NYSB-GOD AND COUNTRY WEEKEND

Columbus , Ohio

By Aaron VanderWeele

 

 

The year 2005 marked the 20 th Anniversary of the God and Country Concert in Columbus , Ohio . It also marked the 3 rd occasion in which the New York Staff Band [NYSB] served as the guest band for this prestigious concert. The annual event was initiated and developed by the late Brigadier Arthur B. Hill and combines hometown heroes-The Brass Band of Columbus [BBC], who have appeared faithfully at every such concert, and a select SA band. The concert is free of charge with a large free will offering going to support the Army's work in Columbus .

 

The NYSB left Newark Airport on Friday March 18, 2005 and were met in Columbus by Area Music Coordinator, Dr. Keith Wilkinson. The band was able to rest Friday evening before officially beginning the weekend with a clinic for the Central Ohio Youth Band [COYB]-a recent initiative developed by Wilkinson that combines approximately 35 young people from inside and outside the Army playing their brass instruments and being exposed to the Army's wealth of quality repertoire (and the Message contained therein). Several young people and their families have come to the Army's ranks through this endeavor, so the NYSB was only too pleased to help out.

 

The NYSB played several items before sectional rehearsals were led by principals of staff band. Following an enjoyable time of fellowship the COYB took the stage to play for an interested crowd of staff bandsmen.

 

It was then off to Ohio State University to meet up with the BBC for a sound check and massed band rehearsal. The OSU campus boasts a gorgeous 2,500 seat auditorium complete with superb acoustics proving a quality home for the God and Country Concert over the last several years. Having participated several times, it was great for the NYSB to renew acquaintances and meet up with old friends, plus form new friendships with our colleagues in Columbus .

 

After a meal together, it was finally time for the 20 th Annual God and Country Concert to begin.

 

There was a generous and receptive crowd on hand for this milestone concert and it was apparent in BBC's playing of their concert opener, Ray Farr's stirring INTRADA EIN FESTE BURG. The NYSB was then marched in by BBC and went straight into John Williams' arrangement of THE STAR-SPANGLED BANNER (recently recorded by the band on the upcoming GLORIFICO! recording).

 

Several highlights followed from the NYSB in Dorothy Gates' new concert overture, ALL GLORIOUS, Terry Camsey's new cornet solo THE VICTOR, played impeccably by D B/M Gordon Ward. I was also afforded the opportunity to solo on the night, and did so with Robert Redhead's recent major work, OCHILLS (recorded on the upcoming release AIR 'N VARIATIONS).

 

In true NYSB fashion, the Band Chorus offered up a selection in Dorothy Gates' arrangement PEACE, before Peter Graham's delightful romp COSSACK WEDDING DANCE. The band finished up its program with Norman Bearcroft's tricky little march, THE SEAFARER, and finally Dean Jones' thrilling selection GLORIFICO AETERNUM, to which the NYSB was greeted with a standing ovation.

 

The final portion of the program brought both bands together for several massed band pieces: Ivor Bosanko's well-known MARCHING ONWARD, Keith Wilkinson's transcription of Gustav Holst's FIRST SUITE IN Eb, Leonard Ballantine's superb setting, MID ALL THE TRAFFFIC, and finally James Curnow's technically demanding transcription, DANCE OF THE JESTERS by Tchaikovsky.

 

The culmination of the weekend was area-wide Sunday services that featured the NYSB as musical guests. The band was on duty in the Sunday morning Holiness service where the band's Executive Officer, Lt. Colonel Gil Reynders, delivered the Message. The staff band also provided an afternoon praise concert with the COYB, which included several highlights: the band's premiere of Philip Sparke's Scottish spectacular DONDONNELL, some brilliant playing in the cornet trio, THE HERALDS (featuring Gordon Ward, Chris Ward and Jeff Barrington), the COYB's playing of ASSIGNMENT (Dudley Bright), a moving vocal solo by James Anderson, HE'S ALWAYS BEEN FAITHFUL and Peter Graham's majestic and powerful selection, THE LAST AMEN.

 

It was good for the NYSB to have been a part of this weekend, where it was able to further its threefold mission: to bring public awareness to the work of The Salvation Army, to support fund raising efforts and to provide a model of ministry and music making