General Series Brass Band Journal, Numbers 2269 - 2272, August 2026

2269: Intrada - Christians Awake (Stephen Gibson)This intrada heralds the happy morning when Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus. Fanfares surround the traditional Christmas Day hymn, Christians Awake (C.C. 20), where we are encouraged to 'awake, salute the happy morn'. Written in a processional style, this music was composed as a concert opener to be performed in a large church setting.2270: Jesus loves me (Stanley Kelley)Jesus loves me! (S.A.S.B. 807) is a song many church-goers learn as children. While written for children, its message is for everyone. John 15:9 says, 'As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you.'2271: Prelude on 'Deep Harmony' (Geoffrey Nobes)This piece was written for the Blendworth Band of Hampshire. The hymn tune, by Handel Parker, is one of the most beautiful and iconic melodies ever written, with lovely harmony supporting the rise and fall of a simple but perfect melodic line.2272: To the hills (Paul Sharman)The inspiration for this arrangement came during a walking holiday in the Lake District. Looking towards the hills brought to mind the words of Psalm 121 and Ernest Rance's setting of that passage, I Lift Up My Eyes (S.A.S.B. 208), with its lovely tune Ochills. This arrangement was written shortly after the composer's return home.