William Himes took to the stage to conduct the Chicago Staff Band in their last full concert together before his forthcoming retirement.  

On what was an emotional occasion for all concerned, a balmy evening commenced with a montage depicting his celebrated role as Bandmaster, Composer, Director of the Central Music Institute and Territorial Music Secretary.  

Having agreed to do the job for three years he had remained in post for 38.

Popular favourites

The concert commenced with ‘The Witness’, his first published work, written when he was 17. 

Peggy Thomas then presented ‘Jubilance’ written for her some 28 years ago.  The conditions in the hall did not favour any of the soloists, with dry mouths and the occasional note failing to sound - but it was still good to hear.

Americana

Bill commented on how well he felt Dan Price had caught the essence of the USA in ‘An American Tale’, and the band’s reading was full of character and admirable choral prowess in ‘This Little Light of Mine’ and ‘Grace’.

The second soloist was tuba player Paul Bowyer with ‘Czardas’, in an arrangement by Ty Watson. It did not appear to be in the most comfortable of keys and again some of the notes were not very distinct.

‘Illuminate’ was written especially for the band’s visit to the Boundless Congress, and used the melodies ‘Shine On Us’, ‘Speak Oh Lord’ and ‘The World for God’.  It is a powerful work addressing the challenge for Christians to be a light in a dark world.

Family connections

Bill Himes and Meghan Pierson welcomed the audience back after the interval with a piano duet version of ‘Praise Him, Praise Him’ before the band continued with ‘Swingtime Religion’.  Husband and wife Shaun and Meredith Thomas were also featured as soloists with ‘Better World’ and ‘Now I belong to Jesus’ respectively.  

Shaun coped very well with a very demanding piece with its numerous top Ebs, but one felt that Meredith’s microphone level could have been raised a little to help her to impose herself on the band.

Expressive soloist

The impressive Brett Tolcher, delivered Bill Himes’ own expressive ‘Journey into Peace’ on trombone – asking as much from the band as the soloist: They combined to bring a most moving rendition.

Brett was also prominent in the central section of ‘Endless Praise’ sandwiched between the outer movements based on ‘My Saviour’s Love’ and ‘Joyful, Joyful’.

Bach revisited

There have been various adaptations of Bach for band, but perhaps one of the most unusual is ‘Big Little Fugue’, where Bill added prominent percussion to Bach’s original. 

Tympani, xylophone, cymbals, side drum and glockenspiel combined to add a new twist to a familiar piece - the band turning slowly towards the audience during the final chord.

All that remained was for the band sing their traditional benediction as a remarkable musical era drew to a close.

Peter Bale