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Gloucester Salvation Army Band
Imagine the scene... A public fair is taking place with many people flocking
to enjoy the spectacle and the worldly entertainment offered at that fair. The local
Salvation Army Hall stands just a stones throw away and the members see an
opportunity to be seen and to spread the gospel. With no other means at their disposal
they take up whistles and march through the streets of Gloucester to provide a counter
attraction that could lead to the saving of souls.
A little far fetched? Well maybe in todays society, but this was the very
event that started the activities of the Salvation Army Band in Gloucester way back
in 1880. Since that time the whistles have been transformed into brass band instruments
and, hopefully, are played with a little more sophistication but the motivation
and purpose of the band remains the same to tell people about the power of
Jesus Christ and what He can do in the lives of ordinary men and women.
The settings for performance are many and varied (as you can see from the
list of events below). From the chapel in Gloucester prison to the solemnity
and grandeur of the Cathedral the band has found this opportunity. The band has
travelled extensively around the country as well as in Holland.
Under the leadership of Bandmaster Phil Webb, the band tries to play
in a variety of styles from the traditional marches through to a wide range of more contemporary brass band styles.
Soloists bring variety to a programme and we are
grateful to have talented individuals who can offer so much.
No matter where we find ourselves, as a band our sole purpose is to relay the news
of the gospel in a style and method that is appropriate and our prayer is that God
will continue to use us and bless us in our ministry both now and in the future.
Weve come a long way since those Salvationists marched with their whistles
but there are still many who have not heard the word of God and so the mission remains.
The band is supported by Gloucester Salvation Army Training Band, where people
of all ages and abilities can learn to play brass and percussion instruments in
the context of our church. The Training Band participates weekly in our Sunday morning
service at 10:30am and is currently led by Bandmaster Cliff Matthews.
If you would like to invite the Band or Training Band to play at an event you're
planning, please contact our church office administrator
who will be pleased to put you in touch.
Sat 16 Nov 2024 3:00pm
Tree of Light switch on
Kings Square, Gloucester
Senior Band
Mon 2 Dec 2024 6:30pm
Christmas Memorial Service
Gloucester Crematorium
Senior Band
Thu 5 Dec 2024 7:00pm
Community Carolling
Earl's Park, Podsmead
Senior Band
Sat 7 Dec 2024 9:30am
Carolling
City Centre
Senior Band, Songsters
Fri 13 Dec 2024 7:00pm
Community Carolling
Hempsted
Senior Band
Tue 17 Dec 2024 7:30pm
Ecclesiastical Carol Concert
Gloucester Cathedral
Senior Band
Thu 19 Dec 2024 7:30pm
Christmas Carol Concert
St Oswald's Village
Senior Band, Songsters
Fri 20 Dec 2024 9:00am
Carols in the playground
Churchdown Village Junior School
Senior Band
Sat 21 Dec 2024 9:30am
Carolling
City Centre
Senior Band, Songsters