Music for the streets
Since William Booth preached as an Evangelist, music was part of such occasions. It soon became clear that no hymns would find favour in the streets and alleys of East London. William Booth and his colleagues deliberately wanted a style of music that was not similar to church music, but that would appeal to people on the streets.
A Song about the "Christian Mission" from the Songbook "Revival Music"
Already at the time of the "Christian Mission" The Salvations Army composed its own songs or lyrics. Music increasingly proved to be the ideal instrument of spreading the gospel. There were already song books such as the "Christian Mission Hymn Book" or the song book "Revival Music" (A Complete Compendium of Revival Music).
When The Salvation Army adopted its new name, this was not to change, it was to be reinforced. Since the Salvationists went to the people, they often used portable musical instruments.
It was a fact that, in the beginning, the quality of the music was not always particularly good. This was, of course, due to the fact that many musicians had to learn to play their instruments first. And whoever was bothered by brass music as church music, basically perceived this music as "noise". Over time, however, people got used to the fact that The Salvation Army used brass, kettledrums and tambourines, and the brass bands continuously improved. Today the excellent brass bands of The Salvation Army have a very good reputation, worldwide.
Over time it became clear that it was important for The Salvation Army to set up your own music department. In 1883 Richard Slater, a musician who had given his life to God and had become a Salvationist, was appointed head of the new department called the Music Editorial Department.
In 1884 a "Band Journal" was published for the first time on a regular basis. This became the "Musical Salvationist", which appeared for the first time in July 1886. It published monthly songs with text and notes. Many of the pieces were composed either by Staff Captain Slater himself or by other Salvationists.
The Musical Salvationist, 1893 - 1894 (Vol. VIII)