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Music

Senior Band  Songster Brigade  Young Peoples band  Singing Company
The Salvation Army has a rich heritage of music including vocal, instrumental, brass, and even musical theatre. In the late 1800s brass bands were quite popular in London so many Salvation Army recruits formed bands that would establish a firm tradition in The Salvation Army worldwide. The early Salvationists, as today, took their Gospel message to the people in their own environments, largely in the streets and markets of the towns. In 1878 Charles Fry and his three sons formed a brass quartet which played during outdoor meetings in Salisbury and immediately proved to be a success in not only calming the rowdy and sometimes hostile crowds, but helping to promote the Salvationist's message.

Secular tunes, many from London pubs, became the melodies sung by Christian "soldiers" who converted saucy lyrics into the message of Salvation. For example, "Champagne Charlie Is Me Name" became "Bless His Name He Sets Me Free." Many of The Army's first converts were literally taken from the streets and pubs, attracted by The Army's down-to-earth style.

Speaker Stowmarket Senior Band SA Band on March
The Stowmarket Citadel Band was formed in 1886 under the leadership of Bandmaster B. Suttle. This historic event occurred soon after the Salvation Army ‘opened fire’ in Stowmarket and during its early days the band, together with the comrades of the Corps, experienced considerable opposition from the ‘skeleton Army’ as they sought to proclaim the Christian message in the streets of the town. Over the years has campaigned extensively in many parts of the United kingdom. The marching of the Band is a familiar sight in Stowmarket. The current Bandmaster is Michael Baker. In 2011 the band will be celebrating 125 years on Service.

Stowmarket Band 1890-91

Stowmarket Band 1910

Songster Brigade
Stowmarket Songsters
The Songster Briage has proclaimed its ministry in song since its formation in 1918 under the leadership of Songster Leader Newson. After a few years lapse, the Brigade was reformed in 1931. In addition to Its faithful ministry within the Corps and the surrounding towns and villages, the Brigade has campaigned in many parts of the Country. Their voiced have been heard in far away corners of the world through the medium of the BBC Radio, for whose ‘Banners and Bonnets’ series the Brigade was privileged to make a recording. Paul Ling was Songster Leader in 1979, and retired in April 02.

Susan Turner was commission Songster Leader following Paul's retirement.

The songsters performed at "Songs of Joy" at Bury St Edmunds Cathedral, and was the Solo Section at one of the Salvation Army events at The Royal Festival Hall, London, on the 6th November 04.
During February 05, the Songsters recorded a CD of 60's/70's Salvation Army music, entitled "Remember me" which has been very well received, with copies going all round rhe world.

The Brigade continues to Witness and has conducted weekend meetings at Hendon Corps, as well as visits to: Gillingham, Grays, Saffron Walden, Colchester, Norwich Cathedral and over Christmas 06 took part in the BBC Radio Suffolk's "Children in Need" Christmas Concert at St Mary's Church, Bury St Edmunds,and during 2010 the Songsters visited Cwm. The Songsters have now made a second CD recording '
A Time for Everything' and is now on sale.

 
Young Peoples Band
The Young Peoples Band commenced in 1920 under the leadership of Band Leader Horace Girling.

Today’s junior band under their current leader Ann Logan has both girls and boys who receive group and individual tuition.

The band has a special weekend in November 2010, celebrating 90 years.

Young Peoples Band
Singing Company
Singing Company The Singing Company was formed some time before 1936. It is a group of young people who join together to sing. The current leader is Mags Stokes.
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The owner of this web site is an active member of the Salvation Army in the Stowmarket Corps. This site is NOT officially sanctioned by the Salvation Army. Views expressed on this site do not necessarily represent the position of the Salvation Army, and nothing on this site should be interpreted as a solicitation for contributions to any Salvation Army programme. For official information please visit the Salvation Army Web site at www.salvationarmy.org