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Highly creative music leader suddenly promoted to Glory
 Bandmaster Chris Mallett |
Southern California Divisional Bandmaster Chris Mallett was suddenly promoted to Glory on June 18, 2000. He leaves behind a legacy of faith in Christ, an immeasurable influence on the world of Salvation Army music, and innumerable young people with commitment to God and the full development of their musical talent.
“His faith in Christ was always so willingly shared with all with whom he had contact,” said Divisional Commander Lt. Col. Alfred Van Cleef. “His actions validated his relationship with Christ.”
Chris was born in Newport, South Wales on April 26, 1947. A fourth generation Salvationist, he commenced his musical career at an early age at the Abersychan Corps where both his parents were music leaders.
Moving to Cardiff to study music, he became a member of the Cardiff Canton Band and later its deputy bandmaster. Relocating to Bristol in 1972, he held music leaders positions in both the Bristol Staple Hill and Bristol Easton Corps.
In 1986 Chris was appointed Divisional Music Director for the Southern California Division. He has been featured throughout the world as a euphonium soloist and has had a number of band and vocal compositions published by The Salvation Army. He led The Salvation Army Tournament of Roses band for the past 14 years.
In 1992, his wife, Fay, was appointed to the music department, where together they shared responsibilities for the music within the division. They have frequently been guest instructors at music camps.
Army musicians mourn his loss. “I am devastated by the news,” said Bandmaster Ivor Bosanko, Western Territory music secretary. “The West has lost a ‘one of a kind’ musician and leader. His influence on the young musicians of this territory has been immeasurable.”
Bill Gordon, Western territorial musician and former Pasadena Tabernacle bandmaster stated: “The Salvation Army world has lost one of its top euphonium players and well-known musicians. More than that, we will miss a great encourager and shaper of lives. I will miss a true friend.”
A memorial service was held at the Los Angeles Congress Hall.
A Chris Mallett School of Music Memorial Fund has been set up through the So. Calif. Divisions. Contributions may be sent to: The Salvation Army, So. Calif. DHQ, P.O. Box 15899 – Del Valle Station, CA 90015-0899 (earmarked “Chris Mallett Memorial Fund”).
He leaves behind his wife, Fay;daughter and son-in-law Debbie and David Shambrook, grandchildren Benjamin, Jamie, and Joshua; brother David, sister Mary, and their families.
Messages of symphony may be sent to: Mrs. Fay Mallett, 1845 Anaheim 18-D, Costa Mesa, CA 92627.
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