London Citadel Band

London Citadel Band is the corps or church band of the London Citadel branch of The Salvation Army in London, Ontario, Canada. The band consists of about 30 members and has been in continuous service since 1883, when it was one of the first Salvation Army Bands formed in Canada.

All members contribute their time and talent freely to the band in addition to their regular occupations, which include university and high-school students, corporate executives, salesmen, factory inspectors, school teachers, and several self-employed entrepreneurs.

What do you love about brass band music?
We love the variety of brass band music: its ability to excite the emotions, to calm the spirit, to be a means of blessing to those in need.

Most shining moment?
Most thrilling moment is on a summer's Sunday morning as we stand in a ring outside a hospital and play hymns for those not only in the hospital but also in the surrounding community.

Most requested song?
A meditation on Psalm 23, ``My Comfort and Strength.''

Percentage of year spent traveling?
Less than 1 percent. In addition to weekly Sunday duties at London Citadel, the band has travelled widely, mainly in Canada and the United States, having toured England in 1976, Bermuda in 1981, the West Coast in 1987 and the USA Southern Territory in 1994.

One of most interesting places to play?
The Royal Albert Hall in London, England, in July 1976. The reason: It likely was the largest crowd we ever played for and the tradition of both Salvation Army and brass banding that permeates every corner of the building.

Most receptive audience?
Asylum Street Church, Hartford, Conn., in 1987.

Little known fact?
During World War I, when the entire band joined up as a militia band, regular banding duties were taken over and continued by a small group of women who relinquished their membership when the men returned from war.