The Music Department
Eventually, music became so hugely important to The Salvation Army that it became necessary to have a department to provide music and the guidance essential to its employment to the best advantage. This was established on October 22nd, 1883, under the personal supervision of Herbert Booth. The three members of the staff were Fred Fry, Henry Hill and Richard Slater. With Slater in charge, these were the men who laid the foundation of the Army’s music.
The Early Publications
In December 1883, two months after the department’s formation, they published Salvation Music, Volume 2. Most of the verses were to popular secular melodies but this was the first collection to be issued of original Army songs with music.
In August 1884, the first issue of The Salvation Army Brass Band Journal was published. This became so popular that no time was lost in preparing a band tune book, containing 88 tunes. This was published in November 1884 and was the most important musical work to be published up to that time. The early numbers of the Band Journal were simple arrangements and for the most part were faithful transcriptions of already popular vocal music, for at that time the sole function of the band was to assist the singing both on the march and in the meetings. The composers, performers and listeners were not happy with this for long and step-by-step music expanded. In September 1901, recommendations were made to the General and as a result he decided to permit the use of band music for which no words had been composed or intended. He also agreed that, subject to conditions, the Music Board could give further latitude to instrumentation and arrangement, the piece not necessarily being confined to the melody.
In July 1886 came the introduction of The Musical Salvationist. This publication has appeared several times each year right up until 1994, when its format was changed and was renamed Sing to the Lord. The earliest issues contained Army pieces arranged for various instruments such as the piano, violin, and string bands as well as concerted items for brass instruments. In addition its pages included educational articles.
The Early Publications
In December 1883, two months after the department’s formation, they published Salvation Music, Volume 2. Most of the verses were to popular secular melodies but this was the first collection to be issued of original Army songs with music.
In August 1884, the first issue of The Salvation Army Brass Band Journal was published. This became so popular that no time was lost in preparing a band tune book, containing 88 tunes. This was published in November 1884 and was the most important musical work to be published up to that time. The early numbers of the Band Journal were simple arrangements and for the most part were faithful transcriptions of already popular vocal music, for at that time the sole function of the band was to assist the singing both on the march and in the meetings. The composers, performers and listeners were not happy with this for long and step-by-step music expanded. In September 1901, recommendations were made to the General and as a result he decided to permit the use of band music for which no words had been composed or intended. He also agreed that, subject to conditions, the Music Board could give further latitude to instrumentation and arrangement, the piece not necessarily being confined to the melody.
In July 1886 came the introduction of The Musical Salvationist. This publication has appeared several times each year right up until 1994, when its format was changed and was renamed Sing to the Lord. The earliest issues contained Army pieces arranged for various instruments such as the piano, violin, and string bands as well as concerted items for brass instruments. In addition its pages included educational articles.
