NYSB's 2005 Future All-Stars Weekend

by Aaron VanderWeele

 

On Sunday, February 20, 2005, The Salvation Army's Spring Valley (New York) corps was bursting well over capacity with a large and energetic crowd gathered for the New York Staff Band's 118 th Annual Festival featuring the band's 2005 cast of 'Future All-Stars'. The staff band's Annual Festival was the culmination of the 2 nd Annual NYSB Future All-Stars Weekend at the famous Star Lake Camp. The weekend drew sixty exceptional Salvationist musicians from the United States and Canada -all four U.S. territories were represented, plus delegates from Canada (including 7 from Newfoundland ).

Young adults aged 13-18 gathered for an exciting weekend of teaching and sharing with members of the New York Staff Band. Each delegate submitted a video-taped audition and went through an application process to be selected for the weekend. To keep attendance costs at a minimum (only $45 US per delegate plus transportation), all staff bandsmen were on duty for the weekend serving in various capacities. Some staff bandsmen served on the faculty-mixing and mentoring with delegates, while others, including the band's Executive Officer, served on the kitchen/food services crew, or kitchen clean-up/set-up crew.

Rehearsals began immediately Friday evening, February 18. The first person to speak directly to the collective group was B/M Ron Waiksnoris, who welcomed delegates to the weekend and congratulated them on their efforts in being selected. Waiksnoris, whose father was Promoted to Glory only days before the weekend began, was unable to remain for the full event while preparing Farewell Services with his family. He commended Gordon Ward, NYSB Deputy Bandmaster, to the group and, under Gordon's capable leadership, the weekend was off and running.

 

No less than 3½ hours of brass playing was done Friday evening before delegates were able to head to bed. The following day began with a hearty breakfast and more opportunity to fellowship with the entire staff band. Major Thomas Mack led the group in some inspiring devotions before each staff bandsman joined with two prayer partners from the All-Stars. Following devotions and prayers, it was back into sectionals and full band rehearsals. Before the day was done, a total of 7 hours of brass playing would be accomplished-enough to develop any embouchure!

 

The day concluded with a delightful time of fun and fellowship. It began with an international video greeting from B/M Stephen Cobb and the UK Territorial Youth Band, who had been meeting in Bournemouth , England the same week and who had been praying for our own Future All-Stars Weekend. It was then off to some rather funny moments of NYSB history with some select video footage (quite hilarious). Before retiring for the evening, all delegates and staff bandsmen got together for some games and a final opportunity to connect with prayer partners.

 

Sunday morning worship took place at the Spring Valley ( New York ) Corps under the leadership of the NYSB's Future All-Stars. Delegates provided both preliminary and special music in the service as well as sharing testimonies. Special presentations were given by Jenna Carr ( Northern New England ) in her vocal solo, Teach Me Thy Will and Gordon Ward's moving performance of Voice of Grace , arranged and accompanied by Future All-Star and current staff bandsman, Andrew Garcia (Greater New York).

 

The 118 th Annual Festival was highlighted by many memorable moments. Beginning with Dudley Bright's arrangement, In Good Company , the NYSB started and were joined during the performance by the amazing sound of an additional 60 brass instrumentalists. Other highlights were the debut of Dorothy Gates' new concert opener entitled All Glorious -an exciting and rhythmical composition based on the hymn tune, Hanover ; and James Curnow's brilliant and technically stunning transcription, Dance of the Jesters , which he arranged for and dedicated to the International Staff Band.

It was then time for the NYSB's Future All-Stars to take center stage and they did so with, Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee , from William Himes' suite Endless Praise . Following the rousing reception, the Future All-Stars whipped into Erik Leidzen's quick march, Manhattan , followed by a sparkling performance of the demanding cornet solo The Glorious Fountain by Future All-Star, Alan Tolcher, of the Flint, MI Citadel. Paul Drury's regal setting, Bound for the Promised Land was then featured before Major Thomas Mack came to lead the Future All-Star Chorus in Peace Like a River .

 

One of the more special moments this season then came with the presentation of a very special Letterman style jacket to Major Thomas Mack, for 35 consecutive years service to the NYSB---something never done before.

 

The All-Stars segment concluded with Eric Ball's classic tone poem, The Triumph of Peace , capped off by some brilliant playing on soprano and solo cornet, and solo euphonium.

 

The 90 piece massed band then formed for a wonderful conclusion to the weekend. Beginning with Peter Graham's Cossack Wedding Dance , the entire crowd was riveted by this tribute to SA work in Russia . Dick Krommenhoek's beautifully tranquil setting From that Sacred Hill followed before Dean Jones' magnificent work, Glorifico Aeternum seemed to raise the roof right off the Spring Valley chapel. In true NYSB fashion, two encores followed, The Stars and Stripes Forever and Rock of Ages -sung by all 90 participants.

 

It would not have been possible for the NYSB to mentor and come along side these 60 young people without the gracious support of the Howard L. Green Foundation. The NYSB is continually honored and humbled that the Lord continues to use us in this ministry and that we might be able to inspire others, as well as be inspired ourselves, through this extraordinary weekend.