Friday, September 9, 2016 marked the beginning of a new season for the New York Staff Band as it helped to welcome the newest session of Cadets to the College for Officer Training. The NYSB supported and participated in worship by playing a few items that will be a part of the band’s repertoire for the coming season.
Kicking off the night’s festivities, the band played Steven Ponsford’s piece, “Let There Be Light.” This great new work from Steven features the song “Here I am to worship” and set a fabulous tone for what would be a great night.
At the request of our new Chief Secretary, Colonel Kenneth Johnson, the band played “He Giveth More Grace” by James Curnow. The words associated with this song were the centerpiece of his message.
He giveth more grace as our burdens grow greater,
He sendeth more strength as our labors increase,
To added afflictions he addeth his mercy,
To multiplied trials he multiplies peace.
His love has no limits, his grace has no measure,
His power no boundary known unto men;
For out of his infinite riches in Jesus
He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again.
When we have exhausted our store of endurance,
When our strength has failed ere the day is half done,
When we reach the end of our hoarded resources
Our Father’s full giving is only begun.
His love has no limits, his grace has no measure,
His power no boundary known unto men;
For out of his infinite riches in Jesus
He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again.
As a postlude the band played a fairly new work by Peter Graham, “To Boldy Go.” This exciting piece features the songs “I’ll go in the strength of the Lord” and “I’ll Not Turn Back”—fitting songs for this new session of cadets. This exciting piece will be featured quite often in the coming season.
It was a great night for The Salvation Army and the USA Eastern Territory, and the New York Staff Band, as always, was privileged to be a part of this wonderful event welcoming the Messengers of the Gospel session to the College for Officer Training!
