DECEMBER 10-11, 2022 – The New York Staff Band’s Christmas Weekend was a festive and musical celebration. The ministry weekend kicked off on Saturday with a Christmas concert at the beautiful West Side Presbyterian Church in Ridgewood, NJ, featuring special guests, trumpet virtuoso Allen Vizzutti, and the New Jersey Home School Association Genesis Chorale, under the leadership of Beth Prins. We were also treated to special pre-concert performances featuring the Westbury (Amanda Dorce) and White Plains (Andrew Boynton) Corps Youth Bands. They did a great job and it was wonderful to hear these two bands perform.

Vizzutti, known for his impressive range and technical prowess, wowed the audience with performances of “Virtuosity” (Kenny Baker), “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” (Harold Arlen, arranged Vizzutti), “Carnival of Venice” (Del Staigers), and “O Holy Night” (Tom Kubis, arranged Dave Collins). The crowd was enthusiastic and appreciative, and the combination of Vizzutti’s virtuosity and the festive atmosphere made for a truly memorable evening.

The Genesis Chorale, a talented group of young singers, added to the festive atmosphere with their renditions of Christmas favorites such as “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” “What Child is This,” “Deck the Hall,” “I’ll Be Home For Christmas,” “Christmas Time is No Time to Diet,” and finished off with “Joy to the World.” The Chorale did a splendid job and these classic Christmas songs brought joy and cheer to the audience.

The New York Staff Band offered several selections during the evening: “Christmas Presence” (William Himes), “Feliz Navidad” (Dorothy Gates), “Mary Did You Know” (Philip Hannevik), “Sursum Corda” (Brian Bowen), “The Spirit of Christmas” (Peter Graham), “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” (William Himes) and finished off the evening with “A Festive Herald” (Philip Harper). As a special treat, Colonel Phil Maxwell (Chief Secretary, USA East) was invited up to conduct the postlude, “Christmas Joy” (Erik Leidzen).

It was a heartwarming and uplifting concert that left us all feeling grateful and blessed. The atmosphere was beautiful, with the sound of carols filling the air. The joy and excitement of the season was palpable, and it was a delight to be surrounded by friends and loved ones as we celebrated the birth of our Savior.

The following day, the New York Staff Band continued the ministry weekend with a Sunday morning worship service at the Manhattan ARC. This is always a highlight of the season for the band, and it was once again an uplifting and inspiring time of worship together. Special thanks to Captain Herb Rader for being such a gracious and welcoming host. The hospitality and care shown toward us made the experience even more memorable, and the meal afterward was absolutely delicious.

Overall, the New York Staff Band’s Christmas Weekend was a meaningful and uplifting celebration of the true reason for the season. It was a joy to experience, and it left us feeling filled with the love and joy of Christmas.

Brindley Venables (NYSB Solo Cornet)

2022 Christmas Concert