Wellington Citadel Band

This Page will allow friends world-wide to keep up with the activities of the Wellington Citadel Band.

Bandmaster Eva Key

Bandmaster Eva Key was commissioned by the Japanese Territorial Commander who was in New Zealand to install Commissioners Don and Debi Bell as the new Territorial Commanders of the New Zealand Fiji and Tonga Territory.

This is a first for the band to have a female conductor but the band looks forward with confidence to Eva's leadership.

Some pictures from Eva Key's commissioning

Wellington Citadel Band - A Brief History (adapted for web)

Compiled by Band Secretary Greg Young For the Corps’ 125 Anniversary

It is my privilege to write on the subject of the Wellington Citadel Band from its inception through until today.

The more I delved into the bands’ past, the bigger my task became but I will endeavour to do justice to the history of this wonderful ministry. Please accept any inaccuracies or omissions as being due to the sketchiness of some of the records which have been available to me.

When it all began

It is not entirely clear when the Wellington Citadel Band was formed, but there is an entry from 1883 on page 3 of the corps history book, which reads: 

'A few instruments were obtained and a start made with the band. Another highly esteemed citizen, Mr Enoch Tonks being bandmaster.'

We also have a photo of the band-room dated 1883. There is little to indicate the band’s programme up until about 1911, but from early on the band was busy with open air work as well as prison and hospital visitation.

Something that surprised me was to discover that the band travelled extensively around New Zealand, visiting corps from Bluff to Auckland, from as early as 1912 when there was a visit to Palmerston North.

The band bought new instruments in 1913 for 150 pounds, and in June of that year the band was prominent at the first Territorial Congress.

There were a number of leadership changes from the band’s formation, but with the arrival in New Zealand of the Goffin family, H.C. (Harry) Goffin became bandmaster in 1914. He was a real worker and effectively laid the foundation for the remarkable standards maintained over the years since. It was noted that the band showed outstanding improvement under his guidance.

During WWI

With the outbreak of war in 1914, the band was used in connection with meetings held for the troops and brought much blessing to the men. Another extract from the history book:

'The Citadel Band was privileged to march the sixth to the wharf. They marched over 2000 strong, a fine body of young men. As the boat pulled away the band played “God be With You” and the concourse of people dropped their hats and a feeling of intense emotion swept through the crowd.'

The band itself farewelled a number of its own and at one point had 17 members on active service but still operated with 31 players at home. A number of our bandsmen paid the ultimate price.

I found this extract from the corps history book dated 1916 to be interesting in light of later events:

'On a recent Sunday, sixty Japanese from the warships were present at the meetings when Sister Hodder welcomed our visitors in their own language. The band played the Japanese National Anthem in the evening open-air when a very large crowd gathered at Dixon Street.'

The 1920s and early 1930s

In 1922 it was noted that the band, with a muster of 37, had put on 424 parades during the previous 12 months.

In 1925 it is recorded that the band numbered 40 and now placed as a front-rank combination and had a very energetic bunch of band locals. 
Instrumentation in those early days was interesting with French horns and saxophones being used for a number of years. Trombonists were flamboyant then too.

In 1927 the band was broadcast for the first time by the Radio Broadcasting Company of New Zealand.

In 1931 the band travelled to Napier three days after the devastating earthquake and performed a concert there in aid of the relief fund for the city. To undertake such a trip at short notice is impressive, even in today’s terms.

There have been a number of visits to Government House over the years from as far back as 1932 when Lord Bledisloe was Governor-General. Also in 1932, the band was on parade at the dedication of the National War Memorial Carillon and accompanied the singing of 20,000 people.

Bert Neeve

Harold Scotney had the band for many years, but with his transfer to Australia, an invitation to Bert Neeve, a fine 21-year-old cornet player from Newton, to become bandmaster was extended, and of course accepted. Bert’s pursuit of excellence in music-making is legendary, and the band responded to the demands placed upon it.

With the outbreak of war in 1939, Bandmaster Neeve and many of the bandsmen were called up for active service. After some toing and froing with the leadership, Cecil Fitzwater assumed the role of bandmaster and during his time introduced and trained a number of young players who went on to form the nucleus of the band for the next 2 or 3 decades and laid the basis for later significant achievements.

The band once again suffered losses during the war, but Bert returned from the war in 1944 having been decorated with the Military Cross for gallantry. After playing again for a short time, he took over the band.

In April of 1949 the band visited Australia, the first overseas expedition by a New Zealand Army band and the first overseas band to visit Australia.

For two periods during the next 36 years Bert Neeve was bandmaster, Ray Atherfold for 2 years and Bruce Parkinson for 6 years. During Bruce’s time the band made the first LP record for commercial release by a Salvation Army band.

The Billy Graham Crusades occurred in 1959 and Church Parades followed with the National Band in 1953 and 1961. The band has also provided highlights at many congress gatherings over the years. Here is an excerpt from a Dominion article dated 1960:

'The Wellington Citadel Salvation Army Band in all its appearances, again proved itself to be an ensemble of musical aristocrats in the realm of brass band music. There can be no doubt this combination is one of New Zealand’s finest musical groups.'

And another quote: 'Bandmaster Neeve and his men impress me as being humble Christians with a work to do, rather than a reputation to maintain.'

Reaching high standards

The band’s programme at this time included 1 Saturday night open air, 3 Sunday open airs, 3 Sunday meetings per week, 5 rehearsals per month, plus other Divisional and Territorial engagements and recording sessions, of which there were 11 Sunday morning and 6 weeknight broadcasts per year.

The constant playing and the roster of broadcasts were largely responsible for the high standards reached over many years.

The band was also the first to appear on television when in 1962 it featured on “Epilogue” with a programme entitled “Hymns I Love” for WNTV1.

The band travelled extensively within New Zealand and hosted many fine bands from around the world, such as: the famous Hawthorne Band in 1948, Brisbane Temple in 1964, Sydney Congress Hall, the Hollywood Tabernacle Band in 1972, Garwood, Camberwell, Dulwich Hill, Auckland Congress Hall, Newton, Enfield, the National Capital bands and the International, New York, Chicago, Canadian and Melbourne Staff Bands.

Special guests have been Denis Wright, Eric Ball on two occasions, National Orchestra Conductor John Hopkins, Ronald Tremain, Ron Smart, Robert Redhead, Trevor Davis, Joy Webb and soloists Ken Smith, Frank Rawbone, Rev. Charles Naylor, Barbara Adcock, Maisey Wiggins, Wilf Mountain, James Williams, Ian Hankey, Leslie Condon and Ron Prussing, Dame Malvina Major, David Dawes, Richard Phillips and our own Nigel Atwill.

There have been a number of joint events with local bands, including the City of Wellington Highland Pipe Band, Titan Brass and the Onslow, and now Pelorus Brass Band.

For many years the band had a male voice party, comprised of keen singers initially numbering 8 led by Ray Atherfold and then Peter Stone. Out of this grew the inclusion of male voice items which invariably brought much blessing. It is important to note that the band has been supportive of other corps sections over the years by allowing its members to assist in other areas such as the Y.P. work.

Some unsung heroes of the band have been the colour sergeants, Johansen, Ross Harvey and Graham Taylor; Davey Hutton, a shell-shock victim who would carry the music books to the open air and Frank Pett, Band Librarian for many years. Some others worthy of mention are Drum Major Norm Mills, who was very proficient with the mace, and side drummer Stan Jeffries who had a fantastically tight and smooth drumming action.

There has been a succession of quality band local officers like Bert Geard, who was Deputy bandmaster for 18 years, and I feel I should mention Selwyn Bridge, who for 30 years was the Band Secretary. His meticulous planning and record-keeping enabled the band to operate smoothly and the bandmaster to focus on the music without having to worry too much about other issues. I’m indebted to him in that without the scrapbooks he prepared of the band’s history, a lot of what has been revealed would have been left out.

In 1968 the band embarked upon a very ambitious World Tour, visiting the USA, Canada and Great Britain. The invitation came for the band to help celebrate the 90th anniversary of Army bands. The band quickly gained a reputation for the quality of its music-making and played to sell-out audiences throughout the tour, culminating in two unprecedented concerts at the Royal Albert Hall. This tour gained the band an international reputation, which lasts to this day. The band also had the rare privilege of playing in the forecourt of Buckingham Palace, something only a handful of Army bands have been allowed to do. Other highlights were to play at Regent Hall and Clapham Corps.

The band has been blessed over the years with many fine soloists. Gordon Hildreth, Lester Harford and Ray Atherfold were stalwarts of the band for many years, and they each travelled overseas as soloists in their own right. From Bert Geard to Bruce Parkinson, Evan Bracegirdle, Ray Calcott, Tinsley Jackson, Tom Hill, Graeme Jameson, Brian Waugh and Nigel Atwill, Glenn Richards and Grant Pitcher today, the band has been well served by quality players. Mention must also be made of Marion Wallace who has accompanied the band on many, many visits both within New Zealand and overseas providing accompaniment and vocal solos. Others who have assisted in this way are Ngaire Atherfold, Nola Hawker, Thelma Douglas and Nyala Millar. Thank you to all who have put in the extra effort necessary to prepare for solo work.

1969 to today

In 1974 the band was invited to be the guest band at the final concert of the National Brass Band Championships.

Bert Neeve retired as Bandmaster in May of 1974 and Eric Geddes, who had been a fine soprano player for the band since 1948, assumed command. Eric never aspired to the role, but in his humble way, he helped the band to maintain the high standards of the past.

Eric expanded the repertoire by introducing music of a secular nature. By interspersing popular themes with Army compositions, the band was able to deliver the Christian message in music in a somewhat subtle way.

In April of 1979 the band took up an invitation to visit Japan, and there followed a tour which established a bond between the people of Japan and our corps band that survives to this day.

That tour was ground-breaking and the results of it will never be fully appreciated. We do know that 100 decisions were made during the public meetings held during the tour, that people became Salvation Army officers because of it and that the brass band movement in Japan gathered much momentum as a result of the public concerts.

The band also appeared to an audience of millions in a televised concert broadcast by media giant NHK.

When I arrived at this corps in 1980, there were three bands comprised of round 90 players: the Senior Band, a junior band and the Auxillary Band, which had a regular programme of its own.

I’d like to recognise the leaders of the learner’s groups, the junior band and the Auxillary Band: George Bailey, Bill Bayliss, Don Hoare, Dixon McMillan, John Gardner, Nigel Salt, Stephen Stein and others.

Both the Senior and Auxilliary bands held two open airs on a Sunday, took part in meetings and visited other corps around the country. Bruce Parkinson’s leadership of the Auxillary Band prepared many of us for graduation to the Senior Band and provided us with many memorable moments at practices.

It was inevitable that the band would visit Japan again, and in 1985 there was a 17-day tour which followed the pattern of the first visit but with some refinements. The music was again a mix of many styles, but the crowd responded with spontaneous foot-stomping and hand-clapping to numbers like ‘Jericho’ and ‘Salute to Elvis’.

The band has been involved in many significant events over the years, and particular highlights include the opportunity to perform with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra at a brand new Michael Fowler Centre as part of the Army’s Centenary celebrations in 1983 and playing with Dame Malvina Major before Pope John Paul II during his visit to Wellington in 1986.

In 1988 the band welcomed its first female member, Sherryn McKenzie, into its ranks and we have pretty much had at least one woman in the band since then.

Over the years various innovations have been tried by the band, and I think the willingness to think outside the square has at times been necessary and has shown a desire to adapt to be relevant to those we play to. Some things worked more successfully than others. No-one who was there will forget Eric disappearing into a cloud of steam at the start of a number using dry ice.

In 2002 the band presented “A New Zealand Homecoming”, a themed concert developed by Wayne Coffey that simultaneously told the story of New Zealand and of the Army while also issuing a challenge to the audience to come home to Christ. With a Maori party, a group of dancers, an opera singer, a well-known actor and a technical crew, the band toured England with a stop in Canada on the way. The staging of the production was a major undertaking every day, but the hard work was worth it and for many it was the trip of a life-time. As stated before, few Army bands have performed at Buckingham Palace, and so the privilege we had to do it for a second time was a proud moment in our history.

The relationship with our friends in Japan has been maintained over the years with visits by various individuals and the exchange of music and news. Both parties decided it was time we visited again, and so in 2008 the band undertook a very successful 10-day tour. On the first full day we had the privilege of visiting the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum and of playing in the Peace Park there.

The band acquitted itself well during the public concerts, handing out gospels afterwards. We are still receiving news of lives changed and influenced as a result of the tour.

Since that first LP there have been quite a number of records, and more latterly, CDs, produced with the most recent being ‘Light-bringer’ produced for last year’s Japan tour.

The current band is maintaining a good standard and there is much to be optimistic about. There are more young people in the band than we’ve had for many a year and there is a real desire to perform at the highest level possible.

At times over the last 20 years the future of bands within the Army has looked doubtful, but I firmly believe that there is no reason why we shouldn’t look to the future positively. All who have been involved in banding know the pleasure and satisfaction that comes from serving in this way. For many it has been a lifelong commitment and we are indebted to those who have remained involved to support the younger members when retirement probably looked like a better option. We are not as busy as in the old days, but being in this band still means sacrifices have to be made by band members and their families.

Of course we support the meetings and we still perform in the open air, at hospitals and retirement homes, for Army and civic events, gardens and Anzac Day parades and from time to time in concert. For the last few years we have carolled in Lambton Quay at lunchtimes (and elsewhere) and even created a bit of a stir. A shop-owner complained about the noise, which induced a lot of talk in the paper and on talkback radio. The comment was overwhelmingly in support of the band, and it became apparent that the public is not yet ready to see us disappear from the streets.

For the last two years, with the generosity of the City Council, we have been able to resurrect the civic carol sing at the Town Hall, and our hope is that this will once again become an annual fixture.

Being part of this band has always been a privilege, which I do not take for granted. The opportunities I have had through this group, I would never have had any other way. I think of the high-profile things we have done and there is a sense of pride in that, but I also think of the week by week activities, which are our primary reason for being. The opportunity to assist worship and to bring blessing through music-making is a privilege. The comradeship that banding affords is like nothing else. Salvation Army bands have been a valuable avenue for a large number of men to be involved in the corps, and I know at times the envy of other churches. We neglect our bands at our peril, I believe. Let’s be grateful that we still have people willing to dedicate the time to this worthwhile and worthy activity. Please pray for our band – you can be assured that we will be doing our best to keep the flag flying in this place.