SEPTEMBER 10, 2021 – After a season and a half of uncertainty, the New York Staff Band was finally able to get back to the band room during the first week of September 2021! The band hit the ground running with a packed first duty weekend just three days later.
It was great to welcome some new and returning members to the ranks, including Major Michelle Dressler on second cornet, Major Josh Lyle on first cornet and new to the band in the percussion section, Edward Hardy of the Orange, NJ Corps.
The band immediately started working on all of the music in preparation for the annual Welcome to the Cadets meeting at the Centennial Memorial Temple in New York City, including Peter Graham’s Shine as the Light (25th anniversary since it was written).
The band didn’t wander too far from the city after the Friday evening program as the following day, Saturday, September 11th would mark the 20th anniversary of the attacks on the World Trade Center.
The New York Staff Band was honored to take part in one of several remembrance services being held around NYC. At the Centennial Memorial Temple, a short prayer and reflection time took place inside the hall followed by the names of each victim being read via live stream from ground zero. The band split in two ensembles and for more than four hours, played hymns and reflective music on the steps of the CMT.
Families of the victims were invited inside while people passing by stopped to listen and meditate, clearly moved by the memories of that day. It was a special time and a good reminder of how impactful music ministry can be to the soul.
Early the following morning, the NYSB met at the beautiful Ocean Grove Great Auditorium down on the Jersey Shore. The first Sunday of September has historically been Salvation Army day at the Ocean Grove Camp Meetings and this year the band was pleased to be the musical guest. A powerful rendition of Shine as the Light was a highlight of the morning service but not to be outdone, the massive pipe organ joined with the band in William Himes’ O Boundless Salvation literally shaking the floor as the large congregation sang along.
It was a real treat and a blessing to be able to play to live audiences and congregations once again, kick starting the 2021/22 season which will see the New York Staff Band visiting Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, PA, some exciting joint concerts with fantastic local ensembles, a new recording project with some high profile brass musicians from New York in addition to the annual Future All Stars Weekend.
Stay tuned for more updates throughout the season and be blessed.
Simon Morton (NYSB Bb Bass)
WELCOME TO CADETS FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 10 – 7:15 PM
Consecration (Brian Bowen)
The Risen King (Andrew Wainwright)
Who is on the Lord’s Side (Richard Philips)
Beaumont (George Dickens)
Cairo Red Shield (Albert Raikes)
Shine as the Light (Peter Graham)
Storm the Forts of Darkness (William Himes)
The Conqueror (Marcus Venables)
9-11 MEMORIAL – SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 11 – 7:45 AM
ABJ AND HALLELUJAH CHORUS FAVORITES
OCEAN GROVE – SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 – 10:15 AM
Consecration (Brian Bowen)
The Risen King (Andrew Wainwright)
All Hail the Power (William Himes)
O Church Arise (William Himes)
Shine as the Light (Peter Graham)
O Boundless Salvation (William Himes)
The Conqueror (Marcus Venables)
