Enfield Citadel Band's 68th pre-National contest Festival got off to a cracking start with William Gordon's 'Salvation's Song'. 

After the march exertions, the mood changed with the playing of the opening and closing sections of Thomas Rive's 'I Know a Fount', before Bandmaster Corry handed over to the excellent compere Paul Hindmarsh.
 
New commission
 
Martin Cordner, who was present, had been asked to write 'Songs of Ascent' for the band, and Jonathan had used it at music schools during the summer. 

A cinematic opening set the scene with the piece built around three tunes related to hills. 

The driving rhythms of 'My Help comes from the Lord' preceded the calm of 'Ochills' ('To the Hills'). A rock style introduction led into 'Little Cornard' ('Hills of the North Rejoice') which seemed to be taken a little too fast to be comfortable.

Compelling soloist
 
Philip Cobb's first contribution was a punchy 'Jubilance', with incisive accents and tremendous power and volume in the lower register, which was followed by Fibich's 'Poem' full of subtlety.

He then presented 'Variations on Wondrous Day'. Written for him by Paul Sharman, it demonstrated his versatility both in terms of style and skill; employing trumpet, flugel and piccolo trumpet in turn.
 
The first half ended with 'Festivity', expanded by Les Condon from the original quintet. 

Handel's majestic 'Gopsal' emerged from the angular lines and emphatic accented phrases of the opening, with the trombones particularly impressive as the triumphant melody rang out.
 
Rousing start 
 
The percussion called the band back after the interval for 'Lord of the Dance' from 'Cry of the Celts', with some brisk playing all round, whilst 'Canadian Folk-Song Suite' was given a welcome airing, the central movement a highlight of the evening. 

The third movement set off at a fast pace that the band maintained well - even making the clapping section sound natural and not stilted.
 
Tribute

Philip Cobb appeared in SA uniform for Leidzen's 'Happy all the Day' - dedicating the performance to Bandmaster James Williams, whose 90th birthday was being celebrated: The great man indicated his approval to the soloist after a flawless account. 

Carl Sheppard swapped euphonium for trombone for Eric Ball's double quartet 'Never Give Up' and it was good to see Ben Horton taking the top trombone part in this effective ensemble. 

Stephen Cobb heard 'Dark Haired Marie' being played by Trevor Bremner, and recommended it to his son. It proved a perfect vehicle for some beautiful legato playing, especially when the countermelody soared over the band.
 
Final contribution
 
Martin Cordner's bible reading was followed by Ivor Bosanko's meditation on his own melody 'In this Quiet Moment', before Philip provided a final item - the second half of 'Virtuosity', complete with a ringing top note to close.
 
Dean Goffin's 'Symphony of Thanksgiving' formed a suitable celebratory finale, putting the whole band through its paces; the players rising to the occasion with some fine, controlled playing. 

All that remained was for James Williams, who had earlier received a commemorative plaque, to take up the baton to lead the band in the march 'Red Shield'.

Peter Bale