OCTOBER 18-20, 2019 – For the first time in over fifty years the band was able to visit the National Capital & Virginia Division. During the weekend the band participated in the Division’s music councils on Friday and Saturday as well as the “Thanks for Giving” community concert Saturday night. Sunday morning worship was held at the Vienna Presbyterian Church. We were pleased to team up with the Southern Territorial Songsters and trombone soloist Wycliffe Gordon.

FRIDAY

The band met up at Metropark, NJ station to take a train to Fredericksburg, VA station – this was a very nice way to travel. We were met at the train station by NCV Divisional Music Director David Delaney and his crew, and went on our way to Camp Happyland in Richardsville, Virginia (the NCV Divisional camp) where music councils was being held for the weekend. This is a lovely camp and we felt right at home. After setup and sound checks with the Southern Territorial Songsters and Wycliffe Gordon, we shared in dinner and fellowship in the dining room. It was a real privilege to accompany Wycliffe again (Wycliffe was the soloist at the 132nd NYSB Annual Festival in April 2019), as well as share in a number with the Territorial Songsters – they sounded awesome! This was the first of two concerts over the weekend. After the concert there was a time of devotions and snacks at the campfire. The NCV Divisional Youth Band had a rehearsal, which went past midnight! Now that’s dedication!

FRIDAY EVENING PROGRAM AT CAMP HAPPYLAND
*Soloist Wycliffe Gordon
The Proclaimers – Kevin Norbury
Call of the Righteous – Leslie Condon
*St. Louis Blues – arr. Wycliffe Gordon
*Me/We – arr. Wycliffe Gordon
Praise Him – Stephen Bulla
Southern Territorial Songsters – Precious Lord – Arnold Sevier / And Can it Be – Dan Forrest
King of the Seven Heavens – Philip Harper
INTERMISSION
Enter the Galaxies – Paul Lovatt-Cooper
*Balkan Dance – Etienne Crausaz
*Stardust – arr. Mark Freeh
My Comfort and Strength – Brian Bowen
Southern Territorial Songsters – I Will Rise – Byron Smith
NYSB and STS – The Dream Isaiah Saw – Glenn Rudolph
Rhapsody on St. Francis – Andrew Wainwright

SATURDAY

The morning and afternoon featured instrumental and leadership clinics, and a masterclass by Wycliffe Gordon. Each section of the band led the instrumental clinics, and several NYSB members led leadership clinics. During lunch, we enjoyed an outdoor concert from the NCV Divisional Youth Band led by DMD David Delaney – the group is putting out great sounds – bravo! After lunch we enjoyed an afternoon worship service led by the National Capital Band. This was a nice moment together as we were able to sit back and enjoy the time of worship. The NCB displayed sensitive playing, and the selections were meaningful. This was a great way to end our time at music councils. Afterward, we headed to George Washington University to get ready for the evening’s concert in Lisner Hall. Once again we were happy to be able to share the program with STS and Wycliffe Gordon.

SATURDAY EVENING PROGRAM AT LISNER HALL
*Soloist Wycliffe Gordon
The Proclaimers – Kevin Norbury
Semper Fidelis – Martin Cordner
*St. Louis Blues – arr. Wycliffe Gordon
*Me/We – arr. Wycliffe Gordon
Praise Him – Stephen Bulla
Southern Territorial SongstersI Will Lift My Eyes – Runestad / An Offering – Dan Forrest
King of the Seven Heavens – Philip Harper
INTERMISSION
*Birdland – arr. Sandy Smith
*Trombonology – arr. Mark Freeh
*Stardust – arr. Mark Freeh
And Can it Be – Forrest arr. Andrew Wainwright
Southern Territorial Songsters
Worthy to be Praised – Smith
NYSB and STS – The Dream Isaiah Saw – Glenn Rudolph
Rhapsody on St. Francis – Andrew Wainwright
*Balkan Dance – Eitienne Crausaz

SUNDAY

Sunday morning worship was held at the Vienna Presbyterian Church – a gorgeous church located in Vienna, VA. It was a real treat to play in this church, as the acoustics were marvelous. There were two services held at 9 and 11. We were given coffee and breakfast treats in between services. After lunch we went on our way to the train station. Unfortunately it was a rainy day, so we were unable to have the concert at the National Mall that was scheduled. We had a wonderful weekend in the NCV Division, and we hope it won’t be as long before we visit again!

Sunday morning at Vienna Church livestream: 9:00am Service  |  11:00am Service