HOW SWEET THE SOUND! - A Musical Celebration in Uyo, Nigeria

Over 6,000 people gathered at the Akwa Ibom State Hall on the evening of Sunday 18th March 2007 to watch a concert performed by the musical forces of The Salvation Army, Akwa Ibom West Division. 3 Guest Choirs namely Qua Iboe Church House of Praise Choir - Etinan, The Sanctified Mt Zion Church Cathedral Choir - Uyo, and the St. Stephen's African Church Cathedral Choir - Uyo were featured in the Concert.
The 2-hour evening celebration opened with the congregation singing "How Great Thou Art" led by CSM Ekom Udoh and accompanied by the Band, the Swedish melody." Captain Udo Uwak, Divisional Commander for Akwa Ibom South West Division said the opening prayer. Following words of welcome from the Akwa Ibom West Divisional Music Director and chief organizer of the concert, Bandmaster Joseph Akpan, the Band played Trumpet Tune (Purcell, arr. Ray Steadman Allen) with trumpet soloist Macaulay Udo, and the March - The Triumphant Band ( H. Scotney), and Selection - Victory! Victory! (F.J. Dockerill). The next item - Crown Him With Many Crowns (George J. Elvey arr. Charles Skinner, Words by Matthew Bridges & Godfrey Thring) accompanied by the Band, featured about 700 singers - the Songsters and all 3 Guest Choirs conducted by S/L David Nathaniel, former Territorial Music Secretary. Following a Scripture reading of Psalm 150 by Captain Esther Uwak, Akwa Ibom South West Division's Director of Women's Ministries, the Songsters sang This is the day that the Lord hath made (music by Lilian Mullins, words by Fred Grant) and He Came to Give Us Life (music by John Larsson, words by John Gowans). Accompanied by the Band, Asuquo Archibong stirred the congregation with a cornet solo of the Spiritual - Michael, Row the Boat Ashore (James Anderson). The Band also played Charles Skinner's Hymn Tune Arrangement - Penlan, and Joseph Akpan's March - Utomobong, translated ''God's Service". The Young People's Singing Company's song, The Boundless Love of God (Joseph Akpan) was followed by a sparkling display to Ivor Bosanko's music - In the Strength of the Lord, from the senior Timbrels Group led by Helen Sunday. The next items featured the Qua Iboe Church House of Praise Choir and the Sanctified Mt Zion Church Cathedral Choir in the songs The Church's One Foundation and Lift Up Your Heads (Anon) respectively. Another sparkling display to Joy Webb's music - Made In the Likeness of God, came from the Junior Timbrels Group led by Nkpoikana Essang . The Cathedral Choir of the St. Stephen's African Church Cathedral sang the classical chorus, Worthy is the Lamb that was Slain (G.F. Handel). Next, the Songsters and the Singing Company, accompanied by the Band, came together to sing Dare to be a Daniel (music by William L. Rollins, words by Philip P. Bliss). As the Singing Company walked down the stage, all 3 guest Choirs came on stage to join the Songsters in Hail the King of Kings (Joseph Akpan). The Band received a standing ovation and prolonged applause as they played the final music for the night, the Selection - Melodies from Great Composers (Ray Steadman Allen). Major Smart Umoh, the host Divisional Commander gave the benediction. Hon.(Dr) Mabel Udongwo, the Deputy Majority Whip of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly; Dr. Christopher Enoch - Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Medical Association; Hon.Justice John U. Bassey, former High Court Judge in the State and Chairman of the Akwa Ibom/Cross River States Salvation Army Development Council; Engr. Etop Okoko, Exxon Mobil; Hon. Victor Udofia, former Chairman of Essien Udim Local Government Area; and Mr. Usoro, Head of Estates - Akwa Ibom Property and Investments Company, were among the audience. According to one of the attendees, Mrs Etang Ibiok, Home League Scretary of Itiam Corps, '' I lack words to describe the concert... If it could be this sweet here below, then I wonder how great it would be when we all get to heaven.''
The Concert was preceeded by an exciting 4-day music camp for all songsters, bands and timbrels in the Division. 530 students participated. Praise God for His gift of music !