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News
July 2010
Clarence Commissions March
Clarence unveiled a new march that he had commissioned at a private gathering with friends ahead of the 6th biennial concert by the Clarence Adoo Brass Band.
Eiliv Herikstad at Shoeburyness
Clarence said it was early December when he emailed his pal Eiliv with three questions:
- How are you?
- How would you like to write the best march ever?
- Can I have it four weeks?
The timing was important so it would be available in time for the ISB's first rehearsal of the new year. Eiliv's response was along the lines of "In answer to your first question: I was fine until I read the rest of the email".
The march is called "Shoeburyness" and is expected to be published by The Salvation Army later this year in General Series. Eiliv writes: "The march is dedicated to my good friend Clarence Adoo and the people of Shoeburyness Corps where he grew up"
It received its first public performance the following evening by The Clarence Adoo Band under the baton of the composer.
July 2010
Sixth Biennial Concert of The Clarence Adoo Brass Band
Hadleigh Temple
The sixth concert of the Clarence Adoo Brass Band took place at The Salvation Army's Hadleigh Temple in Essex. It was special in that it was the first time the band had played close to Clarence's roots in Shoeburyness. Shoeburyness hall is not large to accommodate the expected audience, so Hadleigh is reasonably nearby and was chosen as the venue. It was also special as it was the first CABB concert to be arranged by the Trust's new Events and Marketing Co-ordinator, Denise Murray, who made the journey from Newcastle-upon-Tyne.
But she wasn't alone; many people, including performers, made long journeys to be present at this marvellous event. Despite the fact that it was holiday season, the extended hall at Hadleigh was filled to capacity and although it was a Trust, and not a corps events, Hadleigh Temple Corps made a very significant contribution to the event, treating it almost as their own. The generosity of all involved ensures that the event raised much-needed funds for the Trust and also new contacts and friendships were made.
An excellent report on the music of the concert, by Peter Bale, appears at 4barsrest.com: (http://www.4barsrest.com/reviews/concerts/con666.asp).
All the players have current or past connections with The Salvation Army; many are professional musicians. It is exceptional to get such talent to play together, for example the front row of cornets was almost entirely composed of principal trumpets. Conducting the band on this occasion was Howard Evans who grew up in nearby Southend and is now Bandmaster of the SA's Boscombe band and a former Bandmaster of the Amsterdam Staff Band. Howard is also Performance Fellow at Salford University and examiner for the Associated Board. Watching Howard rehearse these top-flight musicians was a delight in itself, bringing out the nuances and styles of the music to make the evening's performance perfect.
Eiliv Herikstad acknowledges the audience after conducting the first public performance of "Shoeburyness"
The band's manager, Bandmaster Carl Woodman of Chatham SA (and member of the International Staff Band) has done well to bring together an exceptional band that would be considered impossibly expensive under other circumstances. This might be reason enough to have made the concert a "must-see", but there were three other highlights (that's if you don't count the excellent contribution by Hadleigh Temple Songster Brigade!)
The first highlight, as mentioned above, was the first public presentation of the march "Shoeburyness", conducted by the composer, Eiliv Herikstad, who also conducted another of his marches, "Heaven Came Down".
The second highlight was Clarence himself conducting Dean Goffin's "The Light of the World". Although mostly paralysed Clarence has regained enough movement in his head and shoulders to successfully conduct a band. The music was accompanied by an audio-visual presentation.
Clarence Comperes
The third highlight focused on Clarence himself as he brought the thought for the evening in his testimony. "People often ask me how I remain so positive" he said. He recalled how in hospital immediately after the accident he suffered three respiratory arrests and the medical staff were able to revive him. The close calls brought him closer to God, and he realised that God had spared him for a reason. In that moment he was aware of God speaking to him, saying that his life would be more fulfilled from that moment on. At the time, realising that his horrific injuries had spelt an end to his promising career as a trumpet player, he thought "I've got no immediate plans" and submitted his life to God's will.
The 15 years since the accident have proved that true as Clarence has had many opportunities to speak that would not have otherwise been afforded him. He has ministry to other people with spinal injuries and is consulted on issues affecting disabled people. And he still has his music through working with the Northern Sinfonia as education animateur.
March 2010
Trust Airs Image Clothing
Thanks to a generous supporter, the trust now has a small number of black tee-shirts and polo shirts emblazoned with the trust’s logo. They were seen for the first time on 20 March 2010 during the visit of Belfast Temple Salvation Army Band to Gateshead (see separate report). The picture (by Neil Scott) shows Clarence surrounded by supporters wearing the new gear (l to r): Denise Murray, Iain Murray, Peter Robson, Irving Robson and Miriam Robson.
Impact as Clarence Chairs Festival
Whilst chairing a festival of music by Belfast Temple Salvation Army Band at Gateshead Community Church, Clarence took the opportunity to have an impact on the congregation by telling his story. You could hear a pin drop in the church when Clarence told how he spoke to God and that a peace came over him which was still with him today. He testified to the fact that God has used him far more since his accident than prior to it.
Walking with God was theme used during the festival, which complemented Clarence’s own testimony.
Two of the Belfast bandsmen spoke of the impact of that evening. Daniel Wright said:
“I was privileged to be able to listen to Clarence's testimony on Saturday night. It was an absolute revelation to hear something as powerful as that, and it made the whole weekend very special.” Band Secretary John Murdock went further:
“The band are on such a high thanks to this weekend and I personally have been inspired by the testimony of Clarence. Our efforts were minute compared to the power of his word. “
An offering, which was donated to The Clarence Adoo Trust, reflected the generosity of the congregation.
DM
Pic (by Neil Scott) shows Band Secretary John Murdock and Bandmaster Jack Burch with Clarence
January 2010
Tubalations at Stotfold
A day for low brass enthusiasts was organised by Stotfold Corps of The Salvation Army. We present 2 reports. One by Peter Bale, tuba player and regular writer for 4barsrest.com and British Bandsman. The other by the event's organiser, Roy Scott.
Music Making and Master Classes
By Peter Bale
On Saturday 23rd January 2010 a group of 30 low-brass players assembled at Letchworth Free Church for a day of music-making and master classes. The event was the brainchild of Roy Scott, who was celebrating 50 years as a tuba player in Stotfold Salvation Army Band.
T4 in performance
Stotfold Salvation Army band was present under their Bandmaster John Street providing accompaniments to some of the tuba ensemble items as well as soloists Derick Kane (euphonium) and Philip Scott (tuba). Also taking part were Charley Brighton and Tony Matthews (euphonium and piano respectively) and the T4 tuba quartet, consisting of Keith Loxley and Andy Scott (euphoniums) with Carl Woodman and Martin Blessett (tubas). The conducting was in the hands of Carl Woodman and Derick Kane, and much interest was generated by Charley Brighton’s collection of old instruments. Participants came from far and wide, and from varying backgrounds, including brass and wind bands.
Clarence himself was able to attend, and he was interviewed by Carl in the evening concert, talking about both his accident and the current opportunities that God has given him. Three pieces of music were specially written for the event: Tubalations Fanfare (Derick Kane), which opened the concert, March Medley for Basses (John Street) and Tubalations – for euphonium and tuba quartet (Paul Sharman), which featured Derick together with the members of T4. Commissioner Robert Street shared some apposite words of scripture, and the congregation joined heartily in the songs Lord for the years and How great thou art.
A great day’s music-making was had by all, and the event raised around £1,500 towards the cost of ongoing physiotherapy.
Roy's report follows the pics.
Roy Scott and the tuba playing participants
Derick Kane poses with T4
Clarence interviewed by Carl Woodman
Photos by Joanna Chapman
Practical advice from ISB experts
By Roy Scott
During the day the 30 tubas and euphoniums under the direction of Derick Kane and Carl Woodman (both ISB members) rehearsed various pieces including Endless Song, Tuba Sauce and A Little Prayer to name but a few. Derick and Carl gave a practical talk and demonstration of practice techniques. They also gave advice regarding instrument and mouthpiece selection. Charley Brighton presented an interesting talk about his display of vintage tubas and euphoniums.
In the afternoon Stotfold Salvation Army Band joined the group to rehearse for the evening programme. Derick playing through his evening solos: We'll All Shout Hallelujah and Annie Laurie. The band rehearsed with tuba soloist Sgt Philip Scott of the RAF Regiment Band Cranwell in Celestial Morn.
The evening programme started with a fanfare specially written for the occasion by Derick Kane who led proceedings with wit and charm. Charley Brighton gave a brilliant performance of Tuba Train accompanied equally brilliantly on piano by the composer Tony Matthews. The tuba quartet "T4" (including Sousaphones) gave a polished performance of a wide variety of material including another new piece specially written for this concert by Paul Sharman: called Tubalations which which Derick joined T4 as soloist. Stotfold SA Bandmaster John Street arranged March Medley, which provoked many memories for the listeners.
Prayer and thoughts were given by Commissioner Robert Street. The evening concluded with the euphoniums, tuba group and band playing Peter Graham's arrangement of How Great Thou Art. For the whole programme we were privileged to have in attendance the inspirational beneficiary Clarence Adoo. Derick led the evening with his own brand of wit and charm..
December 2009
Carols for Clarence
The annual carol service at The Salvation Army Newcastle City Temple Corps featured an interview with Clarence followed by a special collection for The Clarence Adoo Trust. This is the church which both Clarence and Denise attend. The pictures show Bandsman Tony Stubbs conducting the interview and Denise receiving a cheque on behalf of the trust from the corps' leader Major Antony Mugford.
September 2009
Runner Boosts Trust Funds
A 63 year old man from Blyth, Northumberland has helped to raise over £500 for The Clarence Adoo Trust by completing his 19th Great North Run. Stephen Tyley first met Clarence through his work about five years ago, and has always been impressed with Clarence's determination to lead an active life and to continue sharing his deep enthusiasm for music with others.
Stephen explained, 'Though never a great athlete, I have always enjoyed cycling, running, walking and fresh air activities generally. My three grown up children, while having their own interests including classical and folk music, are also keen athletes. Cristina, my youngest, has completed 6 Great North Runs and now comes in well ahead of me!' (Stephen's finishing time, on a gloriously sunny September day, was 2 hours, 28 minutes.)
'There is no reason,' he went on,' why the average person shouldn't commute by foot or bicycle well beyond middle age - a healthy lifestyle pays massive dividends as we get older, and working with Clarence has reinforced my view that we should never take good health and our 'able' bodies for granted.
'I have seen at first hand,' Stephen added, 'how structural adaptations within the home are essential to enable a man with Clarence's level of disability to maintain his independence and self respect. And since such adaptations and appliances are not mass-produced they can be horrendously expensive to service and replace.
Clarence and Stephen were both delighted with the generous response of friends and acquaintances in sponsoring this event, and would like to thank them all.
The picture shows Stephen with Clarence after the run.
August 2009
Boost for the Trust
Clarence has announced that he now has a new helper. Denise Murray has volunteered to help him as Events & Marketing Coordinator. Her job is to help raise the profile of The Clarence Adoo Trust in order to bring in much needed continuous funding.
Denise is heavily involved with The Salvation Army in Newcastle upon Tyne where she worships with her husband Iain, son Andrew and his wife Rebecca; as does Clarence. Her full time job is for The Government Office for the North East where she is a Director's PA and because of her background in conference and events management has also organised many visits, dinners, events and conferences for the Government Office. She is a skilled organiser and has a wealth of experience from organising a simple quiz night to organising a 2 day conference at The Baltic, Gateshead for over 200 high ranking government officials from 22 different countries.
She says "although I have known Clarence since prior to his accident and sit behind him in Church on a Sunday evening, I thought he was 'all sorted'. It wasn't until we were both at a retreat day in April 2009 that I had a very different conversation with him to normal and learnt that this was not the case; he was very much in need of help and funding. We both believe God answered prayer that day, as Clarence felt he didn't have time to attend the event but felt God was telling him to go and I asked God if this was the answer to my prayer when I had previously asked him to use me in whatever way he wanted and he answered yes and when I thought about it the clues were all there".
Clarence needs continuous funding to help meet his daily needs, but he also needs funds to be available when he needs to replace one off items. His internal lift (£5,000 replacement cost) and his vehicle (£40,000 replacement cost) have both seen better days. His hydro therapy is also restricted due to funding issues.
Can You Help? Denise says: "Please take a few moments to read the Can You Help? section and see if you can help in any way. It's not all about personal monetary giving, there are lots of ways you can become involved and help. Clarence could have become very bitter following his accident, but he believes God uses him much more now than he ever did before the accident. Clarence uses his time and talents to help others, I'm using my time and talents to help him, can you do the same?"
To contact Denise, see the information on the contacts page.
February 2009
Belated Happy New Year
Happy belated New Year? I'm not sure what happened to the previous year but here's another annual update letter in place of a Christmas card.
2007 finished with some interesting freelance music workshops in Manchester. My clients were a concoction of able-bodied and disabled teenagers, school pupils and music students from the Royal Northern College of Music. The day resulted in several creative pieces that included voice, percussion and electronically triggered midi instruments together with rap, beat box musicians alongside orchestral instruments. This ensemble was a huge challenge that led to a good fun, creative, educational steep learning curve day for us all.
This past year has not really led to great physical improvements externally although directing ensembles, brass bands and orchestras from my chair using my head has given me greater trunk movement. Internally I am aware of more sensations especially down my left side.The sessions in the hydro pool working with my physios, restricted to seven sessions a year (due to limited funding) has helped to keep my limbs supple.
Clarence at Sandringham
A summer highlight for me was visiting the summer course for the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain and having the opportunity to get involved with the talented young people there.
Another special treat came through a charity that I am connected with, and that was an invite to enjoy a week's respite in a property in her Majesty's grounds at Sandringham, Norfolk.
Visiting Porto, Portugal the other summer was a great experience performing on stage again at a music festival with the newly formed quartet www.headspaceensemble.co.uk of which I am a member.
I am always humbled to visit and take part in some of the fund raising events for the Clarence Adoo trust around the country.
God is still being good to me.
I am now the proud owner of a new metallic purple wheelchair that looks very slick. This is a result of the front right-hand wheel on my previous chair shearing off completely whilst crossing the road. (Who used my hacksaw last?)
During the year also, after two years of research I got an electronic bed that I can operate, manufactured in France which looks alas like a normal bed. I can raise my head and feet without calling for the carer at four o'clock in the morning to change the pressure and make me more comfortable.
My only concerns are now towards my 10 year old van and my through floor lift, I'm hoping that they will still be happy to drive me around the bend and up the wall for a little longer.
My regular work is still predominantly at the Sage Gateshead where I am involved with classical music projects. This has to be shuffled often with disability work and lectures at local universities and spinal hospitals and, of late, meetings with councils looking at disabled facilities for the Olympics.
I look forward to seeing some of you through the year if you're in the vicinity, or at a trust concert that my website shows that I am hoping to attend.
Love
Clarence