I don’t know about you – but I love listening and playing music. Music has always been a big part of my life any I’m fortunate enough to have been able to play with brass bands here in the Forest of Dean.

I learnt to play in the Salvation Army as a teenager – and am still a bandsman in our own brass ensemble based here in the Forest. I was always taught to ‘play the words’ and to really think about how the music works to bring the message of the song alive.

Last week I was able to share with friends at the National Brass Band Summer School and play a wide repertoire of music. However, the highlight for me was a version of ‘I believe’ (made popular by Andrea Bocelli and Katherine Jenkins) which was arranged for brass band. As we shared the words with the audience at the beginning of the piece you could sense the significance of the words and message being absorbed.

They are relevant for us nationally and globally, but I hope personally you can relate to them too:

One day I'll hear the laugh of children

In a world where war has been banned.

One day I'll see men of all colours

Sharing words of love and devotion.

Stand up and feel the Holy Spirit

Find the power of your faith.

Open your heart to those who need you

In the name of love and devotion.

Yes, I believe.

I believe in the people of all nations

To join and to care for love.

I believe in a world where light will guide us

And giving our love

We'll make heaven on earth.

Yes, I believe.

(Written by Eric J. Levisalles and Yvan Eric Cassar)

Next time you’re listening to music, perhaps pause and listen hard to the words….it’ll do you good