The New York Staff Band celebrated its 128th Anniversary with another exciting and blessed Annual Festival at the Centennial Memorial Temple.  This year we were privileged to have with us world renowned conductor, pianist and composer, Bramwell Tovey and christian recording artist Sara Groves.

Although the concert was on Sunday evening the festivities began for the band on Friday when we started our rehearsal time with Maestro Tovey.  This was a phenomenal experience for the band and it was quickly understood why he is one of the biggest names in the world of conducting.  The band responded very well to his leading and instruction.  In addition to his conducting duties, Tovey also would be playing the piano with the band on “Fantasia – Christ is the Answer” by Ray Steadman-Allen.  This was also a wonderful treat for the band.

When the festival arrived on Sunday, it was clear that the band was going to be in top form and that was evident from the exciting start to the concert with “Power and the Glory” by Paul Lovatt-Cooper.  This new piece was written for the bands upcoming trip to the United Kingdom to be a part of the Salvation Army’s Boundless Congress. This piece was followed by another new work from the bands very own, Simon Morton.  His piece “Raise the Song” is a welcomed addition to the folder and will be used many more times in the future.

Maestro Tovey came to the stage next to take us through one of his own pieces, “Deo Gloria”.  This exciting piece was written for the retirement of former New York Philharmonic Principal Trumpet Player, Phil Smith.  After taking us through this great new piece he then took his place at the piano for “Christ is the Answer” and then followed this up with an encore of “Jesus Loves Me”.  These two items showed his versatility on the piano by playing in both a classical and jazz style.

Sara Groves was a wonderful addition to the concert and we were all blessed by her wonderful voice and inspirational stories.  She sang four items in this initial set but the highlight of this time was “When the Saints”.  Sara would later return for another set that would include “The Long Defeat”.

Sara and the New York Staff Band joined for a few items.  Probably her most popular and recognizable song is “He’s Always Been Faithful”.  Her singing on this was wonderful and it was a privilege to provide accompaniment for this event.  Our next combined item, “Why it Matters” would put Sara center stage to sing while Maestro Tovey played the band piano and the band played.  This was a real treat and one of the highlights of the night.

Throughout the entire evening Bramwell Tovey provided wonderful stories and introductions between the pieces.  He is a wonderful entertainer and had the audience fully engaged throughout the whole evening.  Bramwell would take us through a few more items on the evening including “Shine as the Light”, “Crown of Conquest” and “In Quiet Pastures” but the highlights for the evening for most would probably be the playing of his brand new arrangement (finished on the plane) of the tune “Crimond” and Eric Balls epic work, “Kingdom Triumphant”.  It was a remarkable treat to play under such an inspirational leader.

This was a wonderful evening of music and worship and the New York Staff Band was very privileged to share the stage with such humble and talented guests.  As we close the book on this one we look forward to what the future holds for this great annual event.