The mix of Staines Songsters, pianist Andrew Wicker (Swindon Citadel) and [bclink id=”958″ target=”_blank”] proved to be a winning formula in November 2012 with over £3,000 raised for the Kenya Trust. The money will be used to help rebuild the Salvation Army’s school in Kosovo, Mathari, Kenya.
Staines Songsters went to great lengths to present many African items and, with their fluent use of Swahili, the impact was stunning. One song, Siyu Kuda Misa, was especially arranged by Ed Mylechreest of Birmingham Citadel, enabling both the Songsters and the Band to take part in this prayer song, which seemed to set the stage for the whole evening.
Other songs from the Staines Songsters included Bab Yetu, We Are Not Alone and Big Mighty God. They concluded by challenging the congregation to Stand Up and Make a Change.
Andrew Wicker displayed both sensitivity and excellence with Chopin’s Waltz in A flat and the Serenitas from “Towards the Light”. He also provided a time of reflection with a beautiful rendition of In This Quiet Moment before setting the audience’s feet tapping with the march The Red Shield.
Bristol Easton Band, under the baton of guest conductor Tom Devoran, made its major contribution with Fire in the Blood (Paul Lovatt-Cooper). The band also set the scene for Commissioner Kenneth Hodder, who gave the Bible message, with a beautiful and soul-filled rendering of Guardian of Our Soul.
The hall was packed for the evening and everyone enjoyed browsing around the African Market Place that was set up in the community hall, adding to the enjoyment of the day and the excellent financial result.
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