The weekend of January 17-19, 2025, was filled with powerful musical performances and worship services led by the New York Staff Band (NYSB) as they visited various Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Centers (ARC’s) in Massachusetts. The weekend included concerts designed to uplift and inspire the men and women of the rehabilitation centers through music and shared fellowship.
Friday, January 17: Travel to Sturbridge, MA
The weekend began with the NYSB’s departure from The Salvation Army’s Territorial Headquarters (THQ) at 6:00 PM. After a smooth bus journey, the group arrived at the hotel where they settled in for the night and offering the band a chance to relax and prepare for the upcoming events.
Saturday, January 18: Boston ARC and Worcester ARC
Saturday morning began with breakfast at the hotel, followed by an early departure for the Boston Adult Rehabilitation Center (ARC). The group arrived at 9:00 AM and immediately began setting up for their first concert of the day. The NYSB performed a lively concert, featuring a range of musical selections that demonstrated both their technical skill and the emotional depth of their performances. The program included Triumphant and High-Octane by Marcus Venables, followed by a time of worship led by Devonte Thompson. Additionally, the band performed I Can See Clearly Now and Come Sail Away by Gavin Whitehouse, which were well received by the audience.
After the concert, the band and local volunteers helped tear down the setup, followed by a lunch at the Boston ARC. Following lunch, the group departed for the Worcester ARC to set up for their evening concert. A bit of downtime before the concert allowed the band to spend some time exploring the fantastic, repurposed Worcester ARC building which used to be a screw factory built in 1919. A large communal room allowed the band members to sit and watch football alongside some of the residents of the ARC and connect on another level than just a concert setting. As in Boston, the concert featured selections like How I Love You by Gavin Lamplough and Holy Forever by Marcus Venables. Battle Belongs by Simon Morton was added to this program with a powerful response at its conclusion. A time of reflection and a devotional message from Lt. Colonel David Davis, inspiring all present to embrace the joy of the season and the message of hope added to the musical offerings of the band.
Unfortunately, a snowstorm descended upon the northeast states and the band had to make a difficult decision to postpone its Sunday morning visit to the Providence, Rhode Island ARC, instead leaving after the Worcester concert to allow band members to get home safely with some not getting home until almost 4am Sunday morning! Everyone made it home safely, however, with no stranded bands persons stuck in the snow!
“We were so blessed to host the NYSB at the Worcester ARC as they presented this uniquely Salvationist ministry to our men and women.”
Captain Meghan Brunelle – Administrator Worcester ARC
“The power of the spirit was evident. This was so much more than a concert to listen to. The intimate setting and powerful music brought an intense experience that could be felt throughout your whole body and soul.”
Captain Jeff Brunelle – Administrator Worcester ARC
“The arrangement written by Simon Morton that was presented at the concert had a beautiful chord structure that was a blessing to me.” Major Judson Laidlaw
