The Canadian Staff Band has something to celebrate. Now in its fifth decade of service to the Canada and Bermuda Territory, the band marked its 41st anniversary by bringing back its founding bandmaster, Lt-Colonel Norman Bearcroft.

On Saturday, May 29, Salvationists and friends gathered at Scarborough Citadel, Toronto, where they enjoyed a concert of newly written music, including two world premiers, and timeless classics led by Lt-Colonel Bearcroft in his own inimitable way. In his opening remarks, the colonel recalled the circumstances under which the band was formed in 1969 and remarked that it was good to see it still going strong.

Led by Bandmaster John Lam, the CSB was in top form as it presented a wide range of repertoire, from the exhilarating Festive Overture by Shostakovich, arranged by William Gordon, to a new setting of Randall Thompson's popular choral work Alleluia, arranged by Major Len Ballantine. This was one of two premiers on the night, the other being a major work for euphonium and band by Colonel Robert Redhead—Salvus, written for and performed by Stephen Pavey.

Other CSB soloists featured on the program were Major Kevin Metcalf in Down by the Riverside (Jeff Christmas) and Craig Lewis in Incarnation (Ralph Pearce), both works having been written specifically for the soloists and the band. In addition, vocal soloist Cameron Rawlins brought a change of pace with his lively rendition of What a Friend, arranged by Darren Bartlett.

Much of the second half of the program was devoted to the music of Lt-Colonel Norman Bearcroft, including the march To Regions Fair, the ever popular Just Like John and the timeless Songs of Newfoundland. In a moving moment, former CSB members joined the current band to sing Bearcroft's sensitive setting of Albert Orsborn's song, I Know Thee Who Thou Art.

During the intermission, many took advantage of the opportunity to purchase Lt-Colonel Bearcroft's new book, In Good Company, and to have it signed by the author. Afterwards, CSB alumni enjoyed an informal reception where they renewed acquaintances and shared old memories.

The anniversary festival marked the culmination of a busy season in which the CSB visited Army corps in Cobourg, Guelph, Hamilton Meadowlands and Midland, Ontario, in addition to participating in various seasonal activities in December and recording a new CD. The band also presented a concert as part of Hannaford Street Silver Band's annual Festival of Brass in April, and participated in the Great American Brass Band Festival in Danville, Kentucky, in June. In 2011, it will be visiting London, England, the weekend of June 3-5 as part of festivities marking the 120th anniversary of the International Staff Band. For more information on the CSB and its activities, visit canadianstaffband.ca.

Major Ken Smith is the assistant territorial music secretary, Music and Gospel Arts Department, THQ