The Salvation Army Chatham

Salvation Army music Songster brigades (choirs) were originally formed to teach the congregation new songs and this still happens today.

Music published today varies considerably from that of early day Salvationists. While there is still a place for the simple ‘a capella’ four-part harmony, a lot of modern music is accompanied by a combination of piano, guitar, string bass, percussion, flute and brass. This makes for a varied and interesting repertoire with, it is hoped, something to suit all tastes.

Chatham Songster brigade was formed in 1902 and follows the ‘Army’ tradition of a mixed voices group and is directed by Songster Leader Adrian Horwood. Adrian has participated in music, in a number of different Corps around the UK, virtually all his life and has been involved in Choral leadership for over 35 years with different groups. He is principal Euphonium in the Corps band and since taking early retirement from a career in banking, has developed a portfolio of directorships in the public and voluntary sectors.

A Songster brigade relies on a good accompanist and the brigade is fortunate to have the services of Carole, Adrian’s wife, in that role. The wider accompaniment team includes Nigel Lockwood (string bass) and David Lockwood (percussion) among others.

L to R: Carole, Nigel & David

The aim of the brigade is to encourage and inspire people through singing about the good news contained in the Gospel, with a very important secondary aim of providing friendship and fellowship within the group itself. The first aim is accomplished through using its music to enhance weekly worship at the Corps in Chatham, and anywhere else the group is asked to sing. It aims to provide high quality music to stir the emotions of the listeners and thereby allow their hearts and minds to focus on Christ.

Members come from a variety of backgrounds and occupations, and after giving their lives to God and deciding to become ‘soldiers‘, or members of The Salvation Army, having expressed their desire to commit their musical talents to Him in this way.

In 2002, the brigade’s centenary year, a CD entitled ‘Bridging the years’ was produced and over the years programmes have been given throughout the UK – in recent years these have including visits to Salvation Army centres in Plymouth, Southsea, Gloucester, Boscombe, Portsmouth, Croydon, Kettering, Derby, Sittingbourne, Chelmsford, Ramsgate and Belfast.

Musical programmes have  have been presented at many local venues, for churches and many good causes, on occasion combining with other musical groups such as the Kent Messenger Band and our own band. The brigade has sung in London’s Festival Hall as well as overseas – the most recent example being a tour of France and Switzerland in 2005, which featured a number of items especially written for the brigade.

The Songster brigade has arranged events in Chatham, such as visits from other Salvation Army groups and continues to contribute to most of the meetings (or services) held in our own hall every Sunday.

2010 will again bring opportunities to present the Christian message through the exciting medium of music and arrangements are in hand for a programme at the Gillingham Methodist church on Saturday 5^th June and a visit to the Salvation Army in Reading on Sunday 13^th June. We are also looking forward to the visit of the Songster brigade from Winton (Bournemouth) for the weekend of 16^th & 17^th October.

We continue to hear from people who have received comfort, help and inspiration from God  through this very special medium of song, and pray that this will continue as we put Him first in all that we do.