by DONNA SEALY
Beautiful music played by the Barbados Police Service Band filled the sanctuary of Belmont Methodist Church on Sunday, delighting the audience attending An Afternoon of Music, a fundraising concert hosted by the church.
Directed by Inspector Cyprian Gamble, the highly acclaimed band’s selections ranged from classical orchestral pieces to popular songs from Barbados’ queen of gospel music, Sister Marshall, and were a welcome reprieve to those gathered in the My Lord’s Hill, St Michael church as they relaxed and enjoyed each one.
Trident of Barbados, a jaunty song, was their opening number which set the tone for the show. This was followed by the contemplative, or reflective, As the Deer Pants and the majestic and fulsome sounding Crown Him with Many Crowns which was arranged by the band’s Director of Music Senior Superintendent Andrew Lynch.
Composer Antonín Dvořák’s 5th Symphony was so good. It was very evocative, serene at first and dramatic at the end. The playing of each note enveloped the listener to the point where it felt as though you were on a journey, in a story, or at the cinema and this symphony was part of the movie soundtrack and there was proper surround sound. It was one of the best pieces of the concert, and the band should consider keeping it in its repertoire regardless of the event.
The Barbados Police Service Band also played the Birthday song for individuals born in August among whom is retired former assistant director of music band Rudolph Holder, the “grandfather” of the band who celebrated his 98th birthday on August 7.
It was a privilege to see him in action as he directed the band in the playing of Hootenanny, which was requested. It was a lively selection featuring different genres of music inclusive of folk and country. He got a standing ovation from the audience at the end.
The audience also enjoyed Senior Constable Granville Maynard’s playing of Hallelujah on the alto saxophone and were generous in their applause at the final note of the popular song that blends secular and religious meaning.
Apart from the band of talented and highly skilled musicians playing, there were solo performances from Constables Tanya Maughn and Cheri Bend who sang.
Maughn sang Redeemer and returned later to pay tribute to Sister Margrita Marshall, stirring the audience in the process. She encouraged people to get up, dance, and sing along with the medley consisting of popular songs Marching On and Walk Holy. Most of them did and they danced in the aisle and chairs or sat and swayed to the music while singing along.
Bend’s performance of How Great Thou Art done spouge style, was the final one for the afternoon. It was a fitting end to the concert during which the audience participated in the singing of the two hymns, O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing and O Happy Day.
The event also featured soloist Shanika Roach who sang Balm in Gilead and My Tribute beautifully. The Ronald Rouse conducted Belmont Augmented Choir, comprising young and older singers, sang three spirited, negro spirituals: Tramping, I Couldn’t Hear Nobody Pray and Climbing Up the Mountain and US based violinist Wesley Morris was mellifluous in his renditions of In Christ Alone (My Hope Is Found) and Goodness of God.
Audrey Wickham was the MC for the concert and Reverend Dr Marcelle Brathwaite said the opening prayer and gave the vote of thanks. (GBM)
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