OCTOBER 21-23, 2022 – The New York Staff Band has participated in the annual God & Country concert several times before and was pleased to return to Ohio and share the stage with host, The Brass Band of Columbus. The weekend was not only about this concert however, with a fairly well stocked schedule over the three-day trip that found the band in numerous venues and plenty of opportunities for ministry.
On Friday morning, a portion of the band flew out of Newark, NJ to Columbus, OH and went directly to a local high school with a large music and in particular, band program. The NYSB sat in among the students at Canal Winchester High School and although rather spread out, gave exciting performances of ‘Valero,’ ‘New York, New York,’ ‘A la Manera’ and ‘Sky Full of Stars.’ The band also had the opportunity to play along with the students on music they had been working on and offer some constructive criticism! Following this, the band was treated to a fantastic BBQ meal complete with real smoked brisket prepared by none other than (now legendary hosts) Captains Jim and Tricia Brennan!
Moving on from lunch, the band travelled to the concert venue for the weekend – the beautiful Church at Mill Run, where we set up and spent time rehearsing the relatively new ‘Creation’ story. Although the band missed its regular narrator, Colonel Rick Munn, long time friend of the band, Tim Jameson, stepped in and delivered the ‘story’ in a convincing manner in preparation for the following evenings festival.
Saturday morning started with warm sunny skies as the band headed over to the local Adult Rehabilitation Center. It’s always a pleasure to play for the men and women of the Manhattan ARC each Christmas, so this opportunity to play for the men in Columbus was quite familiar and appreciated each person involved in the program there. Another great lunch followed before changing into uniform for the much anticipated ‘God & Country’ concert.
The Church at Mill Run was filled with a great crowd and there was a buzz in the air. This was the first God and Country Concert in three years! The Brass Band of Columbus was in fine form and delivered a varied program of patriotic and religious music. A special highlight was hearing James Curnow’s ‘Variations on “Terra Beata,” written especially for the Chicago Staff Band.
The NYSB then took to the stage, opening with RSA’s ‘The High Council’ followed by Dean Jones’ much loved ‘Glorifico Aeternum.’ As the ‘Creation’ story is one work comprised of several pieces, this took up the majority portion of the bands program. The NYSB is finding that the Lord is doing great things through this work, as the story of creation found in the book of Genesis is being delivered in a new and fresh way. There are moments of fun, moments of awe, and moments where the Holy Spirit is clearly moving through the audience. It was especially moving to hear that several people in attendance left the concert changed and with a renewed fire for Jesus.
In usual fashion, the band rounded out its ministry weekend by leading worship at the Chapel at Worthington Woods Salvation Army, something that is always poignant for the band. Of course, there was time for one more meal before heading to the airport, tired but blessed, and certain that God had used the New York Staff Band once more for His Kingdom work.
Simon Morton (NYSB BBb Bass)
