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With this effort, Deputy-Bandmaster Wilfred Heaton, of Sheffield Park Corps, made his debut in the Festival Series Band Journal. At the outset it should be made clear that this is no ordinary march, and it will need quite a different approach from that of the usual type of music written in that form.
Introduction - A clean use of the tongue and a strict observance of the dynamic markings are essential in this short but trumpet-like figure for Comets and Trombones. The semiquaver anacrusis may cause a little trouble at first, but a clear indication by the conductor will soon correct matters. Bar four, where the Basses enter on the third beat with an imitation figure, will also need to be watched.
Section A - The melodic outline is a little broken, 1st Comet and Flugel Horn having the melody for the first two bars. See that the upward scalic figure, where the Solo Comets join, is correctly timed. All that is necessary for the accompaniment is a steady tread with good rhythm.
Section B - Much of the music here resembles an interlude rather than a second subject and several unusual features are seen. The first is the imitation figure for Baritones and Euphonium which will need careful handling. Bar seven, however, is the most unusual feature and may present a problem to many, but this will solve itself if taken slowly at first in practice, increasing the speed when quite sure of it. The bar which follows is difficult only for Solo Comet, but even this is scalic and will quickly become easy to negotiate.
Section C - This resembles the first subject, and is on similar lines, but possesses new features, Tenor Trombones and Euphonium having the melody previously played by the 1st Comet and Flugel Horn. Imitation figures for Trombone and Cornet are prominent features from bar five onwards. The Horn and Euphonium link in the last bar is also important.
Section B - Novel and interesting treatment is given to a Salvation Army ‘old favourite’ theme, the words of which are: Praise, oh praise Him! Swell the song that’s rung throughout the ages; Praise, oh praise Him! The Lamb once slain! Oh, sing the grand old song again, How the precious flow washes white as snow! Oh, sing the grand old song again, Of the fountain that was opened at the cross.
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