Temple Senior Band

History

"A set of brass and reed band instruments, with a drum as big as an eight-quintal cask, arrived by the steamer Newfoundland for the use of The Salvation Army. A number of youths, who, it is said, will form the Army's band of music, carried the instruments up town in processional order, the display being grand and imposing ". (The Evening Telegram, March 15, 1886)

Just two months after The Salvation Army started in Newfoundland instruments were acquired for the first Salvation Army Band in Newfoundland. By 1900 the band consisted of ten brass instruments, one clarinet and three drums. Even at this early stage a high calibre of musicianship was evident with Adjutant Dowell, the corps officer at the time, stating that the band was the "talk of the city".

The band became an integral part of the Temple's ministry. This importance was reflected in the purchase of a new set of Boosey Class A silver plated instruments in 1922. Accompanying congregational singing, playing at weekly Saturday evening open-air meetings on the waterfront, playing at the local penitentiary, and participating in the Remembrance Day Parade were some of the duties of the band. This integration into the ministry of the corps to the community continues today. The band provides musical support for services at a local senior home, hosts a Christmas fooddrive benefit concert, makes visits to local hospitals, and plays for the sick and shut-in.

Musical development of the band has progressed steadily. The 1930's and 1940's saw the band play such selections as "In the Firing Line" and "Divine Communion". Both of which continue to be a part of the band's repetoire today and favorite corps selections. Another musical milestone was achieved in 1969 when the band performed its first Festival Series selection "Prelude and Fugue: Darwells" by Dean Goffin. Other challenging works were added to the repetoire included "My Strength My Tower", "Symphony of Thanksgiving", and "Light of the World".

In 1981 the band was asked to participate in the centennial anniversary celebrations held in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Selections for the Saturday evening musical concert included "Symphony of Thanksgiving" and the cornet solo "Golden Slippers".

Band retreats have provided an opportunity to focus intently on the music and fellowship of the band. At times we have also been able to have a guest conductor come for these weekends. Recent guest conductors have included: Mark Hall, Ron Holtz, David Gilbert, William Himes, David Chaulk, Brian Burditt, Robert Redhead, Phil Smith and Bill Himes.

Band Recordings

Shout Salvation
Recorded in 1978 under the leadership of Bandmaster David Rowsell.
This recording is still available on an LP Record at a cost of $1.00.

Contrast in Worship
Recorded in 1996 again under the leadership of Bandmaster David Rowsell. This was the band's first recording in digital format.
This recording is available on cassette for $5.00.

Reflections in Brass
This recording was released in 1997. It's a compilation of pieces performed by the band from 1976 to 1994.
This recording is available on cassette for $5.00.

73 Years of Grace
Recorded in 1997 to mark the closing of the Salvation Army Grace General Hospital School of Nursing. The recording features music played by the band during the various graduation ceremonies in which it participated. The march Montreal Citadel is the hallmark piece of this recording.
This recording is also still available. Cassette's are $5.00 and CD's are $10.00 each.

Glory Days
Recorded in 2002. A compilation of old time hymn tunes that were played in down town St. John's during street ministry. Many souls were saved to the sound of these tunes while kneeling by the bass drum. There is a lot of history behind these tunes. This recording is available in both CD and cassette. CD's are $15.00 each and Cassette's are $8.00 each.

Sounds of Christmas
Recorded over the span of November 2002-2003. A CD to commemorate a decade of Temple Band Christmas Concerts. It features selected Christmas pieces from the repetoire used at these concerts over the last several years. Included are traditional Christmas Carols, as well as Christmas concert pieces. This CD is available for $15. Look for it in CD stores (The Salvation Army Trade), or feel free to contact the Bandmaster to purchase a copy.

Glory Days 2
Released in 2006 for the 120 Corps anniversary. A compilation of old time hymn tunes that were played in down town St. John's during street ministry. Many souls were saved to the sound of these tunes while kneeling by the bass drum. There is a lot of history behind these tunes. CD's are $15.00 each.

Please see the bandmaster for more information about purchasing any of these recordings.