Endowments What’s it like to be a member of the New York Staff Band? For starters, it’s incredibly demanding. Membership in the band means weekly rehearsals and monthly engagements. members must also devote time to private practice to sharpen musical abilities. In addition, the men and women of the band work full time in careers such as accountant, computer specialist, media ministries specialist, or professional musician. Others attend school full time. Family responsibilities and participation in the corps (The Salvation Army’s local church) are priorities, too. So why do Salvationist musicians eagerly audition for membership in the group? There’s the camaraderie and adventure, of course, and the satisfaction of making great music together. But there’s something else. Phil Smith, principal trumpet of the New York Philharmonic, describes it this way, “For some of my formative years, musically and spiritually, I was a member of the New York Staff Band. The Love of Christ, as expressed through music and song, was then and still is what motivates this fine ensemble of Christian musicians.” Not everyone can be part of the group. But through financial support, everyone can further the ministry of the band. Here’s how.   Contribute to an endowment Travel Endowment Rationale:   While much of the band’s travel is funded in traditional ways, some engagements are not. This includes tours outside the USA, such as to developing countries. It also includes some events within the territory, such as meetings of the International Trumpet Guild. The leadership of the band is committed to making its ministry available to the widest possible audience. To assure that financial considerations do not limit the mission of the band, an endowment has been set up to underwrite such engagements. Guidelines:   The earnings from this endowment will be used to assist in funding tours or events outside the USA Eastern Territory or events within the territory not usually supported by Salvation Army funds. The tour or event shall express the ministry of the band, develop music education programs, and further the ministry of The Salvation Army.   Contribute to an endowment Education Endowment Rationale:   The Staff Band’s musical accomplishments are at a professional level. In fact, many in the group are professionally trained musicians. But every member auditions to become part of the group and volunteers his or her services. To attract and hold younger members, it is vital to find a way for them to continue their education while maintaining full participation in the band. The New York Staff Band Education Endowment has been established to address that concern. It will help fund advanced education for current members. Guidelines:   The earnings from this endowment will be used to assist in funding advanced education for current members of the New York Staff Band. An advanced degree and/or private study will be considered. Recipients of the endowment must be active Salvationists and available for full participation in the band. They will be recommended by the bandmaster and reviewed for recommendation by the band board to the territorial chief secretary.   Contribute to an endowment