After each season the New York Staff Band generally has to make a few changes to the band and this year was no different than any other with having to say goodbye to a number of players.
We would like to say a special thanks to Ian Anderson (Solo Cornet) and David Burgmayer (2nd Cornet) who helped out the band for the last part of the season and into the Boundless Congress. They both filled in wonderfully and quickly became part of the team. We also had to bid farewell to several permanent members of the band. Adam Fyn (1st Baritone) and Laura Fyn (2nd Horn) have left the band to head off to the College for Officer Training in the USA Western Territory. They will be greatly missed but are encouraged by the fact that members of the NYSB are deciding to enter full time ministry. Also leaving the band this year is Robert Jones (Percussion), Tim Ward (Solo Horn), John Opina (1st Cornet) and Martin Rosamilia (Flugelhorn). All of these guys have been huge contributors to the band and they will be greatly missed.
Although we are sad about the loss of so many valuable players we are blessed that we have been able to add some new members and even a few returning members to the band.
Returning to the band this year after some time out of the band is Aaron VanderWeele (Euphonium), Major Steve Ditmer (2nd Cornet) and Karen Shaffstall (1st Cornet). The new members that we have added are Jason Collier (1st Horn), Siran Farrar (2nd Horn) and Major Tom Dressler (2nd Cornet). We welcome these new and returning members and look forward to all of their contribution both musically and spiritually to the band.
Check out the updated personnel page for the latest band roster.
