Following months of planning and preparation, the CSB departed on Wednesday, December 27, 2006, for a six-day tour of southern California, timed to coincide with the band's participation in the annual Rose Parade on New Year's Day.San Diego

Arriving in San Diego, our first engagement was an evening concert at San Diego Citadel. Despite being tired after a long day of travel and the three-hour time difference, we somehow rose to the occasion to present a full program, including a variety of musical styles to suit everyone's tastes. Solos were featured by Brindley Venables (cornet), Barrington Venables (trombone) and Steve Pavey (euphonium). Major works included James Curnow's "Emblems" and Robert Redhead's new composition, "Christ-Hymn," a musical setting of Philippians 2:5-11 including several well-known Scripture-based choruses such as “He is Exalted,” “Jesus, Name Above All Names” and “He is Lord.”

On Thursday the band marched in the San Diego Holiday Parade, along with a colour party and timbrellists from the local corps and Lt-Colonels Doug and Diane O-Brien, divisional leaders, Sierre Del Mar Division. (Diane was a former member of the International Staff Songsters and it was good getting to catch up with her again.) The band was well received along the parade route by crowds of spectators who showed their appreciation for The Salvation Army's work in their community. Then it was on the bus for the long drive to the Army's Camp Mount Craggs, situated among the peaceful hills north of Los Angeles, where we were all able to enjoy a restful and relaxing evening after a busy 24 hours.

Los Angeles

On Friday, following a morning of sightseeing and shopping in Santa Monica, it was off to Hollywood, where the band played an outdoor concert to an appreciative audience. The stage was located in an open courtyard in the middle of an indoor mall just behind the famous Grauman's Chinese Theatre on Hollywood Boulevard, and with the famous Hollywood sign forming a dramatic background the event was picture-perfect.

Selections included various solo and feature items, including the popular "Bugler's Holiday" presented as a double cornet trio. “Cossack Fire Dance” was another highlight, featuring soloists Steve Brown (cornet), Barrington Venables (trombone), Steve Pavey (euphonium), Ron Heintzman (cornet), Stan Ewing (xylophone) and a trombonist who shall remain nameless, but who wanted to make it six. Before our final item, Territorial Music Director Neil Smith, who was accompanying the band throughout our tour, was invited to conduct the band in the march “Montreal Citadel.”

Following a brief time of sightseeing, we were driven to The Salvation Army's Bell Shelter to present a program for recipients of the Army's downtown street ministry. Commissioners Israel and Eva Gaither, U.S.A. national leaders, were on hand, supported by Lt-Colonel Donald Bell, chief secretary, U.S.A. Western Territory, and Majors Paul and Carol Seiler, divisional leaders,Southern Californa Division. Added to the band's regular program items were two vocal selections and a segment of contemporary praise and worship. Staff Bandsman Ron Reid also entertained the audience with some magic tricks in between items. The evening finished with John Rutter’s “Gaelic Blessing” as the band surrounded the audience to bring the night to a conclusion.

Pasadena

Saturday morning it was back on the bus for a marching rehearsal at the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim baseball stadium-well, the outdoor parking lot, anyway. The massed band featured players from throughout Southern California as well as 65 young people from various divisions throughout the U.S. and Canada who were also staying at the Salvation Army camp.

Following a meal of hamburgers and hot dogs, we boarded the bus for Pasadena City College, where we participated in the Tournament of Roses BandFest program at the outdoor football stadium along with university and college bands who would be marching in the Rose Parade on Monday. For those who were still hungry following the lunch served an hour earlier, we were offered a second lunch of two hamburgers each!

Other groups participating in the program included the Australian Southern Stars (who had come even further than us to participate in the parade), the Pulaski High School Red Riders from Wisconsin and the Riverside King High School Marching Band from California. It was a bit overwhelming to be in the midst of all these groups of 200-300 players, yet the 34 of us humbly marched out onto the field and presented three contrasting items to an appreciative crowd. Afterwards, we were presented with a new snare drum on behalf of the event’s sponsors, the Remo drum company, who are celebrating their 50th anniversary of involvement in the Pasadena Tournament of Roses.

In the evening, we presented a concert to a packed hall at Pasadena Tabernacle Corps, where we shared the platform with the Tabernacle Youth Chorus, led by Barbara Allen. We were amazed at the exciting energy and dynamic singing of this vibrant group, who in turn inspired us to play even better than we had on previous nights. Solos by Brindley and Barrington Venables (“Jubilance” and “Joshua Fit the Battle of Jericho” respectively) were especially appreciated by the teenage girls who couldn’t get enough of our single young bandsmen following the program.

It was a special delight for the band to renew acquaintances with CSB alumnus Clarence White, who was in attendance for the concert. Clarence was the band’s trombone soloist for many years and it was good to see him playing again as part of the backup group for the youth chorus.

Crystal Cathedral and Tustin Ranch

Sunday morning dawned bright and early as we had to leave the camp at 5:45 for 7:30 rehearsals at the Crystal Cathedral, where it was our privilege to be the guests for the 9:30 and 11:00 services. In addition to providing our own special music, we accompanied the Pasadena Tabernacle Songsters (Songster Leader Martin Hunt) in a dynamic arrangement of the song “We Are More Than Conquerors.” Barrington Venables even got a standing ovation for “Joshua Fit the Battle of Jericho,” which seemed to be getting better every time he played it.

Commissioner Israel Gaither, U.S.A. National Commander, was present for the morning and offered a few comments about the work of The Salvation Army as well as reading from the Scriptures. The sermon was given by Rev. Jim Poit, executive pastor, who spoke highly of his appreciation for the band’s musical ministry. In between the two services, the band also played for 15 minutes in the outer courtyard of the cathedral, making a busy morning for all concerned.

After the final service, it was back to Angels Stadium for a second marching rehearsal in preparation for Monday, then on to Tustin Ranch Corps, where we were all amazed at the beautiful and spacious facilities. The evening took the form of a New Year’s dinner and joint concert with Tustin Ranch Band (Bandmaster Ed Freeman). In addition to our usual array of items, Tustin Ranch Band contributed James Curnow’s “Psalm 100” and Erik Leidzen’s “None Other Name.” We also united for Leslie Condon’s march “Celebration” and the playing of “Auld Lang Syne” to ring in the new year at the end of the evening.

Tournament of Roses Parade

Following a short night at a nearby hotel (so we wouldn’t have to travel all the way into the city from the camp), we awoke at 5:00 to prepare for the event we’d all been waiting for-the 2007 Rose Parade. With 47 floats, 24 equestrian units and 23 marching bands, this annual spectacular is seen by a TV audience of millions around the world. The event marked the second time the CSB had participated as part of the massed band, having marched in the parade previously on New Year’s Day 1994.

The parade officially got underway at 8:00, but as the Army band was 71st out of 97 entries in the parade, it was after 9:00 before we stepped off. Chris Mallett’s march, “Tournament of Roses 2000,” will be forever etched in our collective memories after playing it repeatedly in front of the TV cameras and throughout the 5½-mile (9-kilometre) march. By the time we were finished, we all felt a sense of accomplishment for having gotten through.

Following another hamburger lunch and a quick time for shopping, it was back on the bus for the trip out to camp, where we were able to get some much-needed rest after our short night and the long march that followed. It was hard to believe our tour had come to a successful conclusion, but we were grateful for the various opportunities of ministry and for the privilege of travelling to this part of the world to participate in this significant event.

We received marvellous treatment from our hosts throughout the week, Territorial Music Director Neil Smith and Divisional Music Director Kevin Larsson and his wife Jackie. Thanks especially to Neil and Kevin, who travelled with us every day and looked after our many needs.

The CSB also wants to thank Major Kevin Metcalf for playing soprano cornet in Andrew Burditt’s absence and Sarah Ewing who filled in for Ray Larlee on Percussion. Stuart Cornie deserves special mention for putting together all of the visual presentations to accompany our concerts and taking pictures of all our adventures throughout the week.

A special word of thanks to our own chief secretary, Colonel Glen Shepherd, and his wife, Eleanor, who expressly requested to accompany the band to California. Colonel Glen Shepherd even joined the tuba section for several of our concerts and played Eb Bass on the march!

The CSB’s tour of Southern California created many lasting memories for all concerned and will undoubtedly be a highlight of the band’s history for many years to come.

- Major Ken Smith