The New York Staff Band visited the Empire State Division on November 16th and 17th, 2013 to help us welcome in the Christmas season and celebrate 130 years of service for the Schenectady Citadel corps.
The weekend began with a “Kettle Celebration” for the Capital Region held at the Clifton Park Center Mall in Clifton Park, New York. They played to a large crowd in the food court area where tables and information were available for those interested in helping with the kettle effort. This year, Jack Byrne, was recognized for his and his dealership’s long standing support of The Salvation Army in Troy, NY.
During the concert in the mall, the band played a number of items including, “Valero,” “Glorious Ventures,” by cornet soloist, D/BM, Gordon Ward, and an all time Christmas favorite, Erik Leidzen’s “Christmas Joy.” The band finished with a stirring rendition of William Himes, “God Bless America.” Many hearts were stirred and the mall grew silent until the last refrain when the people joined in singing. All enjoyed the concert.
From there, the band moved on to Schenectady, NY. That evening they joined with the band and songsters of Schenectady Citadel to enjoy food and fellowship at the corps building. After dinner, the band moved on to the First United Methodist church in Schenectady, NY for a quick sound check with the Corps’ Youth Band for their joint presentation that evening with the band. As the Divisional Music Director, I was thrilled for the young people of the corps to have this opportunity. I loved seeing their faces glow when B/M Ronald Waiksnoris told them they did a great job in rehearsal.
Preliminary music for the concert was provided by the Schenectady Citadel songster brigade. During the concert there were a number of highlights, including, the playing of “The Schenectadian,” by Stanley Ditmer, in honor of our Corps’ heritage. Other highlights included, “Essence of Faith,” by Marcus Venables featuring soloist, Derek Lance and the Band Chorus singing, “My Treasure,” arranged by Post. But the most exciting number overall for those present was the opportunity to hear the young people of the Schenectady Citadel Corps play “Young Crusaders” by Andrew Mackereth with confidence and fervor with The New York Staff Band. A standing ovation followed for the young people. During the concert, a corps history book was unveiled written by Corps Bandsman Jeremy Allen. Jeremy put many hours of research into the book and was a great surprise and treasure to the soldiers and friends of the corps. The evening was a great success and the band was in fine form. The over 300 people present thoroughly enjoyed the evening.
The next morning the band found themselves at the historic First Presbyterian Church in the Stockade District of Schenectady, NY. With a congregation of over 500 people comprised of congregants from the Presbyterian Church and friends, family and soldiers of the Schenectady Citadel Corps, the band ushered us into worship with their many preliminary selections. The band played a number of items but the highlight for me was the joining of the pipe organ with the band to accompany the many spirit filled hymns of the church. The Schenectady Citadel songsters joined with the church choir to sing, “Know My Heart,” arranged by Harlan. Following the service the band joined in fellowship time and a nice lunch before heading home.
Overall, it was a very successful and encouraging weekend for the Empire State Division, specifically to the Captial Region and Schenectady Citadel Corps. As the Divisional Music Director, I will continue to see the benefits of the visit in our musicians of all ages and the communities that benefited from the visit. To God be all the Glory!
by Erik Jones – Divisional Music Director (Empire Division)
