19 April 2006: Celebrating 100 years of Bangor banding

by Linda Campbell

Final preparations are under way at Bangor for a visit by the International Staff Band of The Salvation Army. The band will be taking part in a special musical evening on Saturday 22 April at Hamilton Road Presbyterian Church, to mark the centenary year of the local Bangor Salvation Army band's formation.

Bangor corps (church) opened in its current location in Albert Street in 1888. However it was some 18 years later before the local band was formed. Providing music for all, the band would frequently be seen on the local streets and their music - as it still is today - was enjoyed by all.

Keith Hillier took over as bandmaster at Bangor Salvation Army in 1986 and has always held a special place in his heart for Salvation Army music. Growing up in The Salvation Army he learnt to play the cornet at about 7 years and now plays the euphonium. Banding is a bit of a family thing in the Bangor band - Keith's father and nephew play and there also four other fathers and sons and one father and daughter!

Derek Hillier, Keith's father celebrates 30 years of playing in the Bangor band later this year, and indeed was recently recognised in a special service of appreciation for 65 years of service to The Salvation Army, 'I have many great memories of my time in the band. We used to play in the Helmnsman and Coachman's dance halls on Christmas Eve. The music would stop while the band played in the middle of the dance floor and everyone would join in - it was quite something to interrupt a dance session!' recalls Derek.

Keith, like his father, has always loved brass band music but has feels the music played by The Salvation Army band is special. 'I have a very deep respect of our music - it's sacred and special and provides a very unique ministry, conveying thoughts and messages which words often can't express,' explained Keith.

As bandmaster, Keith will conduct the various sections and co-ordinates a busy calendar of annual engagements at churches, golf clubs, meetings, open airs and shopping centres.

'We played in Bloomfield shopping centre a few weeks ago and the public seemed to enjoy the music and indeed the songsters and timbrel displays,' said Keith. 'Music can open many doors for us, welcoming us to places where we might not otherwise think to go - that's a very special kind of ministry of which we as The Salvation Army are proud to be part of.'

The band also takes part in community events such as the Commemoration of the Somme and Remembrance Day. At Christmas over 200 people gather at the Christmas tree in Helen's Bay for carols on Christmas Eve.

'We feel very proud to be able to celebrate 100 years of Salvation Army banding in Bangor and are really looking forward to our celebratory concert next Saturday evening. The lively programme is varied and includes traditional and modern pieces, solo items - something for everyone!' said an enthusiastic Keith. 'The Salvation Army International Staff band is highly professional, accepting engagements all over the world. We are delighted they have agreed to celebrate with us in Bangor and look forward to a really exciting and enjoyable musical evening.'

The International Staff Band will be playing at Hamilton Road Presbyterian Church on Saturday 22 April at 7.30pm. Tickets, priced £7 (£5 for students and senior citizens) are available by contacting Keith at 07886332456 or Mark Evans at gme@freeola.com.

• Photos courtesy of Paul McCullough