B.B.C. at Bromley

B.B.C at Bromley (London) that is, Bearcroft, Bowen and Camsey, all
featured in a Composer’s festival on the Monday night following
the week end of the The International Staff Band’s 120th anniversary
in which, all the Staff Bands of the world were featured.

Norman Bearcroft, Brian Bowen, and Terry Camsey were all connected with the New York Staff Band – Brian, one time bandmaster, Terry a previous solo cornet player and Norman, now an honorary member. Brian and Terry had also been members of the International Staff Band with Terry on Solo Cornet and Brian on Flugel Horn.

The program was presented by the South London Fellowship band under the leadership of Major George Whittingham (a one time member of the International Staff Band) and a splendid choral group, brought together for the evening, and named as, ‘The Evangelaires’ which including several members of the International Staff Songsters, soldiers from Regent Hall, Norman’s wife Kathleen and son Major Mark Bearcroft with his wife Tracy (past members of the ISS) . Two well known excellent instrumental soloists from The International Staff Band, Kevin Ashman on cornet and Derick Kane on Euphonium.

After an opening prayer by Major Kathleen Bearcroft, the three Composers introduced and conducted their own music. Brian Bowen was the first featured composer as he introduced and conducted his Festival march; – ‘The Warriors’ followed by Norman Bearcroft who conducted his Cornet solo ‘Golden Slippers’ with Kevin Ashman of the I.S.B. as the Soloist. Terry Camsey then conducted the band in his Suite- ‘Happiness and Harmony’

Brian Bowen conducted the ‘Evangelaires’ in his setting of ‘Song of Simion’ following which he conducted the band in his meditation, ‘My Comfort and Strength’ (Brian’s mother Nancy, who is also Norman’s sister, was present in the meeting, much to the delight of both son and brother)

It was then Norman Bearcroft conducted his Euphonium solo,
‘The Better World’ with Derick Kane of the ISB, (for whom the solo was written), as the soloist. Terry Camsey then invited Kevin Ashman to play his Cornet solo, ‘Life’s Pageant’ which Terry, himself as an excellent soloist, had played in its first performance some years ago.

The congregation then joined in singing Norman Bearcroft’s setting of ‘O for a thousand tongues to sing my great Redeemer’s praise’ which was followed by Major Beryl Camsey sharing a reading from the Bible. Terry Camsey then conducted The Evangelaires in two of his songs, ‘At Thy service’ and ‘Sing a happy song’ which they did in great style.

A Cornet ensemble from the South London Fellowship band stood to play ‘Joyous Proclamation’ written by Norman Bearcroft. (It was a special treat for Norman to see his grandson Andrew who had come to the program standing and playing with the band at the invitation of Major George Whittingham.)

Derick Kane then played Terry Camsey’s euphonium solo entitled,
‘Life’s Challenge’ conducted by George Whittingham,

Brian Bowen who was accompanied by his wife Lois, conducted the next solo of the evening in his composition ‘Jesus drew near’ played by Kevin Ashman.

The final two songs of the evening, ‘The Well is Deep’ arranged by Norman Bearcroft and, ‘In Good Company’ by the same writer, were sung in great style by the Evangelaires’ prior to the fellowship band playing Norman’s
March, ‘Temple 85 and in which Terry played a cornet with the band and with Brian Bowen adding effects on various whistles and other articles, so that the three composers were included in the final number of this very happy and joyous occasion.

General John Larsson, himself the composer of many lovely songs and one band piece, gave an enthusiastic word of thanks to all who had taken part, including the very happy and appreciative audience, and ended the meeting in a prayer of thanksgiving.

Terry, Brian and Norman were delighted with the manner in which the band and singers played and sang their music, and for the very kind arrangements made by Major George Whittingham.