NYSB in Florida

THE NYSB IN FLORIDA

It was sunny and 24 degrees in New York when the NYSB boarded a plane and headed for Orlando, Florida. Greeted by sunny skies and 65 degrees the NYSB embarked on a weekend of ministry in The Villages, Winter Haven, and Vero Beach. The Band was greeted by enthusiastic listeners at each venue. It was a great opportunity to both share the Gospel through music and share the mission of The Salvation Army.

The first stop for the Band was The Church on the Square in The Villages, Florida. The Band was greeted by George Holmes, former NYSB member, who helped coordinate and make arrangements for the Concert at the Church on the Square in The Villages. The Band played to a crowd of about 700, many of whom were Salvationists from the Eastern Territory now residing in Florida. The Band opened the Concert with The Olympic Fanfare, after introductions, the 90 minute concert included Breezin Down Broadway, Whirlwind (a cornet solo by gordon Ward), Sirocco, Band Chorus: Bound for Jubilee, Trombone solo by Burt Mason - The Old Rugged Cross, The Suite - Rhapsody in Brass, New York, New York, Euphonium Solo by Aaron VanderWeele - Bravura, Scarborough Fair, Band Chorus: Ride The Chariot, The Light of the World - conducted by George Holmes and Call of the Cossacks

(The Band at the Church on the Square in The villages, Florida)

At 7:00 a.m. on Saturday morning, the Band got on the bus and headed for The Salvation Army in Winter Haven to conduct a Music Councils and a Mini Concert for Salvationists from the Florida Division. Divisional Music, Director Stephen Burn and the Corps Officers from the Winter Haven Corps hosted the event which provided many "budding" musicians an opportunity to learn from and play with the NYSB. After the Music Councils, the Band played a mini-concert.

(B/M Ronald Waiksnoris and Stephen Burn at Winter Haven)

(NYSB Member Burt Mason and a young musician from Florida)

(Musicians from Florida playing with the NYSB)

After the Music Councils in Winter haven, the Band headed to Vero Beach. Many thanks to Cal Green and Pastor Robert Baggett and the Community Church of Vero Beach who both invited the Band to Florida and provided the financial resources for the Band to make the trip.

After arriving in Vero Beach, the Band was taken to John's Island where enthusiastic members of the Church provided billets for the Band members. A Dinner held at a private residence allowed those hosting Band Members to both enjoy a great meal together and to learn a little more about The Salvation Army. The Band Chorus sang Bound For Jubilee and Ride The Chariot. A Jazz Ensemble, performing music arranged by Band member Dorothy

Gates provided music that was loved by all.

(Pastor Bob Baggett welcoming the NYSB)

On Sunday morning the Band participated in two Worship Services at the Community Church of Vero Beach. During these Services, the Band united with the Church Choir for two numbers, His Provision and All That I Am. Church Music Director - Jose Daniel Flores conducted both numbers. the Band also played Intrada on Duke Street, The Light of the World, and A Fanfare of Praise.

(NYSB rehearsing with the Choir from the Community Church of Vero Beach)

(Morning Worship Service)

After an enjoyable afternoon spent with the Billets, the Band returned to the Church for an evening Concert. The Band was greeted once again by an enthusiastic crowd. The Concert Program consisted of Olympic Fanfare, Minneapolis IV, To Set the People Free (cornet duet featuring Michael Baker and Derek Lance), Sirocco, Band Chorus numbers: Bound For Jubilee and Ride The Chariot,

Motherless Child (cornet solo featuring Gordon Ward), Call of the Cossacks, When the Saints Go Marching In, The Old Rugged Cross (featuring trombonist Burt Mason), Bravura (Euphonium solo by Aaron VanderWeele), and Variations on Maccabeus.

On Monday, before returning on an evening flight, Band Members were able to spend a few hours at Disney's Epcot Center.

(Band Members Victoria Ward and Stephen Ditmer enjoy Epcot)