JUNE 11, 2021 – During what has undoubtedly been the most challenging period for musical groups in living memory, one of the positives to arise has been the opportunity to witness the innovations that such challenges have brought. One of those has been the increased use of social media platforms to reach many more viewers than might ordinarily have been the case. Perhaps one of the most active brass bands anywhere in the world in this respect has been the New York Staff Band, which has been able to continue its ministry for much of the lockdown period and reach thousands in an online setting.

This joint concert between the NYSB and Eastern Territorial Staff Songsters displays just how far online concerts have come, with stunning production values and audio quality to match, and a wide range of camera angles and close-ups of the musicians placing the viewer in the midst of the action. The lyrics shown on screen throughout also provide another dimension and help in the viewer’s understanding of the music being presented. Shot in the hallowed halls of Centennial Memorial Temple in the heart of New York City, the groups provide a varied programme on the theme ‘Hope Assured’, which is introduced by the band’s Executive Officer, Lt. Col. Kathleen Steele.

Commencing with Martin Cordner’s festival march Crossbearers, the band is in fine form from the off, demonstrating a fine attention to detail and tight ensemble, despite being somewhat socially distanced. Richard Phillips’ arrangement of In Christ Alone showcases Aaron VanderWeele’s rich tone and extensive upper range, in which we are reminded of the truth that in Christ is my ‘light, my strength, my song.’

It is so good to hear the songsters, under their leader Erik Jones, after such an extended period without choirs being able to get together. The uplifting We are more than conquerors (Mark Hayes) was an apt choice to commence their programme, demonstrating the songsters’ clear diction and resonant tone.

The major work of the programme is Steven Ponsford’s Life Ablaze, which features three relatively modern worship songs – Happy Day, The Potter’s Hand and Everlasting God, which are woven together to provide a powerful worship experience. The band’s technique is razor sharp and its wide dynamic range was particularly apparent, from the ‘edge of the seat’ playing in the faster sections to a whispered pianissimo in the poignant middle movement.

 

The band’s second featured soloist is Eb tubist Chris Webster, who presents a delightful solo arranged especially for him for his graduation recital by Dorothy Gates, Nobody Does it Better, from the James Bond movie The Spy who Loved Me, which is cleverly merged with Jesus Loves Me.

Amazing God is a new song composed by Lee Fisher, Songster Leader at Droitwich Spa Corps in the UK. Erik Jones, in his introductory comments, revealed that the song reminds us all that “the God that created the Heavens and Earth is the same God that hears our prayers and walks besides us through all of life’s troubles.”

Worthy is the Lamb by Australian composer Roger Trigg, himself a member of the New York Staff Band between 1997 and 2001, is a piece that was new to this reviewer. Based on the Hillsong worship song of the same name, the music grows to a majestic and powerful conclusion and will be a useful addition to many corps bands’ repertoires.

 

The songsters’ next selection is Andrew Blyth’s I will Praise you, which proclaims that in all of our circumstances the Lord will be by our side, followed by Humbly Bow, featuring soloist Captain Margaret Quatela.

He watches is a new arrangement by Joel Collier of the much-loved song His eye is on the sparrow. A melancholy opening features a duet between solo cornet and trombone, before progressing from the minor key into a more optimistic major key setting of the tune.

 

Concluding the programme was NYSB alumni Peter Graham’s To Boldly Go, which was written for the 130th anniversary of the Melbourne Staff Band. Featuring the songs I’ll not turn back and I’ll go in the strength of the Lord, the band gives a scintillating rendition, which features notable solo contributions from Anthony Barrington (cornet) and Aaron VanderWeele (euphonium).

Although it is hoped that such concerts will be shared with live audiences again soon, there is no doubt that online presentations such as this can be a powerful ministry tool for the foreseeable future, and we look forward to receiving more such presentations from the NYSB and ETSS.

Report by Andrew Wainwright