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SUMMER 2018
From the Bandmaster
We All Have a Place One of my favorite things to do is to play golf and one of the many reasons I love playing golf is that I can spend the time being alone with my thoughts. On the flipside, golf can allow me to spend the hours playing and conversing with close friends … or complete strangers. I recently spent an afternoon at my local town golf course where I ended up being randomly paired with two older gentlemen. They were about 30 years older than me and from very different walks of life. One served in the military when he was young and told stories about being laid off job after job as he grew older. The other was highly successful, clearly wealthy and had travelled the world over. These two men had completely different backgrounds, work experience, family life—they could not have been more different—but for four hours on that day, they were doing the same thing in the same place at relatively the same level. We spent some great hours learning about each other, our differences and our similarities while playing a game we all loved. A marvelous thing about music, and specifically music within The Salvation Army, is that regardless of background or experience or income level or ethnicity, you can have a place, you can belong. In a band or vocal group, you can sit next to someone who is fifty years older than you or twenty years younger; you can sit next to someone you’ve known all your life or someone born in a country half way around the world. You can end up next to someone that you never would have met without being in that particular place, at that particular time, playing or singing the music that you both love. Every season, the New York Staff Band has the opportunity to form amazing connections with other musicians who appreciate the medium of ministry presented by the band. It is a much-loved feature of membership in this group. This season we had the privilege of playing alongside musicians from Canada, Japan, the Netherlands, and from all across our own Eastern Territory. The experiences we have as Salvation Army musicians are beautiful and unique, erasing barriers and reminding us that we all have a place … that we belong together.
Commissioners William A. & G. Lorraine Bamford Territorial Leaders USA, East Lt. Colonel James LaBossiere Executive Officer New York Staff Band
Derek W. Lance Bandmaster, NYSB
ON THE COVER: New York Staff Bandsman, Harrison Lubin, gathers with the Saitama Premier Band.
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NYSB Visits Canada Craig Lewis, Territorial Secretary for Music & Gospel Arts, Canada & Bermuda
There was much anticipation in Salvation Army circles for the weekend events on November 17–19, surrounding the 113th annual Toronto Santa Claus parade. This was due in large part to the participation of the New York Staff Band (NYSB), under the leadership of Bandmaster Derek Lance. The weekend, a joint partnership between the Public Relations department of the Ontario Central East Division and the Canadian Staff Band (CSB), is the kick-off to the many Christmas events that will be happening in and around the greater Toronto area. The NYSB arrived on Friday and immediately headed down highway 401 to London Citadel, where they would begin their weekend. The band entered for the evening concert to a full house that was keen to hear the band. In the long and prestigious history of the NYSB and its many trips to Canada, this was the first time that the NYSB had visited London Citadel, a corps with its own long history of banding excellence. The crowd was treated to many new works and enjoyed the solos of two of the band’s principal players, who also happen to be Canadian. Brindley Venables presented the cornet solo Flashback, while Ryan McCrudden played ‘Neath the Dublin Skies. In addition to playing The Canadian, which resulted in the audience standing twice for the national
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anthem during the performance, the NYSB also played music from the pen of Canadian composers, Jonathan Rowsell and Marcus Venables. Both were present at the concert and it was, in fact, the first time for Marcus to hear his new major work, Endless Power, in person. On Saturday morning at the Toronto Korean Corps, the NYSB met for marching rehearsal with their counterparts in the CSB, along with members of the Ontario Central East Divisional Youth Band and representatives from various local corps bands. It is always good to see how quickly friendships are renewed, especially over the abundance of Tim Hortons coffee that was on hand. There is a camaraderie among Salvationist bandspersons that isn’t found in many areas of life. While there were serious moments of instruction from the Drum Major of the 48th Highlanders Regiment, the atmosphere was light and many laughs were enjoyed. After the traditional pizza lunch, it was time for the two staff bands to head east to Oshawa Temple to set up and prepare for the annual Fall Festival. (See concert report from Stan Ewing). After the concert, while most people went home for a well-deserved rest, seven younger members of the NYSB joined some of the CSB for a late night game of floor hockey at North York Temple. While
the final outcome is in dispute, it has been confirmed that the NYSB contingent was in real danger until their imported Canadian reinforcements arrived. It is really the Toronto Santa Claus Parade that is the main impetus for this weekend. With the streets of Toronto packed with 750,000 people, and the largest television audience for any Santa Claus parade in the world, it is an incredible witnessing opportunity for The Salvation Army. Following a combined worship and lunch with the parade participants and the congregation of the Bloor Central Corps, everyone made the short walk to the parade muster point. While the sun was shining brightly it was the wind chill of zero degrees Celsius which caught most of the visitors by surprise; but that is winter in Canada! With two staff bands in the midst of the throng of Salvationist musicians and timbrelists, there was a quality of sound that didn’t waver or fade during the entire 5.6 km parade route. There was indeed strength in numbers! After the short bus ride back to Territorial Headquarters, it was time for all to say their goodbyes. It was really a privilege for Toronto to host the first international engagement of the NYSB under BM Derek Lance. We hope that it will not be too long before they come back and visit us again.
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NYSB Recording Weekend Report Nathan Power, NYSB Second Trombone
The latest addition to the staff band’s armory is a purpose built recording studio and practice space right in place of the existing bandroom. This has meant the band has rehearsed in a few other places over the last year or so, but the time out has been worth it. This new resource will set the band up for further success for many, many years. Having barely christened the wooden floor with our spit, we met on Friday afternoon, Jan 19th, to record the band’s latest CD. This will be our flagstaff recording for the Japanese Tour, but also a nod to all the composers and new compositions the band has been playing under Bandmaster Derek Lance. The disc’s aim is to get these new compositions out into the public. The concept of the album will be novel, with no traditional marches or hymn settings, but all brand new compositions. I often wonder how new music will be received, but if our recent concerts are anything to go by, some of the newer pieces were awarded with standing ovations! The recording schedule was grueling to say the least. The Bandroom mics were very close to the individual players, meaning every last gasp of air and mute drop was more than audible. Having recorded in a variety of different settings this was new to me and many members of the band. However, it really
gave our engineer and producer a fantastic amount of control. The results, I’m sure, will be a true representation of the band’s sound and technical proficiency. I won’t spoil all the surprises, but the highlights for me were the larger works, in which there are three of: Martin Cordner’s Wake up the Saint, Marcus Venable’s Endless Power, and Andrew Wainwrights’ Fearless. Fearless was the winner of the NYSB’s recent composer competition, so it really felt like the ink was still drying on that one. All three of these pieces are an incredible indicator of the standard of music being produced for God’s glory. The thing that really struck me was the level of concentration which was required from each individual to ensure this was going to be a success. Mentally it was extremely draining, never mind how the bands lips were feeling. We played from 4pm to 10pm on Friday and were back at it at 9am Saturday morning, right through to 4pm. To match up with those weightier works we recorded one solo (Pie Jesu Faure, Arr Dorothy Gates, soprano soloist Chris Ward) and a cornet duet (Streamlined, Marcus Venables, soloists Brindley Venables and Stuart Dalrymple). The former piece was written in memory of Simon Birkett, who was a true friend of the NYSB and is a real loss to the SA brass banding family. Chris as always
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played beautifully and our prayers continue to be raised to Simon’s family back in the UK. In between these moments when the spotlight was on soloists, the band was put through their paces in a few opener style pieces, Living Power by Tom Davoren and Martin’s second contribution Semper Fidelis. After a few crashes, bangs, and wallops, the quieter reflective pieces were the real test of the band’s stamina. Turn your eyes upon Jesus by Jonathan Rowsell is a particularly pretty treatment of this well-known prayer chorus. Although it blooms to a gorgeous full sound, it finishes in the same dainty quintet as it starts. As I’m sure you all know, these quieter pieces are always the hardest to get in the can, as many great players have suffered from an attack of “the wobbles” trying to achieve the perfect pianissimo entry. Fortunately, the tuning note was the only place we heard any jitters (from myself I must add), and these soft passages were negotiated with relative ease once we had a few passes. While on that vein, the other thing that was a pleasant surprise was the lack of engineer’s tricks. There were no short cuts taken and all the passes at the music were healthy minutes instead of seconds, meaning that the integrity of the recording will be beyond doubt. Some of the final sections really felt like concert quality in terms of adrenaline and emotion so I know this excitement and rush of praise will come through in the final CD. Thanks must go to all involved at THQ who have seen this refurbishment project through to its completion, it really is a beautiful space to rehearse and record in. We were also indebted to NYSB alumni and fellow trombonists— The Phils! Phil Rayment travelled from Canada to be “the ears” in the box (Producer) alongside Phil Bulla who ensured that all the takes were put in the right places (Engineer). With the two Phils we really had a dream team in the recording booth so a huge thanks to them. Of course it goes without saying a big thanks to the music dept. at THQ who all put in extra hours to make this project a reality and in particular BM Derek Lance who continues to push the band to their limits.
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“Endless Power” CD Review Craig Lewis, Territorial Secretary for Music & Gospel Arts, Canada & Bermuda
Endless Power—this is an apt name for the latest recording by the New York Staff Band. Not only is this theme well represented in much of the repertoire, but it equally applies to the impressive sound and technique of the band. We have long come to expect the NYSB to be at the forefront of innovative programming and repertoire selection, so I was keen to receive this recording; the first under the baton of Bandmaster Derek Lance. I can say without hesitation that this is one of the finest Salvation Army band recordings to be produced in recent memory. Let me explain why I make this bold pronouncement. Presentation and Sound The very first thing you notice about this recording is the striking artwork. The dichromatic use of red and black throughout the entire booklet is very powerful and underscores the strong Christian message contained within the music. This is also the first recording from the NYSB’s new state of the art bandroom studio, and the clarity and transparency in the sound is second to none. Recording Engineer Phil Bulla has done an excellent job of ensuring that every voicing is heard in balance, including some of the subterranean notes from the BBb Bass. Repertoire This recording is comprised of all new music, including the winner of the NYSB’s Composition Contest, so on the first listen through there are no pre-conceived notions on how pieces should sound. Without your ears being constrained by previous interpretations, you are able to sit with an open mind and assess each piece on its own merit. Fortunately on this recording, there are no pieces that are riding on the coattails of the others. Every piece rightfully deserves to be here. I suspect that I am not alone in enjoying band pieces that are built around good solid tunes, especially some of the great hymns of the church, and on this recording they are present in abundance. There are three pieces that could be excellent openers in their own right. Semper Fidelis (Martin Cordner) wins the spot on this recording, but Living Power (Tom Davoren) and Thy Matchless King (Joel Collier) are equal in their energy and driving rhythms and will be put to good use
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as an opener by many bands in the days ahead. For those who look for the latest ‘big’ piece on a new staff band recording, there are three excellent items on offer here. The first, Fearless (Andrew Wainwright) was the winner of the NYSB Competition Contest, and it is clear to see why. The haunting reference to “those who speak be fearless, those who serve be blameless” throughout underscores the message for the Christian that is contained in the music. Andrew has been writing some very popular numbers, but with Fearless he seems to have taken his composing to another level. Martin Cordner’s second contribution to the CD, Wake Up The Saint, further demonstrates what he does so well; help the listener visualize the story being told in the music. The use of chanting to represent the voices of the saints is a unique tool he employs with great effect. The title track, Endless Power, is a substantial work from Marcus Venables that was written specifically for this recording. This work has a very Steadman-Allen-esque feel to it. Having an intimate knowledge of the players in the band, Marcus has created a work that tests the limits of the players, while still allowing the message to come through clear and plain. While the band enthusiasts will enjoy this for its technicality, the use of strong tunes makes this accessible for the average listener as well. For me, the genius in this recording is actually the pacing. The program has a wonderful ebb and flow that gives you energy and power, contrasted with the gentleness and reflection of some more meditative items. The simplicity of Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus (Jonathan Rowsell), the warmth of Radiance (Andrew Garcia), the sheer beauty of The Christ of Calvary (Joel Collier), and the majestic building of Beside the Sea (Andrew Mackereth) all provide room and space to relax, breathe and revel in the message of the music.
Musicianship and Virtuosity From a musical standpoint, there are few Salvation Army bands that could cope with all the demands presented in the repertoire on this recording. From extremes of technique, to musical shapes and phrases, the NYSB handles it all with aplomb. This is perhaps most clearly demonstrated in the solo items. In Streamlined (Marcus Venables), cornetists Brindley Venables and Major Stewart Dalrymple show technique and range provides no challenge for them. Soprano soloist Christopher Ward, who can be heard throughout the recording providing power and brilliance, plays a version of Pie Jesu (Gabriel Faure arr. Dorothy Gates) that highlights his sensitivity and control. There you have it; all the reasons why this recording is a must for your personal collection. This is an exciting first collaboration between BM Lance and the NYSB, and it clearly shows that the band will continue to grow from strength to strength and be a trendsetter in Salvation Army banding. Purchase Digitally: https://store.cdbaby. com/cd/newyorkstaffband14 Purchase Hard Copy: http://music. saconnects.org/product/endless-power/
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NYSB / Mnozil Brass Concert Report Eric R. Dina, Divisional Music Director – Northeast Ohio Division of The Salvation Army
The air was damp on a moderately warm Friday Manhattan evening. The Centennial Memorial Temple had a distinct murmur. While the New York Staff Band has played and recorded in the hall numerous times, this would truly be a program no one in attendance will soon forget. Different from most shared festivals in The Salvation Army, the New York Staff Band played a six piece set to open the concert. From their position in the house directly in front of the stage, the fluttering sixteenth note runs of the cornets could be heard on Joel Collier’s scintillating opener, Thy Matchless King. The rest of the band quickly joined in the fun with Martin Cordner’s Semper Fidelis,
written for the Australia Territorial Youth Band a couple of years ago. The featured piece of the New York Staff Band’s set was the world premiere performance of Fearless, by the 2017 NYSB Composer Contest Winner, Andrew Wainwright. This piece, approximately eight minutes in length, along with a few others heard this evening, will be featured on the upcoming Japan Tour recording of the NYSB, entitled Endless Power. Rounding out the NYSB’s contribution to the program were And My Soul Overflows, by David Chaulk— the Evergreen Red Shield march by Henry Goffin, and of course, New York, New York (arr. Goff Richards). I am not sure words can describe what
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was to follow. Those who have seen Mnozil Brass in concert would probably tell you that you simply cannot encapsulate the experience in short statements. Three trumpeters, three trombone players, and a tubist led us literally through a musical circus that left the audience wanting for more. Many in attendance would recognize the sources of many of the songs or partial songs that were played. The music of Igor Stravinsky’s Firebird, Kurt Weill, and others were played with the highest musical excellence. Mnozil simply is the best combination of musical excellence AND comedic relief you are going to find. Their shtick is universal; garnering the same acclaim in New York City that they have received around the world. If there is one bit that Mnozil Brass is most famous for, it is probably their performance of Lonely Boy. They performed this one-man-band act in full circus gear towards the end of the second half to the audience’s delight. This program was edgy, but as the hour approached 10:30 PM, the audience around me clearly did not realize that the overall length of the program was just under three hours. Mnozil Brass clearly had the audience right in the palm of their hands. This was a wonderful concert and one that will not soon be forgotten.
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Future All-Stars Weekend 2018 Report Eric R. Dina, Divisional Music Director – Northeast Ohio Division of The Salvation Army
Fifty-five young people from around the USA Eastern and Canada/ Bermuda Territories gathered at Star Lake Lodge for the New York Staff Band’s Fifteenth Annual Future All-stars Weekend, sponsored by the Green Family Foundation. The weekend represents an intended desire by members of the New York Staff Band to identify, develop, and challenge the next generation of musicians spiritually and musically. The intense fifty-two hour sprint featured five full length rehearsals, two devotional periods, two instrument sectional periods, Sunday morning worship, and the Future All-Stars Finale. Somehow, the young people found time to quickly jaunt into New York City to hear a three hour New York Staff Band concert with Mnozil Brass. The Spiritual theme for the weekend was Be Perfect. Majors Phil and Jodi Lloyd, USA Eastern Territory Youth Leaders, challenged
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us pursue our relationship with Christ with the same passion and vigor we strive for in our musical journeys. Scripture throughout the weekend was drawn from fifth chapter of Matthew and the second chapter of Philippians. The two devotional times were supplemented with small groups, led by New York Staff Band members. The music for the weekend was presented well to an enthusiastic crowd at Montclair Citadel on Sunday afternoon. The program commenced with I Will Proclaim (Marcus Venables). This piece works in itself as an opener to any festival, but it also draws a musical comparison to Colonel Robert Redhead’s famous piece, A Fanfare of Praise. This was followed up by the signature piece of the weekend, Future All-Stars (Martin Cordner) and the congregational song, Be Still for the Presence of The Lord (arr. William Himes). The Word presented
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itself verbally through the prayer of Lt. Colonel James LaBossiere, the devotional of Major Philip Lloyd, and two spirited testimonies by Future All-Star members Helen Wajda and Edward Hardy. Several other works were presented, including Libertango (Astor Piazolla arr. Harold Burgmayer), Solidarity (Robert Redhead), and the classic mediation Light of the World (Dean Goffin), conducted by Matt Luhn, Divisional Music Director for the Massachusetts Division and principal trombonist of the New York Staff Band. The band also sang Jesus Paid it All and concluded the festival with Steven Ponsford’s tour de force, Turris Fortissima. With this being the fifteenth Future All-Star weekend, The New York Staff Band is now at the point where a number of Future All-Star members are starting to contribute to the weekly ministry of the New
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York Staff Band. A number of Future All-Stars are current members of the band. This particular finale featured a march written by Future All-Star Alum Kevin Downing called Camp Walter Johnson, named presumably after the divisional camp of the Carolina Divisions. The march was led by the famous euphonium soloist of the band, Aaron VanderWeele, who was one of the chief organizers of the first several Future All-Star weekends. This was certainly an enjoyable weekend and one that was spiritually and musically uplifting for all privileged enough to have experienced it!
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NYSB Tour of Japan 2018 Written by NYSB Bandsmen, compiled and edited by Karen Shaffstall, NYSB First Cornet
After leaving America at 6pm on Sunday, March 18 the New York Staff Band deplanes around 9pm on Monday, evening, March 19. The Band passes through customs without any notable delays, collects their luggage, boards multiple shuttle busses, and heads to the airport hotel just about an hour outside of Tokyo. It’s Tuesday morning, March 20, the day of our first concert in Japan. The Osaka Symphony Hall is Japan’s oldest and most famous venue—an exquisite acoustic space that regularly hosts world class ensembles. This evening’s concert is sold out to a largely secular crowd (over 90%) who subscribe to its classical music series. After a short flight from Tokyo to Osaka, a warm welcome was awaiting the band. 1,700 seats, a pristine pipe organ complete with gallery choir seating. An enthusiastic crowd began arriving 90 minutes prior to start time. It had been 29 years since the New York Staff Band’s Pacific Bridge Tour in 1989 and many were excited to hear the band under its new Bandmaster, Derek Lance. Derek chose a blended program for our first concert with quite literally something for everyone:
Living Power, Tom Davoren Semper Fidelis, Martin Cordner Turn your eyes upon Jesus, Jonathan Rowsell Flashback, Brian Bowen (Brindley Venables, cornet soloist) Russlan and Ludmila, Glinka arr. Michael Kenyon When I Survey, Olaf Ritman (Matthew Luhn, trombone soloist) The Kingdom Triumphant, Eric Ball Valero, arr. Sandy Smith New York, New York, arr. Goff Richards Harlequin, Philip Sparke (Aaron VanderWeele, euphonium soloist) Lloyd, arr. Paul Lovatt-Cooper Band Chorus—Psalm 23, arr. Dorothy Gates Wake Up the Saint, Martin Cordner Encore items: Jounetsu—Tairiku, Taro Hakase Rock of Ages
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After the concert the band was requested to meet with hundreds of concertgoers for pictures and autographs. It was a wonderfully joyous atmosphere and the crowd was extremely appreciative of the band’s fine playing and singing. Standout moments—singing in Japanese (one of the verses to Psalm 23) and being told how impactful that was to the audience. It was an important and meaningful night and one that got this tour started properly. High quality music with a Message. Wednesday’s journey for the band begins with a Japanese breakfast at the KKR Hotel in Osaka and an incredible view overlooking the Osaka Castle. We make our way to the bus and on to the Tenma Corps in Osaka (also known as Osaka Central Corps), the largest corps in Japan’s second most populous city. We are warmly greeted by the Salvationists in Osaka. Together in one spirit, though we speak different languages, we gather to worship the Lord through music. Young Salvationist musicians from the area sit in with the band to play some classics of Salvation Army repertoire. We then transition to a worship service, and despite the fact that it is a Wednesday morning, a sizable crowd is able to share in worship with us due to the Spring Equinox holiday. Following selections from the Staff Band, including Be Still, a special composition from Dr. Dorothy Gates, and Ray Steadman-Allen’s In Quiet Pastures, Lt. Colonel James LaBossiere brings the message based on John 10—The Good Shepherd and His Sheep. We then take to the streets on a march of witness. The Corps is adjacent to a long, narrow passageway of shops and stores
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under a vaulted covering. We take off in one direction, drawing the attention of the hundreds of people shopping, with the bold and powerful sounds of the band. As we reach an area with room to congregate and a crowd, we play Amazing Grace (Richard Phillips) and the message of Christ is shared with all who will listen. This time, we start back toward the corps in the opposite direction. Once the march has ended, we head to the train station as we depart for Tokyo on the Bullet Train (Shinkansen), a much anticipated part of our trip for many of the band members. As we see the Osaka sunset coasting by at speeds up to 200 mph, we turn a 6-hour bus trip into a train ride of under 3 hours. At the end of an exciting yet exhausting day, we reach the infamous Tokyo Dome Hotel, where we are thankful to be able to settle in for the remainder of our time in Japan. After what has seemed like several days of nonstop traveling, the band is happy to settle in Tokyo for the remaining days of the tour. A slightly later start to the day meant a chance to experience a full Japanese breakfast in the hotel with many of the band members becoming expert chopstick users by now!
Thursday the band boarded the bus to the Tokyo City Opera Hall. Along the way, we took in views of an absolutely pristine city and caught glimpses of cherry blossoms beginning to bloom. One of the several local leaders that has been traveling with the band, Major Masataka Tateishi, commanding officer of the Kobe Corps shared some thoughts with us and asked if he could sing to us. The band hummed along as Major Tateishi sang To be like Jesus in Japanese, with the band joining in a second verse in English. A powerful moment! Entering the main hall of Tokyo Opera City was no less than mind blowing. A masterpiece of architecture and acoustics. Over the next
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few hours, several rehearsals took place with organist Naomi Matsui, The Little Singers of Tokyo and the Japan Staff Band. The first run through of Eric Balls iconic The Kingdom Triumphant with organ was a near perfect performance and left quite a buzz around the room. Not expecting such mature vocal sounds from the Little Singers, many bandsmen put their instruments down in sheer disbelief! Our final rehearsal joined the NYSB and JSB in William Himes’ rendition of Elsa’s Procession. The last time these two bands shared a venue was at ISB120 in London. A memorable moment for all in attendance as the humble group entered the stage. Almost seven years later, the band has grown considerably and still has some familiar faces amongst their ranks. Although it had been a long day already . . . it wasn’t over yet! The band quickly packed up and headed to the 54th floor of a neighboring skyscraper for a beautiful reception with many local donors. Even after a grueling day, it was fantastic to see many of the bandsmen engaged in fellowship and conversation with local business owners and supporters of the SA’s mission here in Tokyo. In the infallible (and maybe made up Japanese words) of our beloved Colonel Wayne Maynor . . . Today was a superashi day!
On Friday we headed for the offices of the Tamanohada Soap Factory, where we were treated to a lunch reception by our host, the genial owner of the factory named Mr. Miki. As we entered into the reception room, an organ was automatically playing Trumpet Voluntary. You could sense Mr. Miki’s love of classical music. In welcoming us to his factory, Mr. Miki spoke of his Christian upbringing. The band chorus sang an arrangement of the tune Finlandia in honor of our host. This classical tune was said to be his favorite. In return, during dessert time, the band was treated to a recital by several pianists of tremendous ability. What an experience! We then headed for the venue of our evening concert, the Nishiarai Garaxity Hall. We rehearsed on our own for a time, and then were privileged to meet the group that shared the program with us for the evening—the Hamahata-Nisha Elementary School Brass Band. To say that this group was excellent would be doing them an injustice— they were simply AMAZING for their age range of 7–12 years. All of their presentations were memorized . The bands joined together to play Fire in the Blood and Valero, and the kids, on their own, played A Disney Fantasy and Renaissance. What a performance! Brass banding in Japan is in good hands! Saturday begins with beautiful sunshine and very comfortable temperatures. Cherry blossoms are in bloom and there’s a gentle breeze.
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We’re on our way to the KandaHitotsubashi Gymnasium for rehearsals and a concert but first we have a word from Vivien Banks who has been traveling with us and giving expert direction. Her heart felt comments about her own Christian walk and her heart for the Japanese people helps us to continue focusing on the mission of our tour . . . not only to bring musical excellence through our playing but to demonstrate a love for Christ and the Japanese people. A mass band rehearsal including all of the featured bands joined with the Staff Band to prepare for the afternoon festival. A traditional tea ceremony introduced us to the removal of our shoes and Japanese seating (on the floor) and the very ceremonial receiving of a special tea ceremony. This special tea clears the senses and calms the soul preparing you for your day.
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The energetic and decorative drums of Tokyo opened our brass band festival followed by the students playing our national anthem. Watching the children’s Brass bands play classic pieces completely memorized was amazing . . . watching a young girl play the cornet solo Glorious Ventures by Peter Graham from memory was amazing . . . hearing the Japan Staff Band and some of their soloists was amazing. We then presented Living Power, Russlan and Ludmilla, Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus, Flashback featuring Brindley Venables and Harlequin featuring Aaron VanderWeele and Wake Up the Saint. A great afternoon of music making. Onward into the afternoon saw us marching through downtown Tokyo culminating at a busy office building where we presented a “lobby” concert. Some of our secular music was featured . . . New York, New York, Valero, Stars and Stripes Forever as well as Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus, Amazing Grace and the Japan Staff Bandmaster leading us in the Star Lake March. Marching once again, we ended our day of music making Returning to the school we began to say our good byes to the many children and adults we had a chance to get to know. All of us signing autographs and posing for pictures made for a day we will never forget. Our final moment came as we sang our traditional benediction Rock of Ages. As we were singing we were reminded that many of these new friends were not Christians. We had prayed at the start of our day asking the Lord to use us, especially knowing that many coming to the concert were unbelievers. The Lord was faithful and answered prayer. Another superashi day!
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Our last full day in Japan is Sunday. We appropriately started this Palm Sunday worshiping with Salvationists from around Tokyo at the Japan Education Center. The staff band shared three items in preliminary that set the tone for the meeting. Bandsman Tom Scheibner shared a word of witness with the congregation reminding them and us that “If you are faithful to God, He will be faithful to you.” The band played Ray Steadman Allen’s In Quiet Pastures and the chorus presented Bobby McFerrin’s Psalm 23 before Lt. Col. James LaBossiere brought the message. We were reminded that we needed to stay close to the “power source,” our faith power source in Christ. The meeting came to a close with many people committing themselves in prayer to their work in Japan. Following the service we headed to the Asakusa area of Tokyo. With official duties being completed we were afforded some sightseeing time at the Sensoji Temple area. This was an impressive showing of Japanese culture. The view of cherry blossoms, ancient temples, and beautiful kimonos were
abundant. At this point we said goodbye to our friends and hosts Colonels Kenneth and Cheryl Maynor. After our time at the Asakusa market we headed to a Japanese icon, the Tokyo Sky Tree. The band traveled 350 meters up the tower and enjoyed a magnificent panoramic view of Tokyo. This was the last stop of our day and the week in Japan. On the way home we had time to look back and consider how fortunate we were to be a small part of building God’s kingdom through our musical ministry. God really blessed us and we believe that He used us to bless the people that heard our music and who we got a chance to share fellowship with. As we finally disembarked the plane at Newark we couldn’t help but feel very blessed to have had safe travels to and around Japan and a relatively bump free journey on both our gargantuan flights. God’s promises remain to be true and trustworthy no matter what language you speak. Domo arigatou gozaimasu.
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131st Annual Festival with Amsterdam Staff Band Karen Shaffstall, NYSB First Cornet
The New York Staff Band celebrated their 131st Annual Festival with the Amsterdam Staff Band. Following a week of engagements throughout the Eastern Territory, the Amsterdam Staff Band shared the stage in the beautiful Westside Presbyterian Church in Ridgewood, NJ. Each band was in great form . . . the New York Staff Band recently returning from their tour of Japan in mid-March and the Amsterdam Staff Band having visited seven divisions while on tour in the Eastern Territory. The unique fellowship that Staff Band’s share around the world was clearly visible as both bands came together for a massed band rehearsal prior to the Festival. It was an exciting evening of music that was live-streamed around the world. The New York Staff Band took the stage opening with the world premiere of Proclamation by Tom Davoren who was in the audience that evening. A beautiful arrangement of Be Still (Finlandia) by Dr. Dorothy Gates, solos by Matthew Luhn (trombone), When I Survey and Aaron VanderWeele (euphonium), Harlequin and finally the scintillating, Russlan and Ludmilla followed by the NYSB Composition winning piece, Fearless by Andrew Wainwright. Immediately following the Amsterdam Staff Band brilliantly presented Kerygma by Steven Ponsford, Poor Wayfaring Stranger by Ruben Schmidt and Disciples at Sea by Olaf Ritman, the Amsterdam Staff Bandmaster. Exciting solos, New Horizons with Trombone Soloist, Edwin Outhuijse and Euphonium duet, My All to God by soloists, Michael Rosenquist & Simon Smedinga brought the individual band’s programs to an exciting conclusion. Following a brief reset of the stage, both bands came together to present the heart racing, quick tempo march, Triumphant Prospect by Olaf Ritman. Eric Whitacre’s beautiful choral composition, Sleep
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arranged by Andrew Poirier for brass band displayed the wide contrast of dynamics that a large brass band can attain. High Over All by Sam Creamer, I Know Thou Art Mine conducted by former Bandmaster Ronald Waiksnoris and the legendary Song of Courage by Eric Ball brought the evening to a close. The New York Staff Band’s traditional vocal closing, Rock of Ages was sung by both bands with the second verse sung in Dutch.
W W W. N Y S B. O R G
2018 Association Members The New York Staff Band wishes to thank the 2018 Association Members for their outstanding partnership and meaningful support of our ministry.
CORPORATE SPONSORS Chris Coppinger Buffet Group USA Dillon Music Green Family Foundation Newton Screen Printing Star Lake Camp & Conference Center The Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Centers Command Trio Music Publishing World of Brass
PLATINUM BATON Doug Amaxopulos Debbie Bearchell Steve Dillon Mark & Dorothy Gates Rich & Nancy Haig Dr. Dennis L. Horton T. Phil Pitner Donald A. Ross Majors Chuck & Carol Schramm Mr. David E. Swyers Mr. & Mrs. John A. Waynick
GOLD BATON Ian & Faith Anderson Mr. Frank Bunton Majors Charles & Shirley Drummond Dr. & Mrs. Kenneth Dunning Edward C. Fox Lt. Colonel Barbara L. MacLean
SILVER BATON David L. Carlson Joyce Thompson-Dawson Captains Chas & Debbie Engel Commissioners Eva & Israel L. Gaither Commissioners Jim & Carolyn Knaggs Amanda & Joshua Muir F. Armando Quatela David Simington Major Diana Smith Mr. & Mrs. Philip Smith Dr. Dennis & Mrs. Christina VanderWeele Bill & Sharon Waiksnoris
T H E S A LVAT I O N A R M Y U S A E A S T
BRONZE BATON Majors Sid & Betty Anderson William & Linda Anderson Lt. Colonels Albert & Ruth Avery Ada Jean Hess Barnes W. Todd & Carol A. Bassett Lt. Colonel & Mrs. Norman Bearcroft Lt. Colonel Sharon E. Berry Mr. & Mrs. David R. Brunner Phil & Renee Bulla Herbert Burkett Ng Seng Chow Colonels George & Joy Church Majors Ernie & Jeanette Cox Mr. & Mrs. Ken Cox, Sr. Paul & Debbi Cranford Robert Daniel Dr. Frederick R. Davey Lt. Colonels Dick & Sandy Dean Lts. Cyrus & Mrs. Dawn DeCastro Fred & Carol Delaney Lt. Colonels Joe & Gladys DeMichael Melvin & Mildred Dorin Lindsay & Kathleen Evans Dolores T. Fink Eileen Fox Edith C. Frazier Lt. Colonel Normalynn Garrett Major Walter F. Guldenschuh Major Frederick N. Hagglund Ms. Mary Ruth Hansen Ellis K. Harkleroad Delores Harvey Gary Hawkins Kathleen & Peter Hawkins Clayton Heath Phillip & Pearl Heath Commissioners Steve & Judy Hedgren Major John Hodgson Jake & Gloria Hohn Jeannie & George Holmes Mrs. Laurie Howell-Hodges Kenneth & Patricia Hunt Commissioners Ronald & Pauline Irwin Mr. & Mrs. Archie M. Janvrin Jr. Don & Patricia Jones Dr. & Mrs. Ralph Kerr Bill Kinnaman Joan P. & John L. Krause
Bill & Judy LaMarr Major M. Joan Lawton William L. Livingston Ake Lundberg Major Mike McDonald Majors Bernie & Claranne Meitrott Sandra Moody Majors Dan & Trudy Moore Lts. Elisha & Megan Moretz Mrs. Joanne Moretz Osamu Morimoto Ms. Eleanor C. Nealy Mr. & Mrs. Gilbert H. Nelson Karl E. Nelson Jim & Ruth Osborne Lt. Colonel Harry W. Poole Wm. S.A. Quirk & Jean M. Berube General Paul A. Rader (R) & Commissioner Kay F. Rader Lt. Colonels Herb & Lois Rader James V. Roberts Charles & Linda Rowe Suzanne & Martin Royce Mr. & Mrs. Douglas A. Ruby Colonel Myrtle Ryder Charles & Halina Salzmann Majors Paul & Norma Satterlee Bill & Bobbie Schofield Richard & Janet Schotter Mrs. Major Lloyd Scott Gil Seadale Carter & Linda Smith Dr. D. Craig Smith Inez M. Smith Donald & Paula Spencer Steven M. Steiner Mr. Chris & Mrs. Beth Stevens Mr. & Mrs. Leslie Thompson Reverend & Mrs. Walter J. Thompson Lt. Colonels Richard & Sharon Ulyat Mr. & Mrs. Robert B. Upton Majors Robert & Ruth Vaughan Sr. Dr. Keith M. & Mrs. Audrey Wilkinson
FRIENDS Sally Affanato Mr. & Mrs. W. Dean (Schramm) Bamford William A. Banks David & Alice Baxendale
Eldon Bender Major Betty Bridge Rev. & Mrs. Melvin G. Bridge Barbara & David Clark Barbara Como Rick Coulter Mr. Harrington E. Crissey, Jr. Ken & Carol Davis Mr. & Mrs. Mark DeBoer Julie A. Edwards Stephanie Elynich Mr. Clair E. Gross Aida C. Guerrero Arne Hanson Mr. William Heuman Majors Gerald & Suzanne Hill William Hood Rob Jeffery Lt. Colonel Alice Joyce Bruce & Debbie Lemar Mrs. Siv E. Linden Mr. & Mrs. John E. Loveless Majors Patricia & Thomas Mack Ms. Barbara Mathieson Colonels Kenneth & Cheryl Maynor Dan & Diane Miles Mr. & Mrs. William Mohlenhoff Mr. & Mrs. David B. Moorehead Mr. & Mrs. Elliott Moxley Mrs. Commissioner Juanita Nelting Robert Norman Mr. & Mrs. John J. Palatucci Phyllis H. Petrie Mr. & Mrs. William S. Quick Colonel Donald R. & Carolejean Reynolds Rev. Dr. William & Lorraine Riley Roger Rischway Mrs. Shirley A. Ronan Mr. & Mrs. Carl B. Schotter Hazel Scott Mr. Peter Skoglund Major Sandra Snelson Muriel M. Spence Dorothy A. Steele Pat Syvertsen Mr. Douglas F. Terwilliger Larry R. Thompson Majors Norman & Ruby Zanders
S U M M E R 2 0 1 8 N Y S B B U L L E T I N ‡ 15
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