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News and Events
Thursday, 13 April 2006
On April 8th The City of Utrecht hosted the Netherlands'92 Salvation Army Annual Music Festival and Gerard Klaucke, former timpanist of twenty-three years with the Amsterdam Staff Band was there to witness the action:

The annual '91Muziek Festival'92 is a prestigious date in the calendar of all Salvationist musicians in Holland. The day is a celebration of music and this year, in addition to showcasing over 250 Salvation Army musicians, the Festival welcomed for the first time international euphonium soloist David Childs.

Festivities began with a masterclass given by David featuring Jorijn van Hese, principal euphonium with the Regional Youth Band North and Ernst Peter Slingerland, assistant principal euphonium with the Amsterdam Staff Band. Throughout the class the audience were captivated as David shared his teaching techniques with the two young players and enhanced their performance considerably. With an emphasis on breathing and musicianship both songsters and brass players present appreciated David'92s words of wisdom.


Ernst Peter Slingerland & Jorijn van Hese with David

The Festival itself provides an opportunity for all Salvation Army music groups in Holland to perform a short programme of their choice to a live audience in a prestigious concert venue, Muziekcentrum Vredenburg. Although not a contest as such, David Childs and vocalist Marjory Watson formed part of a jury who provided each ensemble with an adjudication of their performance. The jury were not there to put the performances in order of merit, but simply to provide constructive comments and encouragement to aid their future development.

Throughout the afternoon, groups of varying sizes and abilities performed entertaining programmes of both secular and S.A. repertoire. For jury member David Childs, particular highlights came from Regional Youth Band North and Regional Youth Band South. David commented, '93I was very impressed with all the groups featured today, they should all be congratulated for their efforts. However, the two youth bands in particular performed to a very high standard and presented their programmes with real energy and excitement - it was great to see.'94 Following 15 performances from core bands, youth bands and songster groups the appetite was there for an evening Gala Concert featuring the Amsterdam Staff Band with guest soloist David Childs.


David with the ASB

The Staff Band were on fine form all evening providing a memorable performance of Intrada Ein feste Burg, and an impressive account of Kevin Norbury'92s 1999 European test-piece, Odyssey. However, following contributions from the Staff Songsters, Marjory Watson and the Harlingen Band, the audience were treated to what proved to be the highlight of the entire Festival - the brilliant performances of David Childs were simply breath taking. David'92s captivating performance of Peter Graham'92s Holy Well was one of my personal highlights and when he played Varied Mood and Brillante there was a feeing that nothing could go wrong. Such flair and perfection, yet musical in approach - simply the best! After his final item in the program, the old-time favourite Carnival of Venice, the audience in Holland experienced a memorable moment when they and the band gave David a standing ovation of minutes, triggering the icing on the cake, Flight of the Bumble Bee!

Thank you Amsterdam Staff Band, Marjory Watson and last but certainly not the least David Childs for this evening full with top class performances. One of the players from the ASB said to me after the Festival, '93If there are musicians from another planet, we found one tonight!'94 Just 25 years of age and already one of the best euphonium players in this universe.

Gerard Klaucke
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