NYSB Puerto Rico 2008 Report

The New York Staff Band Goes to Puerto Rico

Earlier this November, the New York Staff Band had the wonderful opportunity to minister in Puerto Rico. Over 15 years have passed since the NYSB’s legendary visit to the furthest division in the Eastern Territory, so this was a long overdue return visit to this beautiful island. It was very evident that The Salvation Army is thriving and flourishing in Puerto Rico, and it was fantastic for the members of the band not only to serve and further support The Salvation Army’s mission, but to be encouraged and uplifted by the great things happing in the corps we visited.

The band’s visit served a few practical purposes: to raise awareness in the community of San Juan of the opening of the Christmas kettle efforts, to dedicate a beautiful new corps building in the city of Ponce, to uplift the Salvation Army soldiers, and spread the message of Christ. The first event for the band was an Annual Luncheon for the city of San Juan at the spectacular San Juan Hotel. The band’s visit also coincided with the visit of the Territorial Executive Committee (TEC), consisting of the territorial and divisional leaders of the Eastern Territory, who were also at the luncheon. The crowd in attendance, consisting of community leaders from San Juan, thoroughly enjoyed the Christmas music played by the band, a highlight of which was a special march written by native Puerto Rican composer, Louis Torres, entitled Puerto Rican Christmas featuring several traditional Puerto Rican Christmas songs.

The next day, the band was privileged to be featured among several local performers and ensembles at the “Concierto De Esperanza Para El Pueblo” in the elegant “Teatro De La Universidad De Puerto Rico” (the Theater of the University of Puerto Rico). A featured item which was very well received was a new item written by Dorothy Gates for the NYSB Chorus based on the popular chorus David Danced. The crowd roared at the second verse which was sung in Spanish by the band. One of the most amazing items on the program was the “Coro de Nino’s de San Juan” (Children’s Choir of San Juan) accompanied by the Youth Orchestra from the arts high school. What an amazing talented group of young musicians! Such a clear and mature sound. Truly amazing. The final item of the program featured these three groups in a massed item entitled Creos en Dios, which brought a close to a very memorable and enjoyable concert.

Sunday brought about our trip across the island to the city of Ponce. This was the opening weekend of their fantastic new corps building, and it was our privilege to take part. After a ribbon cutting outside, we began a lively worship service in the new chapel, which was already filled to capacity! It was so exciting to see how the Lord is moving through The Salvation Army in this corps. The singing company sang, the praise and worship band played, the sacred dance troupe danced….It’s very obvious that things are going well for this corps. As has been said and still holds true, the highlight of any band trip always seems to be the Sunday morning worship. How wonderful to see cultural differences and language barriers be overcome by true worship experience. Music is a powerful language that the Lord uses to move among His people, and the message of the band’s featured selection of the morning, Turris Fortisima (Stephen Ponsford), holds true… The name of the Lord is a strong tower!

After a tasty lunch of roasted pig (really good!), the band headed to the local mall “Plaza del Caribe Mall” for a chance to get out into the community and spread the name of Jesus and raise awareness to the work of The Salvation Army. Even as the band was just setting up, large crowds began to form and draw in from all directions. It was so encouraging to see such a positive reaction that maintained throughout the program. Once again, the band featured mainly Christmas music to draw people’s minds to the quickly approaching Season, and the need that comes with it. However, one of the crowd favorites, which happened to be a crowd favorite throughout the weekend, was Old Man River ( arr. Mark Freeh). This is a fast swing arrangement which is blast to play, and heavily features Bob Jones on the drum set. The audience cheered as Bob riled them up with an extended solo featuring his patented gradually speeding drum roll while maintaining the normal beat with the bass drum.

The band truly enjoyed the weekend, and felt that its mission to raise spirits and awareness, and most importantly to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ remained clear. It is our hope that it doesn’t take another 20 years for a return! It’s amazing to see how God is moving in other parts of the World, and encouraging to see that He is still using the New York Staff Band and Salvation Army music to reach people.

- Staff Bandsman Jeff Barrington