MARCH 14-16, 2025 – Future All Stars Weekend (FAW) brought together young brass players and members of the New York Staff Band (NYSB) for an inspiring weekend of music, mentorship, and community. The event, held at Star Lake Lodge, culminated in a powerful worship service and a public concert at the Montclair Corps. The weekend’s schedule balanced rehearsals, sectionals, devotions, and fellowship, creating an unforgettable experience for both the young musicians and the seasoned members of the NYSB.
The weekend began with the setup crew arriving early at Star Lake Lodge to prepare for the weekend’s events. Registration took place shortly after as delegates from around the Eastern Territory and Canada arrived to begin their journey alongside the NYSB.
After dinner, the evening began with the first of many rehearsals and it was evident from the first notes played that this was an exceptional group of young musicians. This was followed by sectional rehearsals, where different sections from cornets to percussion worked in smaller groups to hone their individual parts.
The night ended with snacks and devotions fostering both spiritual reflection and camaraderie among the participants. Erin Morgan from the Spiritual Life Department at THQ was the devotional guest and based her thoughts around the main piece of music being rehearsed, Martin Cordner’s ‘Wake Up the Saint.’ The last rehearsal of the day concluded at 11:00 pm before the 12:00 am curfew.
Saturday morning came quickly and began with a casual breakfast followed by devotions and prayer partners. The schedule for the day was full of rehearsals with a few small breaks for snacks and meals but all in attendance, young and old, took it in their stride and really gave full effort even after hours and hours of playing. After quickly packing everything up, a small crew headed over to Montclair Citadel to set up the band ready for worship and the finale the next day. The remaining band members and delegates gathered for a reflective time of worship, with no instruments, and with Erin Morgan wrapping up the points discussed throughout the devotional times. A real sense of peace came over the room as everyone sang ‘Be Still for the Presence of the Lord’ really bringing the purpose of the event into focus.
The final day of the weekend began with breakfast at 7:45 am before the whole group departed for Montclair Citadel.
The Sunday morning worship service was an important part of the FAW experience, featuring moving music, such as ‘Wholly Thine’ – Rachel Ewing and ‘Shine as the Light’ – Peter Graham, as well as testimonies from various participants, including Joseph Abdelwaly from the Queens Temple Corps. The sermon, delivered by FAW attendee and current NYSB 2nd Horn, Zoe Zanders, set the tone for the powerful performances to come.
The finale concert showcased the talents developed over the weekend, with pieces like ‘Winning’ – Ty Watson, ‘The Conqueror’ – Marcus Venables, ‘Shine as the Light’ – Peter Graham, and of course Martin Cordner’s ‘Wake Up the Saint’. The NYSB, alongside the young musicians, played with passion and precision, bringing the weekend to a rousing conclusion.
Future All Stars Weekend provided young brass musicians with an incredible opportunity to perform alongside the NYSB, while also growing spiritually and building lasting relationships. The event was both a musical and spiritual success, leaving participants eager for the next opportunity to play their horns for the Lord!
