This past weekend the New York Staff Band found itself on the road once again, this time travelling to various parts of Pennsylvania.
On Friday night we found ourselves in Wellsboro, PA where we played a concert in support of various Salvation Army service units in the area along with thanking the volunteers that will be working during the Christmas season. On this particular night we were greeted by a very enthusiastic audience that seemingly enjoyed everything that was played. Kudos to the organizers of the event for securing a fabulous venue and gathering a wonderful audience.
CONCERT PROGRAM
Let there be light – Steven Ponsford
Shekinah – Kenneth Downie
Valero – Sandy Smith
Memory – Alan Catherall (Soloist Chris Ward)
Fiesta – Peter Graham (Soloist Matthew Luhn)
God’s Love – Eric Dina (Band Chorus)
I Surrender – Marcus Venables
INTERMISSION
Hold that Fort – Sam Creamer
On We March – Kevin Larsson
Euphonium Concerto – Karl Jenkins (Soloists Ryan McCrudden)
In God’s Presence – Andrew Blyth
To Boldy Go – Peter Graham
On Saturday morning we all gathered at the Williamsport, PA Corps for breakfast before we went out in caroling groups in the local neighborhood. After this, the band was off to the Williamsport High School where we had a combined rehearsal with Billtown Brass and then enjoyed a time of fellowship.
The concert is one that will not soon be forgotten, but not for the best reasons… During the Billtown Brass portion of the program, there were extremely high winds in the area and caused the power to go out multiple times. Despite this, Billtown Brass continued through their program and played very well despite the adverse conditions. They played a wide variety of Christmas music and it was a pleasure to be able to listen to them. After their portion of the program, we were then on for a set that included the music of Downie, Ritman, Graham, Blyth, Venables and Leidzen. After each band played on their own we joined forces for the final set.
This wasn’t the first time that we played alongside Billtown Brass and hopefully will not be the last. It was a wonderful time together and always great to share the stage with another brass band.
CONCERT PROGRAM
Billtown Brass Band
Fanfare Jubiloso – James Curnow
Angels, We Hear Your Funky – Kevin Henry
Hymn To the Fallen – Arr. Klaas van der Woude
An Australian Christmas – James Curnow
Yule Dance – Philip Harper
New York Staff Band
King of Heaven – Kenneth Downie
Triumphant Prospect – Olaf Ritman
Brillante – Peter Graham (Soloists Ryan McCrudden & Aaron VanderWeele)
In God’s Presence – Andrew Blyth
I Surrender – Marcus Venables
Christmas Joy – Erik Leidzen
Combined Bands
Amazing Grace – William Himes
Ye Merry Gentlemen – Dorothy Gates
Silent Night – David Baily
Three Kings Swing – William Himes
Stars and Stripes – John Philip Sousa
On Sunday morning we gathered at the Williamsport Salvation Army for Thanksgiving Sunday where we would participate in the holiness meeting and a regional praise gathering in the afternoon. The NYSB has travelled the world but it’s always wonderful to be in The Salvation Army on a Sunday. It was beautiful service led by Lt Colonel James LaBossiere that included wonderful singing, a beautiful time of prayer led by Major Paula Spencer and some emotionally stirring pieces from the band. It was a blessing to be a part of church on this day and certainly left us thinking about all that we need to be grateful and how we can show our thanks.
SUNDAY PROGRAM
Guardian of my soul – Darren Shaw
Radiance – Andrew Garcia
In Christ Alone – Richard Philips (Soloist Aaron VanderWeele)
Welcome/ Announcements
Opening Song – Prayer of thanksgiving (Himes)
Call to Worship
Congregational Song – Give Thanks
Time of Prayer – Major Paula Spencer
Offering
Beside the Sea – Andrew Mackereth
Scripture Reading – Luke 17:11-19
Psalm 23 – arr Dorothy Gates (Band Chorus)
Time of Worship – Worthy is the Lamb, How Great Thou Art
Corpus Christi – Robert Redhead
Message – Lt Colonel James LaBossiere
Closing Song – Now thank we all our God
Benediction
Christ of Calvary – Joel Collier
REGIONAL PRAISE GATHERING
Let There Be Light – Steven Ponsford
Congregational Song – Holy, Holy, Holy
Regional Singing Company
Caprice – William Himes (Soloist Brindley Venables)
On we March – Kevin Larsson
Testimony – Brandon Finnie
Amazing Grace – William Himes
Testimony – Tom Scheibner
Hold That Fort – Sam Creamer
Williamsport Timbrels – Brooklyn Citadel
Congregational Song – In Christ Alone
To Boldy Go – Peter Graham
It was a wonderful weekend with a variety of ways and venues for the New York Staff Band. Thanks to the people of Wellsboro and Williamsport for organizing a wonderful weekend of ministry.
