Current Stories
Saturday, October 27th 2007
This blog has moved!09:22 PM Location : Home
Sorry for the long absence... but this blog has now moved to http://CSBSecretary.blogspot.com. See you there!
Tuesday, September 26th 2006
Back in the saddle... again02:29 PM Location : THQ
I guess it's past time to begin to write and let you know what the CSB has been up to so far this fall.
From the time we arrived home from Australia on June 26, the members of the band went their separate ways for the summer. Some took part in Salvation Army mission team activities, others had vacation time left and still others served on the staff of various Salvation Army music camps. However, because of the Australian tour it was a shorter than usual summer break for us and we met together for our first rehearsal on Tuesday, September 5.
After blowing out the cobwebs (for some of us anyway) on that first rehearsal we were on duty the following Friday evening for the Public Welcome of the Cadets. On the Saturday that followed we met back at Mayfair Community Church (which is where the Friday evening meeting was held) for a rehearsal day that went from 10:00 am until almost 3:00 pm. During the rehearsal day we were joined by Commissioners Bill and Marilyn Francis for devotions. The Commissioners currently serve at IHQ as the International Secretary for the Americas and Caribbean. They had been the special guests at both the TEC and Welcome of the Cadets. But, it was nice to have them visit us before they got back on the plane for England on Saturday.
In the evening the band went into the city for a time of fun and fellowship.
Since then, we've continued our regular rehearsal schedule in preparation for last Saturday evening's concert with the Melbourne Staff Band which was preceded by a fellowship dinner that included both bands. The concert was held at the Mayfair Community Church which allowed both bands to be on the platform at the same time. The CSB had a limited responsibility for the evening, marching the MSB in to the march "Southern Cross" and then joining with the MSB on the "Allegro Deciso" and the accompaniment for "Amazing Love". The rest of the evening (and rightly so) was left up to our guests from Melbourne.
They played a brilliant and entertaining program. When the venue allows it, they perform about 3/4's of their program before the intermission and then clear the stage. When they return they present "Brass on the Edge" which is all memorized and choreographed sort of in the "Blast" tradition. It was entertaining and very well done.
During the William Tell the trombone section put their horns between their legs and galloped around the stage as if they had hobby horses. How embarrassing! Actually, it was quite funny but I'm not looking forward to ever having to do it myself.
Here's a copy of a picture I took with my phone of them at the end of the William Tell:
For more information about the MSB and their tour visit their website at: http://www.salvationarmy.org.au/msb/
Just before "Brass on the Edge" began, Captain Ho Chang brought the devotional message for the evening impressing upon us the value of God's grace. The evening coincided with the one year anniversary of opening of the new building we've come to know as the Mayfair Community Church.
Following the concert Melbourne went to Norridge for worship on Sunday morning and then to Rockford in the afternoon. At this point, they're on their way to Canada to finish up their tour.
For us, it's back to the rehearsal room to prepare for our upcoming visit to Kewanee, IL in October and Indianapolis, IN in November. Oh yeah... I almost forgot... the Thanksgiving Festival at Edman Chapel in Wheaton on November 25 with our special guest soloist, Steven Mead. Monday, June 26th 2006
Going Home04:18 PM Location : UA 116 Seat 14A
Alarms went off early on Monday morning in Melbourne so that we could begin our trek back to Chicago. We were expected to gather at Box Hill Corps at 7:00 am to begin our journey that would conclude at O'Hare Airport more than 27 hours later. All were present and accounted for at the appointed time. For one last ride we boarded our coach driven by Rob Beasy and headed to the Melbourne Airport. Once there we got our equipment checked in and had one last cup of coffee/tea with our liaison Alan Collett and our truck driver Shaun Maxfield. We then proceeded through Immigration and security before board United 840.
Bob was to meet his wife in Sydney early Monday morning but she was delayed 24 hours due to a flight cancellation. We also said good-bye to Mike who is travelling to Ukraine to meet his brother for the next 8 weeks of mission work.
The flight from Melbourne stops briefly in Sydney. Even though they told us we had to get off the plane because there was a change, about an hour later we reboarded the exact same plane that had been cleaned and loaded with pillows and blankets. This 747 would be our home for just over 15 hours in flight to Los Angeles. Some (most?) were able to sleep, some read, some watched movies, some ate and some worked puzzles. The flight was uneventful but never did settle down for prolonged periods of time the way the flight over did. I suspect that part of that is because we were leaving mid-day rather than late at night. We arrived at LAX at about 10:20 am and proceeded through Immigration and Customs. We then rechecked our bags and equipment and prepared to board UA 116 to Chicago. We were scheduled to leave LA at 1:10 but in reality we took off about 1:45 pm. We're due into Chicago by 7:30 pm. There are still a few bandsmen who plan to see their doctors upon their return.
This will likely be my last posting about our Australia tour and since our season is basically over until the fall it's not likely the blog will have much activity until September. So, I'd like to summarize a bit about the tour with the following statistics:
More than 19,000 miles flown per bandsman for a total of more than 684,000 air miles.
A couple of thousand miles traveled by coach
14 concerts/worship services over 9 days
Nearly, 4,500 people in attendance at concerts/worship services
11 performances each of "Alexander, etc..." and "Toccata in D Minor"
Choral Benediction sung 15 times
New friends made.... countless
We have much to be grateful for as we fly over the Nevada desert heading toward home. It was truly a visit of a lifetime, even for those of us who have been on tours before.
A big thank you goes to all of you who have supported us with your prayers and support during our time away.
Melbourne (Camberwell/Moreland City)04:00 PM Location : UA 116 Seat 14A
Although it is Monday it is time to catch you up on our activities on Sunday.
Sunday morning our billets brought us to the Camberwell Corps. Upon arrival we did a quick set up before taking our instruments to the Camberwell Market. The Market is located a few blocks from the Corps and is open only on Sundays. Think of it as an American flee market and you'll get the idea. It is run as a fund raiser by the Rotary Club. Since we were a few blocks away, Camberwell bandsmen, billets and MSB members shuttled us there in their vehicles two or three at a time.
Once there we set up in a typical open air configuration and we played for about 30 minutes. There were many people around listening and taking pictures. At one point a couple came right into the center of the band to have their picture taken. The Camberwell Band visits this market once a month and they report it is a viable ministry having had some families actually come to the corps as a result.
Following the Market we were shuttled back to the corps for an 11:00 am service. Actually, the corps has two morning services with the first taking place at 9:30 am while we were at the Market. Prior to the service there was time for a cup of coffee/tea.
All of the overflow seating at Camberwell had to be opened up and used. I estimate there were 350 or so in attendance. The meeting was led by the CSB with Lt. Colonel McLaren speaking. There were seekers at the conclusion of the service as there had been in Adelaide.
Following the service we went with our billets for dinner and an afternoon off. It was reported that some rested, some did some sight seeing and others did a little shopping before reporting to the Moreland City corps for the evening. Sitting in the front row for the evening meeting was General Eva Burrows and a number of us had the opportunity to greet her. In addition to the General, I estimate there were 400+ in attendance.
The Sunday night meeting was designed to be a regional praise service and we had plenty of opportunity for presenting musical selections including "Glorifico Aeternum" and "Alexander....". This final performance of "Alexander..." on our tour included a first time appearance of a stuffed koala. The evening concluded with one final performance of "Toccata in D Minor" and the singing of the choral benediction.
At the conclusion of the meeting it was time to repack all of our gear so that it would be ready to go on the plane Monday morning. Then we proceeded home with our billets for our last night in Australia.
Special thanks for Sunday go out to the members of the MSB, the Camberwell Band and the corps officers of Camberwell and Moreland City.
Saturday, June 24th 2006
Morwell to Melbourne04:37 PM Location : Melbourne Billet
It's Sunday morning and time to catch up on the events of Saturday.
The bus departed Morwell on Saturday at 9:00 pm after saying good-bye to our host Peter Roberts. The corps officers in Morwell were on holiday in Queensland. A second pick up of about 13 of us took place at about 9:45 in Warragul. We then continued on into Melbourne, arriving at the George Woods Performing Arts Centre at Yarra Valley Grammar School around 11:30. Several members of the MSB had arrived and already unloaded most of our equipment for us. So, Bill had a few items to touch on after a quick set up.
Then, we had a short "Classics in Brass: rehearsal with several young people from both Box Hill and Waverly corps. That done, we prepared our music for the evening concert before having lunch with the MSB. It was a good time of fellowship and we had opportunity to renew acquaintances with Staff Bandmaster Ken Waterworth, MSB Secretary Darren Waterworth (who made all of the tour arrangements), Colin Woods, Major Howard Davies, Noel Jones and many others we have met on previous occasions when our two bands have been together. Times like these always remind us of the worldwide fraternity of Salvation Army banding and the unity it instantly brings when men and women of like mind, spirit and beliefs come together.
Following lunch we met our hosts for the weekend and proceeded to their homes. I hear that some went shopping and some did some sight seeing. Most though, just rested. before having tea with their billets and returning for the evening concert.
The George Woods Performing Arts Centre was magnificent and filled to a capacity of something like 850 people who received us warmly. The program included "In Good Company", "Jubilance" (Peggy Thomas, soloist), "Shine As the Light", "Finale from Symphony #3 (Organ Symphony)", "Classics in Brass", "Cause for Celebration", "Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day" and other items.
Following the concert we returned home with our billets for the evening to prepare for worship at Camberwell Corps on Sunday before preparing for the long journey back to Chicago.
More about Sunday later.....
Friday, June 23rd 2006
Rosebud to Morwell04:46 PM Location : Morwell Billet
It was Friday and we marked the one week mark since arriving in Australia. In that time we've travelled many kilometers, played often, eaten too much and met many friends both old and new. Today we said good-bye to friends in Rosebud and travelled to the city of Morwell. The trip took only about three hours and included a short stop at a lookout over Prince Philip Bay which was spectacular. We also had a late morning coffee stop.
Upon our arrival at the Morwell Corps we were met by Sergeant-Major Peter Roberts. I had actually had e-mail exchange with Peter before coming to Australia and it was great to meet him. He boarded the coach and guided us to Drewett's Farm about 30 minutes south of town. The Drewett's are soldiers of the Morwell Corps and Mrs. Drewett is a local officer and they hosted us for lunch. It was a lovely relaxing time looking out over their valley and their cow pasture land. We met some of their grandchildren who filled us in on their school and farm life. One of the girls told us that their father had named two of their cows Odwey and Omps which stood for "One day we'll eat you" and "On my plate soon". It was an amusing lesson in life on the farm. The food and fellowship were fantastic. In addition to the livestock and many birds we saw, just before leaving we walked to their daughters property and saw a live, wild koala high up in a tree. For most it was the first koala we'd seen since arriving. Fantastic! Many thanks from the band to the Drewetts.
When we left the farm we drove past the power station that generates the majority of the power for the state of Victoria. Not coincidentally the station is adjacent to an open brown coal mine which I believe is the largest in the world. Words cannot describe the enormous mine.
Our dinner was provided at the local Italian Australian Club. Dinner ran a bit late and we didn't arrive back at the Hall until 7:22 for a 7:30 concert. So, we made the decision to wear our travel pants (men and women) along with our festival tunics in order to be able to start the concert by 7:40. The main part of the hall was filled and I'd estimate about 200 were in attendance. It was a great night of music making and we did meet many friends including one who had corresponded with me months ago regarding the possibility of Bill Himes looking at the potential of writing music for lyrics she has written.
Following the concert we met our billets and we headed off. Some of us (myself included) have been taken care of by Salvos in Warragul which is about 30 minutes closer to Melbourne. The band will pick us up there on the way in. As has been the case all week, our stay in Morwell has been all too short but worthwhile. Special thanks to the Morwell Corps and Sergeant-Major Peter Roberts for being such excellent hosts!
Next stop... Melbourne. I'll write to you about that next time.
Thursday, June 22nd 2006
Geelong to Rosebud08:38 AM Location : Rosebud Billet
Today we travelled around to the other side of the bay to Rosebud via Melbourne. There is a ferry that could have carried us here without going through Melbourne but we were given the opportunity to have a couple of free hours in Melbourne on our own after having been up to the top of the Rialto Tower to see the city from their observation deck. It was a beautiful and interesting view and we thank the MSB for arranging, allowing and paying for us to visit the Rialto.
While we were up the tower, our Bandmaster was providing ABC radio with interviews. Guess that's the price he has to pay. While we are having free time he still has to work!
When we finished up at the tower we were allowed time to do basically whatever we wanted to for a couple of hours. Some shopped. Some ate. Some ate again. Don't know what the rest of them did. It was nice to have a little time on our own though.
Mid afternoon we headed on down for the two hour journey to Rosebud to set up for our concert. From the early afternoon, right on to now it's been raining. Most of the time it's been a light misty rain. But, right now (11:30 pm on Thursday) it's raining pretty hard.
By now if you've been reading my blog you know the routine. We arrive and set up, we eat and then we play a concert. That's basically what happened today too. Captains Alison and Graeme Eastley and CSM Neil Elliott had things well under control and we were very well taken care of. Interestingly, some of us had already met the CSM when he was in Chicago as a member of the International audit team a few years ago. We also got to see a Chicago/Milwaukee friend - Howard Hunt - who showed up for the concert.
Speaking of the concert, when we arrived at the Army hall seating had been jammed in for 300 and they were hoping the crowd would be that big. About 15 minutes before the concert started it was completely full and they opened yet another overflow area and brought literally every kind of chair they could find including office chairs and others. Neil Elliott indicated they had never had that many people in the corps for a concert and the people were very receptive. They had to have squeezed nearly 400 people into a relatively small hall.
All in all, it's been another good day in Australia. A few of the folks are not feeling real well, but it's a dry throat, hacking cough and congestion. Hopefully they will get some relief soon.
Time for me to get some sleep. I'll write more after we visit Morwell tomorrow!
Albums Added Again01:04 AM Location : Still on a bus!
I've just tried adding photo albums of sample pictures from our trip of Mildura, of from Mildura down to Portland and of our trip from Portland to Geelong (South Barwon Corps). Have a look!
Wednesday, June 21st 2006
Portland to Geelong07:24 PM Location : Tour Bus
It's Thursday here in Australia but I need to catch you up to date on our travels yesterday from Portland to Geelong. The day in Portland started out cloudy and we had breakfast at the hotel before boarding the bus for our 360 km trip to Portland.
As I think I'd mentioned before, Peggy hasn't been feeling well and it was decided it was time for her to see a doctor. Arrangements were made for us to stop and see a doctor en route to Geelong. On Tuesday night in Portland Dr. John Philpot, a Salvationist from Warrnambool was seated just a couple of rows from Peggy. Our liaison, Alan Collett made a telephone call to Dr. Philpot who agreed to see Peggy on our way through his town. We stopped at a McDonald's near his surgery (office) and he was very gracious to see both her and Heidi who was having some pain from her recent wisdom teeth extractions. We waited at McDonald's for about an hour and a half while they saw the doctor and then went to the chemist (pharmacy) to get prescriptions. It was diagnosed as bronchitis for Peggy and after a day resting on the bus, a night of sleep she is doing some better. She did play the concert last night but passed on her solo.
Alan Collett shared that when they arrived at surgery, Dr. Philpot's reception called to tell him that Alan and Peggy had arrived but the entire band had also come because we were all sick. Of course that wasn't true but it made a good story. Actually we do have a few that are starting to sniffle but nothing seems terribly serious. Also, after they'd left the doctor he came back out on the street, stethoscope and all, to be sure he'd taken care of Heidi satisfactorily and continued his consultation right there on the street.
After we were done in Warrnambool we continued our journey along the Shipwreck Coast along the Great Ocean Road. What a scenic drive that was! I'm sure that there were more pictures taken on that part of our tour than the total number of pictures taken the entire rest of the tour. Out of necessity much of our "sightseeing" on this tour has been out the windows of the bus. But we were able to stop at Loch Ard Gorge, site of a famous shipwreck and the Twelve Apostles, a fantastic formation of rocks sticking out of the ocean in the surf. Words and pictures will not be descriptive enough to help those who weren't there to see it for themselves, but we will try. It did begin to rain on us a bit at Twelve Apostles but it really didn't deter us much.
As we continued our drive on the Great Ocean Road that runs right next to the ocean all the way and we looked at the beauty of the surf crashing into the beaches and rocks I was reminded of the scripture found in Jeremiah 31:35 that says:
"This is what the Lord says,
he who appoints the sun to shine by day,
who decrees the moon and stars to shine by night,
who stirs up the sea so that its waves roar -
the Lord Almighty is his name:"
The rest of our trip was spent passing through the Otway Range on winding roads skirting the ocean until we eventually found our way to Geelong. We were a bit late getting to the corps in South Barwon but our hosts were very gracious. We quickly unloaded and ate dinner. Then we changed into our uniforms and set up before beginning our concert at 7:30 pm. The hall was full with somewhere between 250 and 300 people that were very enthusiastic in their response.
Following the concert, as has become our habit, we met our host families and retired to their homes for the evening. Our special thanks go to Majors John and Wendy Friend as well as Band Secretary Brett Vale for all of the excellent arrangements made on our behalf. It's my understanding that Major Wendy Friend was not at all well and so we are particularly grateful for the effort made in spite of that circumstance.
Now we are off to Rosebud but will be stopping to see a bit of Melbourne first before heading to the east side of the bay.
(5082)
-