Going to the Army - Episode 37 (October 2020)

"Going to the Army!" is a podcast series featuring Salvation Army music. This 37th Episode is for October 2020 and continues the "Going to the Army!" ministry, which is now in its 7th year of broadcasting.


My sincere apologies to any listeners who may think the GttA podcast has taken a bit of a 'back seat' this year as I have found and been developing a new ministry through the Salvation Meetings produced in partnership with Fortress Radio. Hopefully, as time goes by, we can continue to produce both.


This episode (bringing the total number of podcasts produced to over 60 in total, including the Salvation Meetings and seasonal specials) features bands, songsters, Youth Choruses, a massed item from the Royal Albert Hall, and soloists including Susan Turner and Al Avery - all sharing with us music from the vast Salvation Army repertoire.


There is no overall theme for this episode but a reminder of how, why and when "Going to the Army!" first began back in 2013.


Composers featured include Arthur Gullidge, Joy Webb, Eric Ball, Paul Lovatt-Cooper, Howard Davies, Bramwell Coles and William Himes.


A feature that continues with this episode is the inclusion of a special segment to highlight famous SA soloists , both vocal and instrumental. Featured soloists this time include the great euphonium player Derick Kane and Katie Harding (former International Staff Songster). If you have a favourite soloist you would like to hear please send me an email to [email protected] and I will try to source a recording, if one exists.


Originally begun for just a few friends and family members GttA has become SO MUCH MORE than that. The Episodes and 'specials' have been listened to or downloaded HUNDREDS of THOUSANDS of times in all continents and more than 50 countries throughout the world - and has been played to even more by listeners who share them with family, church shut-ins and other friends who do not have access to the internet.


This new podcast continues the ever-growing ministry of GttA around the world and features both new songs and pieces and others that have been well-loved and very well-blessed for many years throughout the Salvation Army World. I am particularly grateful to people who send me requests for items they would like featured on GttA.


"Going to the Army!" has also grown far more than I ever envisaged or even hoped! As a result we have needed to upgrade the hosting service on Podomatic many times and the renewal costs are now quite substantial - however donations to theis ministry have been generously made and continue - particularly as a result of a recent JustGiving appeal. I am hoping to complete work on a new, purpose-built stuidion to continue and expand my ministry further in the coming days.



Any further donations to this ministry are gratefully received and my be sent via PayPal through the link on the right hand side of the podcast's main page at: www.goingtothearmy.podomatic.com The "Going to the Army" Facebook group recently passed 4,100 members from all around the world. "They shall come from the East, They shall come from the West and sit down in the Kingdom of God". Hallelujah!




Much of the featured music is from my own transfers of old SA LPs, 78s and cassettes but some CD and original recordings are also included. Presented by lifelong Salvationist musician and actor Marc Harry this podcast features music by bands, songsters, singing companies and soloists. In addition, background information about the music, the Salvation Army and the presenter's own experiences are included.




Feedback is welcomed - as are requests for songs/pieces that can be considered for future podcasts. - either here, on this page or to [email protected]