Read Territorial Camp Report - Part I

Another Tuesday highlight was piano soloist Shane O’Regan from Halifax Fairview Citadel. His performance of “Motto Perpetua” was repeated at the final program, an incredibly lightning-paced piece whose pace is relentless for the duration of its entire six minute performance. Both nights Shane received a well-deserved standing ovation. Being a pianist myself, I fully appreciated Shane’s flawless “dead weight” technique of playing the keys, an important learned method of playing fast passages that doesn’t expend any muscle energy, thus avoiding muscle fatigue.
Ryan Donais obliged me by repeating his stellar solo snare drum performance from last year, with a few variations. I always regretted not having his solo properly videotaped, and this year the situation has been rectified. Ryan is a Drum Corps Major who is riveting to watch as he juggles his drum sticks, playing rolls while balancing a stick in his mouth or on his arm or behind his back, and never missing a beat. This truly has to be seen to be believed.
Interspersed with the talent were the obligatory funny numbers, though this year they seemed more in good taste and actually genuinely comical. Len Marshall arranged for a few unsuspecting campers to demonstrate some impromptu talents that included soccer tricks while blindfolded, origami using giant cardboard, and gargling “Happy Birthday”. Staff Timbrel leader Donna Harris obligingly reprised her most requested vocal number, a wedding song she wrote for her sister a number of years ago, encouraging her and her new hubby to “Say it with music” when they feel a fight coming on. Very creative lyrics from one of SA’s most talented up-and-coming composers.
 

Throughout the week Curtis Cartmell and Rachele Lamont walked the camp through some of the minor prophets, including Haggai, Jonah, Amos and Malachi. Following the group Bible lessons the camp was divided into small groups that worked through questions to aid in applying the scripture to current situations. Themes dealt with included self-indulgence, defilement, “going-through-the-motions” of worship, hypocrisy, and recognizing our sphere-of-influence in the communities in which we live our daily lives.
On Wednesday night the bands and choirs had a chance to show their stuff to an overflow crowd at the Divisional Auditorium. Even a sudden rainstorm just prior to the program couldn’t dampen anyone spirits. Because of a new covered pavilion built next to the auditorium this summer, a live feed was able to be wired so that the overflow audience could still watch the program via a large screen.
Brian Burditt’s band opened the program with “Lift Jesus High” (Kenneth Smith), a new brass arrangement based on the popular contemporary chorus “We Want to See Jesus Lifted High”. Our new Territorial Leaders, Commissioners William and Marilyn Francis, were then introduced to lead us in an opening prayer. This was their second visit to the camp, as they had already been guest soloists and speakers for the Sunday morning holiness meeting.
After a rousing congregational sing of “Blessed Be the Name of the Lord”, Jane Lam led the Women’s Chorus in Joy Webb’s “Shepherd Song” and Len Ballantine’s “Fix Your Eyes on Jesus”. While bands were changing places, the media stream provided an overview video of the first few days of camp, following which the drama stream performed a memorable sketch entitled “Mechanical Worship”. Cathie Koehnen then led the Women’s Chorus in a new arrangement of the hymn “Rock of Ages”, followed by Kirk Franklin’s lively “Hosanna”. (Cathie Koehnen and Jane Lam shared leadership of the Women’s Chorus all week).

 

John Lam’s band was up next with William Himes’ “The Blessing”, a fanfare composition written in honour of his son’s wedding, spotlighting the hymn tune “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing”.
Then the Drama Stream was on again with “Living Hallelujah”, a variety of testimonies interspersed by verses of a Sarah Kelly song of the same name. This was followed by corporate worship, headed by the worship stream who led the congregation in the popular songs “How Great is Our God” (Tomlin) and “Give Us Clean Hands” (Hall). Our Chief Secretary, Glen Shepherd, then delivered a short devotional before the ‘A’ Band and ‘A’ Chorus were called to round out the night.
‘A’ Band kept it celebratory with William Himes’ “Cause for Celebration” and Kenneth Downie’s exuberant “Exultate”. The ‘A’ Chorus chose more devotional pieces with Len Ballantine’s “And You Will Be My Witnesses” followed by Geron Davis’ lovely “Closer Still”.

****photos connected to this article were taken by the following media students and staff: Matthew Kerr, David Purdy, Colin Smith, Len Marshall, Kim Garreffa

Next Week - Part III
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