OCTOBER 23-24, 2021 — Harmony was achieved and was the outcome of the New York Staff Bands ministry weekend to the Philadelphia Kroc Center of the Pendel Division. The musical harmonies the band and chorus made were great and expected. However, it was the harmonies of fellowship which made the weekend even more special.

The weekend started with the Music and Arts forces of the Pendel Division coming together, young and older, to rehearse for their upcoming fall festival. Upon the arrival of the Staff Band, the groups joined to break some Chick-fil-A together. Following lunch, the NYSB treated the Pendel Music and

Arts groups to a mini concert, followed by a devotional brought to us by Major Josh Lyle.

The ministry continued as the men and women of the Staff Band split into groups to help lead sectionals for both the Pendel Youth Band and Pendel Brass, followed by Staff Band led full band rehearsals of the two groups. The musical instruction and insight on the interpretation of the music was useful and spot on. Yet, it was the relationship building, laughter and fellowship which proved to be useful in the harmonies made together.

After a year and a half of the NYSB not playing for a live audience, it was a real

pleasure to host the Staff Band for a concert. There were nearly 180 in attendance and many others, from all over the world, watching the livestream online. How incredibly awesome it was to see so many people, from all different walks of life, come together for such an event. For many in attendance, it was the first time ever hearing a brass band like the New York Staff Band and they exclaimed of how wonderful

it was. It was not only good to hear the harmonies of the band and chorus, but it was wonderful to see the excitement in the band’s demeanor, as it was evident that they were glad to be playing in front of a live audience again.

It was also a unique experience to have the Kroc Center’s Philly Jazz Orchestra to be a part of the concert. To have a traditional expression of Salvation Army music, like the Staff Band, share the stage with a unique expression of Salvation Army music through the Jazz Orchestra, was another great moment of beautiful harmony.

The concert started with some light jazz charts which would express the joy we all need in our lives. This was followed by the offerings of praise and worship through the ministry of the NYSB. Through the concert,

the listeners, as well as the band members, were challenged to consider how they will live their life for Christ. Ultimately, the concert ended with the challenge of asking God to “Light me,” as the band finished with “Shine As The Light” by Peter Graham. Bandmaster Derek Lance challenged all of us to leave with the same cry to “Light me,” so we can all make our lights shine in such a dark world.

The weekend ended with a spirit-led worship service at the Philly Kroc Corps. It was a wonderful time of experiencing different expressions of music and worship. The service provided a good mixing of these expressions through the leadership of the Staff Band,
the participation of congregation members leading songs and prayers, the Kroc Gospel Choir gospeling things up, Major Demetrius Stanford bringing the word to the listening ears and receptive hearts of the congregation.

In the end, harmony was achieved. Harmony was the highlight of the weekend. Men and women, from all walks of life, with different experiences, who look different and had different opinions, musical and non-musical came together — they made harmony.

Hopefully, this gives us the slightest glimpse into what heaven may be like.

Major Kevin Zanders (Philadelphia Kroc Director)