In June 2011, BBJ members were invited to watch as this orchestra rehearsed in Medan. Dedi Augusta, one of our percussionists, also took part.

18-year-old Juventius describes his experiences in the Brass Band Jenderal (BBJ) and life in the Salvation Army\\'s Medan Boys Home. Questioned by Bruce Gale and Tuba player Lasnointer Marbun, he also talks about the impact of the 2004 tsunami and the 2005 earthquake on his village in Nias.

Putting young and experienced players on stage during a major concert is always a risk. But by giving them a chance to shine on a simple piece that is well within their ability, you can also build their confidence.

This was just an ordinary rehearsal of the Veteran\'s Band in Melbourne, recorded with a cheap digital camera. But even here you can catch a glimpse of the mature cornet sound that has given Mr. Withers such a fine reputation.

This little-known Christmas carol was recorded at BBJ\'s concert in Medan, Indonesia, in November 2008. The microphones don\'t pick up the richness and real power of the lower brasses very well. But the recording does give some idea of the tonal and dynamic contrasts that are such a feature of the piece. A band favourite.

This Methodist choir, one of the best in Medan, performed at BBJ\'s concert in November, 2008. They also kindly gave a donation to help cover the cost of the concert.

This was essentially a sight-reading exercise for the Veterans’ Band, although it is likely that several band members had heard the piece before. It is certainly a popular work in the Salvation Army band repertoire. I recorded part of the session because BBJ has also played the piece, and I wanted the Indonesians to hear how a more experienced band would handle it.

This little-known Christmas carol was recorded at BBJ\'s concert in Medan, Indonesia, in November 2008. The microphones don\'t pick up the richness and real power of the lower brasses very well. But the recording does give some idea of the tonal and dynamic contrasts that are such a feature of the piece. A band favourite.

Putting young and experienced players on stage during a major concert is always a risk. But by giving them a chance to shine on a simple piece that is well within their ability, you can also build their confidence.

This was just an ordinary rehearsal of the Veteran\'s Band in Melbourne, recorded with a cheap digital camera. But even here you can catch a glimpse of the mature cornet sound that has given Mr. Withers such a fine reputation.

This Methodist choir, one of the best in Medan, performed at BBJ\'s concert in November, 2008. They also kindly gave a donation to help cover the cost of the concert.

18-year-old Juventius describes his experiences in the Brass Band Jenderal (BBJ) and life in the Salvation Army\\'s Medan Boys Home. Questioned by Bruce Gale and Tuba player Lasnointer Marbun, he also talks about the impact of the 2004 tsunami and the 2005 earthquake on his village in Nias.

Mr Alby stewart plays tuba in the Melbourne Veterans\' band. This video is included here in recognition of his support for the Brass Band Jenderal (BBJ). Struggling agains the indifference of many, Mr Stewart raised money for the purchase of instruments for BBJ at a time when the band really needed them.

I included this clip to show how BBJ works with other Salvation Army corps (churches) in North Sumatra. Rehearsals were a problem, though. Some band members spent more time looking at the girls than at the conductor. The performance went fairly well. Except for the last note, of course, when BBJ proved once again that it still has a lot of work to do when it comes to intonation. Maybe we can blame the girls for distracting them!

This was essentially a sight-reading exercise for the Veterans’ Band, although it is likely that several band members had heard the piece before. It is certainly a popular work in the Salvation Army band repertoire. I recorded part of the session because BBJ has also played the piece, and I wanted the Indonesians to hear how a more experienced band would handle it.

This was just an ordinary rehearsal of the Veteran\'s Band in Melbourne, recorded with a cheap digital camera. But even here you can catch a glimpse of the mature cornet sound that has given Mr. Withers such a fine reputation.

This Methodist choir, one of the best in Medan, performed at BBJ\'s concert in November, 2008. They also kindly gave a donation to help cover the cost of the concert.

This little-known Christmas carol was recorded at BBJ\'s concert in Medan, Indonesia, in November 2008. The microphones don\'t pick up the richness and real power of the lower brasses very well. But the recording does give some idea of the tonal and dynamic contrasts that are such a feature of the piece. A band favourite.