Enfield Citadel Band has announced that Bandmaster Dr Jonathan Corry has relinquished his leadership role in order to take up an appointment as Divisional Director for Music & Gospel Arts for the Chicago Metropolitan Division within The Salvation Army.

Critically acclaimed

Jonathan started conducting the band in 2008 and was commissioned Bandmaster in 2009, leading them on tours to Europe and recording a total of five critically acclaimed CDs — chief amongst them the soundtrack to the 1909 silent movie 'The Salvation Army Lass' with music by Dorothy Gates.

Under his direction the band also premiered new works by the likes of Dorothy Gates, David Catherwood, Martin Cordner, Roger Trigg, Dr Peter Meechan, Professor Philip Wilby, Andrew Wainwright and Ray Farr.

Latest work

The latest comes from the pen of composer Tom Davoren, entitled 'Living Power', and will be featured in their traditional eve of National Championship concert in October. The composition is dedicated to Jonathan, although the concert will be directed by Bandmaster Iain Parkhouse from Croydon Citadel.

Thanks

A band spokesperson told 4BR: "We would like to place on record our thanks and appreciation for the hard work and leadership Jonathan has provided over the past eight years. We wish God's blessing on Jonathan, his wife Louisa and their son Jack as they move to the USA. "

Deputy Bandmaster Andrew Justice stated: "We have been very fortunate to have had a leader with Jonathan's musical and brass band credentials. As a Salvation Army band we use the resources we are given, and the task is now to appoint someone who can live up to the achievements of Jonathan and his predecessors."

They have always been receptive to my new challenges, ideas, mission and performance opportunities, as well as fervently continuing their weekly contribution to worshipDr Jonathan Corry

Thrill and blessing

Meanwhile, Jonathan added: "It has been a thrill and a blessing to be Bandmaster of Enfield Citadel Band, a band which I have followed from a young age under the leadership of the inspirational Bandmaster James Williams MBE.

They have always been receptive to my new challenges, ideas, mission and performance opportunities, as well as fervently continuing their weekly contribution to worship. My heartfelt wish is that their unique ministry continues to excite, inspire and spiritually uplift all who hear them."