HISTORY OF THE SOLENT FELLOWSHIP BAND
Fellowship Bands have been in existence in the United Kingdom Territory of the Salvation Army for many years. However membership of these bands was restricted to Band Reservist and active members of corps bands of a mature age.During the 1990’s radical changes were made to the regulations that govern the membership of music sections within the Salvation Army. These changes would make it possible for salvationist musicians who, for business and family reasons, were unable to give the commitment required to be a member of a corps band, and salvationists who were playing members of ‘Non-Army bands’, would once again have the opportunity to enjoy music making and Christian fellowship in the environment of a salvation army band.
With the changes made it appeared that there was considerable interest in creating a Fellowship Band in the Solent area of the Southern Division of the Salvation Army.
Following consultation with the then Divisional Commander, Lieutenant–Colonel John Pearce-Hayden, it was agreed that a series of rehearsals would take place before making the decision to form a band. The legendary Retired Bandmaster Harold Nobes, who led Portsmouth Citadel Band for over forty years with such great distinction, was invited to conduct the rehearsals. Following just two rehearsals, it was decided that a competent band could be formed.
On 25th October 1996, Lieutenant–Colonel John Pearce-Hayden inaugurated the Solent Area Fellowship Band with a membership twenty-seven. Harold Nobes was appointed Bandmaster.
In 1998, with the Band now established, Harold Nobes decided that it was time for him to relinquish the leadership and David Mallett was appointed the new Bandmaster. Harold retained his interest in the Band and acted as deputy for a number of years.
Since its formation the Band has undertaken a full programme of concerts each year, playing in many Salvation Army centres, Churches and Concert halls in the South of England, raising thousands of pounds for International, National and Local Charities as well as Salvation Army projects. In addition the Band receive regular invitations to provide music for events organised by Divisional Headquarters. During December each year, the Band takes part in Carol Concerts and Carol Services for various societies and organisations including visits to H. M. Kingston Prison, Portsmouth.
Over the past fifteen years there have been many highlights, including the privilege of playing in St John’s Cathedral and St Agathas Church both in Portsmouth and the magnificent Romsey Abbey.
The Band has a current playing membership of forty five which includes ten of the founder members. It is interesting to note that since its inauguration the Band has always had a wide age range including teenage members as well as members of retirement age.
Eight Salvation Army Corps are represented within the band; Alton, Andover, Bognor Regis, Eastleigh, Portsmouth Citadel, Southampton Shirley, Southampton Sholing, Southsea.
In January 2007 Chris Kennett the bands associate conductor was appointed as bandmaster.
Under the direction of Chris the band has had three very successful seasons. Undertaking engagements in venues at Selborne, Winchester, Southsea , Shedfield, Portsmouth, Fareham, Whitchurch, Southampton, Petersfield, Andover, Eastleigh, Hayling Island, Lee-on-The Solent and Alton. A full programme of engagements is in place for the 2010/11 season.