ISB120 the Story: A Behind-the-scenes Photographic Reflection on This Once-in-a-lifetime Event, with Added Personal Accounts from Participants and Audience Alike - Hardcover

A lot of people can recall where they were and what they were doing when asked about momentous events of the past. The spectacular ISB celebrations of 2011 will now be classed in that category. Who will ever forget the wonderful celebrations, the renewed and new friendships, the tremendous challenges of the music and certainly, for this writer, the privilege to be part of a very special one-off event? The joy and excitement of seeing eight staff bands individually and collectively working for the one aim was proof that our ministry in banding is in good hands. It is therefore an honour to review this new publication, as I am sure this book will be a bestseller for those who were present, or indeed wanted to be but couldn't. This is a wonderful picture book which catches all the events for the weekend. The content is very well balanced, showing more of a pictorial aspect with around 30 pages of text. The book opens with encouraging and reflective words from General Linda Bond. Staff Bandmaster Stephen Cobb has written an insightful introduction and one can feel from his comments a true sense of the impact of this weekend, not just at that moment in time, but for the future. There are some words of testimony in the writing of some of the reviews from former ISB bandsmen, UK Territorial Leaders and some comments from an overseas guest. It is also good to read an article from the perspective of an audience member. The presentation and clarity of the graphics are excellent and are placed in a way that is easy to navigate. As the book progresses, you start to see the individual staff bands in full flow with some reflective comments from selected band members to accompany the wonderful pictures. All the events are captured during the weekend and by the time you get to the end of the book, your heart will have been lifted and you will be reminded of all your own personal emotions that you encountered during this celebration. --Ian Dickie, SA Bandsman, December 2012

This book takes a 'behind the scenes' look at that mission-led occasion in June 2011 when all 8 Salvation Army staff bands of the world joined together to celebrate the 120th anniversary of The International Staff Band. The book reflects how the whole of the Salvation Army world became engaged and energised into creating a sense of community, goodwill and optimism by this ground-breaking event. With a foreword by General Linda Bond, and an introduction by Staff Bandmaster Dr Stephen Cobb, as well as a multitude of photographs to remind you of the unique occasion, the 256 page book contains input from a broad variety of people who witnessed the event. As well as contributions from a chosen member of each staff band, it includes relevant insight from Commissioner Betty Matear (UK with Republic of Ireland Territorial leadership), Dr Ron Holz (overseas guest), Andrew Woodhouse (former International Staff Bandsman), Dudley Bright (composer), Sue Blyth (music leader at Westminster Central Hall), Philip Biggs (Cadogan Hall and Royal Albert Hall audience member), Major Paul Johnson (a view from The Mall) and Glen Little (a Salvationist and Scots Guardsman, on duty in the Buckingham Palace forecourt).