Judd: The Eternal Presence

Judd: The Father's Blessing

This music is a treatment of the tune that William Tomer wrote for the words 'God be with you till we meet again'. In recent years, Ralph Vaughan Williams' tune 'Randolph' has often been the preferred choice to accompany these words although this composer was drawn to the original tune. Serenity is the prevailing mood of the piece although there is chance for the band to 'open up' in the link passages.

Judd: The Festive Season

A Christmas suite in 3 movements by Morley Calvert of Canada. Based on the carols 'Christ was born on Christmas day', 'The Holly and the Ivy' and 'Good king Wenceslas', this should be accessible to bands at most levels of capability.

Judd: The Fruit of the Spirit

The song 'The fruit of the Spirit' first appeared in the 1973 musical 'Spirit', which became one of the most popular musicals by the celebratedpartnership of General John Gowans and General John Larsson. The musical tells how the Spirit-led disciples established the church after Pentecostand this song appears as the disciples are imprisoned for preaching about Jesus. They are understandably worried but comfort each other by remindingthemselves of the apostle Paul's words to the Galatians; 'But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness,faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.' (Galatians 5:22-23)

Judd: The Gathering - Festival Prelude

'The Gathering' was written at the request of Canadian Staff Bandmaster John Lam. The composer was asked to write a concert opener for the Canadian Staff Band's trip to Holland, Germany and London as part of the ISB120 Celebrations in 2011. The well-known Dutch hymn, 'We gather together', was chosen as the source material for the piece. The melody goes through a couple different settings before a rousing conclusion.

Judd: The Great Salvation War

James Curnow was inspired to compose this work after reading 'Marching to Glory', a history of The Salvation Army in the USA. The writer of the book, Dr. Edward H. McKinley, was a colleague of Curnow on the faculty of Asbury College and a member of The Salvation Army Student Fellowship Band. The work was written for this band and premiered by them at the Centennial National Congress in 1980 which was held at Asbury College. Curnow has endeavoured to capture the spirit of early day Salvationists as they gave themselves completely to the great salvation war. Three songs support the three-part structure; 1) Stand like the brave 2) In Thee, O Lord, do I put my trust 3) Rescue the perishing.

Judd: The Holy War

Inspired by John Bunyan's allegory of the same name, the composer paints a sound picture of spiritual warfare between the forces of good and evil. Martin Luther's Reformation chorale Ein feste Burg (A Mighty Fortress is our God) serves as the rallying point for 'good' forces led by Mansoul. This brilliant score, A Salvation Army epic, serves as an example of marvellous invention, colourful scoring and compact formal symmetry.

Judd: The Lord Bless You and Keep You

A beautiful melody which works perfectly as an instrumental benediction for band. A smooth negotiation of the falling 6th in the first half of the tune is essential, as is good balance ensuring the melody can be heard at all times.

Judd: Thy Matchless King

Diademata is the subject for a thrilling and energetic concert opener by Joel Collier from the USA Southern Territory.

Judd: Unconquered

Those familiar with the composers compositions will know that his style of march writing was quite individualistic, being characterised by a rather aggressive and syncopated first part, generally in the minor mode, contrasting with a broad legato melody at the trio. Unconquered is no exception to this pattern and it is felt that it will prove useful for both festival and processional use.