Tour of Holland 1947 - Part 4

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At night the concert hall 'De Harmonic' was filled to capacity. Hundreds of non-Salvationist bandsmen had come to listen to the band, and were not disappointed. Surely the band was at its best that night. The first movement of the Unfinished Symphony, Moments with Tchaikovsky, the cornet solo Tucker, by Deputy Bandmaster H. Walker, and the trombone solo The Priceless Gift, by Bandsman C. Hayes, were applauded with great enthusiasm.

This band played as a brass band should play, and in a way which made it seem that no technical difficulties exist for these musicians. Nieuwsbiad van het Noorden

Major Van Dalen writing in The Musician, 1947

A high spot of the campaign was the visit to the prison at Leeuwarden. Between seven and eight hundred prisoners, forty of whom are undergoing life imprisonment, were seated on the square in the centre of the prison, and the band marched in to the vociferous applause of the men. The festival, which lasted an hour and a half, was of the highest order. After the short message of Major Baker, which went right to the hearts of the men, the governor thanked the visitors for the blessing and cheer brought to the prisoners. He assured the bandsmen that their playing, as well as their spirit, had amazed him, and that they had never had such a wonderful morning.

A prisoner then came forward and in excellent English assured the Bandmaster and his men of the prisoners' gratitude.

When you will have left this place we shall talk together about your splendid music and all we have heard today. Personally, I must say that the message which has come to us has never before been understood by me so clearly. I thank you and shall think it over. May God bless you

Major Van Dalen writing in The Musician, 1947