On the weekend of October 19–20, Montclair Citadel hosted a remarkable Fall Festival concert featuring two renowned brass ensembles: Imperial Brass from New Jersey, under the leadership of former NYSB Bandmaster Ronald Waiksnoris, and The New York Staff Band, led by Derek Lance. Both bands presented varied programs, ensuring that there was something for everyone.
The first half of the concert began with Imperial Brass. Traditional marches, a jazz cornet solo by Warren Vache, and classic SA repertoire were all well received by the knowledgeable audience. A highlight was the euphonium solo Shepherd’s Song, played sensitively by Principal Euphonium and former NYSB member Ryan McCrudden.
The NYSB’s opening piece, Motivation by William Himes, set an energetic and thrilling tone for their portion of the program, with technical skill and vibrant brass sounds on full display. This was quickly followed by a newer piece, Thy Tribute Bring by John Barber, which has quickly become a band favorite, featuring the hymn tune Praise My Soul. Highlights included another euphonium solo, this time from NYSB Principal Euphonium Aaron Vanderweele, who performed Erik Leidzen’s classic Song of the Brother and Gavin Lamplough’s How I Love You.
RSA’s On Ratcliff Highway is solidified as a major and classic brass work, both in SA banding circles and in the broader brass world. The piece paints a picture of life in the East End of Victorian London and the early work of William Booth and The Salvation Army. A printed overview and accompanying video really helped listeners understand the depth and character of this piece, which can be overwhelming to those unfamiliar with the theme.
Following the devotional by Lt. Colonel David Davis, the NYSB’s newly appointed Executive Officer, the bands’ final piece was Holy Forever by Marcus Venables, a new and stirring number that brought the appreciative audience to their feet. In typical NYSB fashion, the band chorus closed the successful evening with their vocal benediction, Rock of Ages.
The following day, the bands’ ministry took a different form, focusing on the worship aspect of brass music at the Camden Kroc Center Corps in Camden, NJ.
The service opened with Trust by Ty Watson, And Can It Be, arranged by Andrew Wainwright, and a moving rendition of Battle Belongs by Simon Morton, which gave the energetic congregation the opportunity to join in worship with the band.
Throughout the service, the worship experience was enhanced by various congregational songs and vocal selections. Come Thou Fount, arranged by Gavin Whitehouse, brought a spirit of praise, with the band leading the congregation in a hymn full of joyful intensity. The NYSB’s chorus also participated, performing Fill Me Now by Leslie Condon, a beautiful choral piece that added a rich vocal layer to the service, enhancing its spiritual depth. Other items of praise and worship, led by Devonte Thompson, rounded out the band’s offerings to an audience that would ordinarily have the chance to worship on Sunday morning with a full brass band.
