
Robert concluded his
contributions by playing the
beautiful William Himes
arrangement of “I’d rather
have Jesus”. It was plainly
evident that this was
rendered from the heart.
Jubilee Brass was blessed to
have Robert as the feature
of this concert.
 As one of the top freelance
trumpeters in Canada he has
been principal with the
Hamilton Philharmonic,
Ontario Place Pops,
Orchestra London and Windsor
Symphony. He has also
performed extensively with
the National Ballet of
Canada and the Canadian
Opera Company.
Robert is also an exemplary
Salvationist using his
musical talents in such
bands as the Canadian Staff
Band, The Earlscourt Citadel
Band and now the North York
Temple Band.
Robert has also worked with
the Hannaford Street Silver
Band and Intrada Brass. He
has traveled much of the
world as both soloist and
conductor.
The Band’s contribution of
“Allegro from Music For the
Royal fireworks” right at
the outset provided a mood
of expectancy. Four trumpets
and six trombones lined the
front of the sanctuary to
feature in this dynamic
number.
Ray Steadman Allen’s “Crown
of Conquest” was the opening
march and Skinner’s “Songs
of the Soldier” followed
soon after.
The trombones were featured
in “Wonders begin” another
composition from the pen of
Ray Steadman Allen.
A lovely arrangement by
William Gordon of “How great
thou art” concluded the
first half.
Following a brief
intermission the band
stirred the crowd with a
snappy rendition of Norman
Bearcroft’s “ To Regions
fair”. Hime’s “A prayer of
thanksgiving” reminded all
present of the bountiful
land in which we live and
the need to be grateful.
Our resident piper, Band
Sergeant Jack Bernard,
brought “The Old Rustic
Bridge which had been
arranged by our resident
composer and arranger Band
Librarian Jon Pittock.
Bandsman George Holmes led
the band in Gowans/Larson’s
“ How much more.”
The final number, conducted
by the guest soloist was the
wonderful and challenging
musician’s favorite, “ The
Penitent” written by B/M H.
Kirk.
The program was compered by
none other than a former
Executive officer of the
band, Lt. Colonel John
Wilder who, in almost fifty
years of distinguished
Salvation Army officiership
has served in Corps,
Divisional and Territorial
appointments.
As this was a fund raising
concert for Jubilee Brass
the lovely ladies associated
with the band held a hugely
successful bake sale. A
Silent auction was also
held.
There seemed to be something
for everyone on this night.
We’re sure that everyone
from the performers to the
attendees are looking
forward to next year’s
festival.
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