PROGRAM NOTE
The worship song Friend of God is given a lively treatment in this arrangement. Written for the massed bands at the 2020 Ontario Central East Division’s Micro Music Camp, this piece is a group proclamation of the assurance that God is mindful of us, hears us, thinks of us, and loves us. The piece begins and ends with statements of the well-known song What a Friend We Have in Jesus (S.A.S.B. 795).
ABOUT THE COMPOSER
Marcus Venables is principal cornet of the Canadian Staff Band and soldiers at North York Temple where he serves as Band Sergeant, Deputy Songster Leader and YP Bandmaster. He graduated in 2017 from the University of Toronto with a degree in trumpet performance. As well as working with several local Toronto groups as a performer and soloist, Marcus has traveled to the United States, England and Europe as both a soloist and conductor.
In addition to playing, composition is a main focus for Marcus. He has received various awards, publications and commissions for his compositions for band, wind band, choral groups and strings. His music has been recorded by numerous groups and has received premieres around the world. His true passion, however, is serving the Lord in whatever way possible. Marcus considers himself beyond blessed to be able to use music ministry as a way of worshipping, serving and growing the kingdom.