70 piece brass band to play at Salvation Army ‘play day’
IN WHITLEIGH on Saturday 1 February, The Salvation Army Devon and Cornwall Divisional Mission Band is holding its second annual ‘play day’.
70 brass musicians drawn from brass bands throughout Devon and Cornwall have registered to come and play at this unique event, which will see Dr Stephen Cobb, Bandmaster of the world-renowned International Staff Band of The Salvation Army as guest conductor for the day.
He will be supported by Dr Kenneth Downie, the composer of the main test piece for the 2019 National Brass Band Championship, who is respected worldwide for his composition works both inside and outside The Salvation Army.
For Devon and Cornwall brass players this could be a once off opportunity to play in a massed brass band of this quality under such leaders as Dr Cobb and Dr Downie.
The Salvation Army Devon and Cornwall Divisional Mission Band was formed after the first ever ‘play day’ took place in early 2019, which saw 60 Salvation Army and non-Salvation Army brass instrument players attending.
Since the band was formed with thirty five to forty regular members, it has gone on to play at several events right across Devon and Cornwall.
This year, it is scheduled to play at engagements from as far apart as Penzance to Sidmouth.
“What has been so encouraging about the creation of our band is that we have regular members drawn not only from various Salvation Army centres across Devon and Cornwall, but also enthusiastic support from members of various town bands” said David Carter, secretary of The Salvation Army Devon and Cornwall Divisional Mission Band.
“Many members of our band have found that it is not only the level of music making which is so satisfying, it is the friendship and camaraderie which has developed over the last twelve months which is almost as important”, added David.
Registrations for the event range from two young boys who have only recently achieved Grade Five in their exams, to experienced and well-known virtuosi musicians.
