PROGRAM NOTE
This march features the chorus of the well-known song The Maple Leaf Forever as the basis for its theme. Many Salvation Army bands participate in civic events such as Canada Day celebrations and Remembrance Day ceremonies, and this would be a fitting piece for these occasions. There is a Salvation Army connection to the tune in that the following words (S.A.S.B. 941) can be sung to the melody:
We’re marching on, we’re marching on,
We’re marching on together;
God bless our Army round the world,
And keep us true forever.
ABOUT THE COMPOSER
David Rowsell, B.Mus., M.Mus.Ed., is a third-generation Salvationist. A retired music teacher with 26 years of experience as a Band Director for Elementary and Middle School bands, he served as bandmaster at St. John’s Temple for 28 years, retiring from that position in May 2011. In retirement, he lives in London, Ontario with his wife, Joan. They both attend London Citadel and David serves as the youth band leader. He is also the bandmaster of Jubilee Brass Fellowship Band.
David contributes regularly to Salvation Army band journals with pieces published in the Triumph and Unity series, as well as the American Band Journal. This is his sixth contribution to the Maple Leaf Brass journal. Previous contributions include A Latin Christmas, Siempre Allegre, Day of Rejoicing, Psalm 46, and Abundant Grace.