Chelmsford SA Band

CHELMSFORD SA BAND 1886 to 2000

Since its inception the Chelmsford Salvation Army band has proclaimed the gospel message both in Chelmsford and many centres throughout this country and abroad.

The band was formed in 1886, not long after the commencement of the Army's work in Chelmsford. In the first 19 years of its existence there were five bandmasters, however since then there have been just 4. The first five Bandmasters were Bro H Smith, Willie Orrin, Sol Jackson, E Brown, & George Orrin.

Bandmaster Ted Jackson

In 1905 Bandmaster Edward (Ted) Jackson took over the band,  a position he held for 42 years. He became renown for his thorough band training and accurate score reading. The band carried out many away week-ends between the two wars including such places as Harwich, Ipswich, Lowestoft, Felixstowe, Sheringham, King's Lynn, Hastings & Retford. One highlight in this part of the band's history included playing at Alexandra Palace as a solo band in 1923.

Special week-end campaigns were resumed again shortly before the end of the Second World War with a visit to Leeds New Wortley, a rather tedious journey being undertaken by train, as coaches were not available immediately prior to the cessation of hostilities.

In November 1947 Tom Jordan was commissioned bandmaster, a position he held for 12 years. The first away engagement under his leadership was to Ramsgate for Easter 1948, which included a programme in Maidstone prison on the outward journey. Further campaigns followed including visits to Ilkeston, Hounslow, Wisbech, Southall & Bedford. The band undertook a tour of northern France & Belgium in 1949, a memorable occasion for all the bandsmen.

Chelmsford Band marching through Lille, France in March 1949

In October 1959 Bandmaster Eric Hayward took up the baton and served for over 27 years and under his leadership the band visited, amongst others, Bedford Congress Hall, Hemel Hempsted, Watford Citadel, Brighton Congress Hall and Worthing. During this time the band were proud to participate in the Salvation Army Centenary celebrations at Crystal Palace in 1965 as a solo band, and as part of the massed bands in a concert at the Royal Albert Hall, London.

In 1974 the band headed the march of all corps sections from the old citadel to the present suite of buildings to celebrate the official opening of the new citadel and community centre. A special piece of music, "The Faithful Witness",  was composed for the occasion by the then Major Robert Redhead. This was subsequently rescored and published in the Salvation Army's Festival Series as "We are an Army" & "Oh My Jesus".

This move commenced a new chapter in the history of the corps and was soon followed by the presentation of the band's first complete set of new instruments. The money to pay for these was raised thanks to the help of a great number of people both from outside and inside the ranks of the band.

In February 1987 Simon Schultz was appointed Bandmaster. Under his leadership the band have undertaken a number of away engagements including visits to the corps at Liverpool Walton, Coventry City, Sheringham, Gainsborough, Doncaster, Scarborough, Worthing, Ashington and Newbiggin-by-the-Sea and York. They have also taken part in a Gospel & Jazz concert at the famous Snape Maltings at Aldeburgh, Suffolk which also featured the famous jazz musician, Digby Fairweather.

Chelmsford Band marching through Almelo, Holland in May 1995

At the beginning of May 1995 the band were privileged to be invited to visit Almelo and Enschede in Holland where they took part in the Liberation commemorations. Just prior to that, in April 1995 the band were privileged to again deputise for the Regent Hall Salvation Army band whilst that band were conducting a "away" specialing engagement. The photo below shows the Chelmsford Band on the march down Regent Street in the heart of London's West End.

Chelmsford Band marching through London, April 1995

About once a year a guest conductor is invited into practice to take the band through both music in the band's current repertoire and often some of their own compositions. Guests have included Ray Bowes, Stephen Cobb, Robert Redhead, Ray Steadman-Allen, Peter Graham and Dr Ronald Holz from the USA.

As with all corps bands, the bandsmen are drawn from many walks of life. They include a retired fire officer, a former police officer, a professional musician, students, a doctor, a shop manager, trading standards officers, an architect and others involved financial services.

Like most Salvation Army bands, the Chelmsford Citadel Band is used to performing in a variety of venues ranging from Church halls right up to the famous Brentwood International Centre and the Snape Maltings at Aldeburgh, Suffolk; the band also regularly participates in Chelmsford's annual Service of Remembrance in November. As well as playing in all these big venues, every Sunday, like most Army bands, the Chelmsford Citadel Band can be found proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ either in the street, in a hospital or at an elderly persons accommodation complex.

The band seek always to achieve high standards in its promulgation of the gospel and looks forward to new opportunities for witness where ever they are.

© Chelmsford Salvation Army Band 2000