This weekend found the New York Staff Band on its first ministry weekend of the 2015-2016 season and were privileged to be in Massachusetts for 3 days and minister in various ways.
Friday evening we were in Waltham where we would be launching their “Paint the Town Red” weekend. There was much more to come after our concert but we were very happy to be a part of this exciting time in Waltham. A few highlights for the evening included our first look at “Break Out” by Marcus Venables and a wonderful performance of “Classics in Brass” with the Waltham/Fall River Beginner Band. Below is the remainder of the program.
Waltham Concert Program
Raise the Song (Morton)
Brooklyn Citadel (Bearchell)
Maid of the Mist (arr Wilkinson)
Jesus Shall Conquer (Downie)
Fiesta (Graham)
Break-Out (Venables)
The Prayer (arr Trigg)
Band Chorus—He Giveth More Grace
Hillcrest (Broughton)
Classic in Brass—Featuring Waltham/Fall River
Beginners
Goodnight (arr Mackereth)
Penny Lane (arr Mackereth)
Big Little Fugue (Himes)
Saturday morning found us at Camp Wonderland where we were able to play together with Mass Brass, the divisional band for the Massachusetts Division. This was a great time of fellowship and music-making with some friends both young and old. This time was spent preparing music for our afternoon together at Quincy Market where would share a concert together. The first portion of the concert would be the NYSB alone and then we would be joined by the members of Mass Brass.
Quincy Market Concert Program
Joyful Intercessors (Mackereth)
When I’m 64 (arr Gates)
Here, There and Everywhere (arr Mackereth)
All You Need is Love (arr Gates)
Alone Yet Not Alone (arr Graham)
I Will Follow Him (arr Richards)
Mid All the Traffic (Ballantine)
Hillcrest (Broughton)
God Bless America (Himes)
Combined with Mass Brass
Deeds of Valour (Coles)
Amazing Grace (Himes)
Fountain (Himes)
Stars and Stripes Forever (Himes)
After some free time in Quincy Market we were on the move to Gordon College where we would be presenting a full concert. We were happy to also be joined by the Boston University Trombone Choir as well as their director, Don Lucas who would also perform a solo with the band. A few highlights of the evening included “Memory” performed by Soprano Soloist Chris Ward, “Fiesta” with guest soloist Don Lucas and “I will follow him” joined by the Boston University Trombone Choir. This was a spectacular venue and a very appreciative audience. If my tally is correct, we finished off the evening with 3 standing ovations! It was wonderful to see so many friends at this concert today including 6 alumni of the NYSB.
Gordon College Concert Program
Raise the Song (Morton)
Hillcrest (Broughton)
Memory (arr Catherall)
Deo Gloria (Tovey)
Alone Yet Not Alone (arr Graham)
Break-Out (Venables)
Featuring the Boston University Trombone Choir
Intermission
Goodnight (arr Mackereth)
Penny Lane (arr Mackereth)
Band Chorus—He Giveth more Grace
Prelude on the Hymn Tune Lavenham (Nobes)
Fiesta (Graham)
Featuring the Boston University Trombone Choir
There is a Redeemer (Pearce)
I Will Follow Him (arr Richards)
Big Little Fugue (Himes)
Our weekend concluded with a Sunday morning visit to the Lowell Corps for worship. Upon arrival, we were met with some friendly faces and a wonderful breakfast prepared by members of the corps. After some dedicated prayer time with just the members of the NYSB we were right into the meeting where we would lead the congregation of Lowell. A few highlights from the service included the recognition of a few Honor Junior Soldiers, a great and timely testimony from NYSB Bandsman Aaron Harris, a lovely offertory from Jason Collier at the piano and a powerful word from our Executive Officer, Lt Colonel Kenneth Maynor. This was a God honoring day that finished with the altars full and many people blessed! It was wonderful to be in Lowell and a part of the corps family for the day.
Thanks to all of our hosts during the weekend for taking care of so well on a great time together. Special thanks to our very own Matthew Luhn (Divisional Music Director) who pulled together all of the pieces on what was a fantastic weekend in New England.
