Friends and family from near and far gathered at [bclink id=”1583″ target=”_blank”] on the evening of Saturday, 26 April 2014 to mark the retirement of Ken Hillson after 27 years as Bandmaster. Many former players from the [bclink id=”2276″ target=”_blank”] were present and the evening was led by former corps officer, band executive officer and divisional commander Lt.-Colonel David Phillips.
The program, which was conducted by Bandmaster Hillson, included many favorites from his time with the band. These included Praise (Wilfred Heaton), The Old Wells (Eric Ball), The Light of the World (Dean Goffin) and The Kingdom Triumphant (Eric Ball).
Hillson loved to feature the band singing, and The Infant King provided a contrast from the sound of brass, while the entry of the flag towards the end of the march Celebration (Leslie Condon) was very effective. Soloists taking part in the festival included Young People’s Bandmaster Christopher Carter who played The Conqueror, Deputy Bandmaster Alex Campbell who played It Is Well with My Soul and Deputy Bandmaster Keith Johnston, whose refined rendition of Rhapsody for Cornet and Band (Ray Bowes) was a highlight of the evening.
Various anecdotes were shared as the evening progressed, with reference being made to tributes received from the Music Ministries Unit and elsewhere. Speaking on behalf of the band, Roger Styles looked back at Hillson’s tenure, presenting him with a picture that had been signed by each member of the band.
After Hillson handed off the baton to new Bandmaster Marion Still, the members of the band moved out into the hall to play The Irish Blessing to conclude the evening.
Source:
[bclink id=”1583″ target=”_blank”] web site.