NEW YORK STAFF BAND FEATURED IN KINGSTON, NY
DURING 5TH ANNUAL BRASS BAND WEEKEND
by Captain James C. Kisser, Jr. CFRE
(former New York Staff Bandsman, 1981-1985, 1990-1994)

KINGSTON, NY - With a flourish of drums and a fanfare of brass, the 5th annual Brass Band Weekend of The Salvation Army in Kingston, NY (Captains James C. & Auxiliary Captain Deborah L. Kisser, corps officers) opened with "The Star-Spangled Banner" (arr. Erik Leidzen) to the obvious delight of the more than 500 concert-goers. Once again, the J. Watson Bailey Middle School auditorium served as the venue for the event as Staff Bandmaster Ronald Waiksnoris and Major Richard J. Munn, NYSB executive officer, navigated the concert program smoothly and skillfully.

Those in attendance, some for their fifth year, were thrilled with the virtuosity of cornet soloist Gordon Ward ("Whirlwind" - Peter Graham), trombone soloist Burt Mason ("The Old Rugged Cross" - Erik Leidzen), and euphonium soloist Aaron VanderWeele ("Better World" - Norman Bearcroft). Adding to the excitement of the evening was the presence of Lt. Colonel Norman Bearcroft and Major Kathleen Bearcroft, who were celebrating their fourth wedding anniversary, their courtship having begun at the NYSB festival in Kingston some years before!

The band's sparkling renditions were only rivaled by the lustrous shine of their brass instruments as they thrilled the concert-goers with exciting performances of "Since Jesus" and "Covenant Worship" (Leonard Ballantine); "Call of the Cossacks" (Peter Graham); "Just a Closer Walk"; and "Sounds Like Christmas" (Norman Bearcroft). The NYSB sent everyone home with hearts racing following their signature encore of "The Stars and Stripes Forever" (John Philip Sousa).

The band chorus, tastefully conducted by NYSB veteran Major Thomas V. Mack, enthralled its listeners with their offerings: "Ev'ry Time I Feel the Spirit" (arr. John Humdberg); "To Sing Your Grace" (R. Robinson/T. Mack); and their traditional choral benediction "Rock of Ages" (E. Leidzen).

The 120th anniversary of the Army's "opening fire" in Kingston was commemorated as City Clerk Kathy Janeczek presented Captain Kisser with a new red-and-white street sign emblazoned "The Salvation Army Way" to be displayed on the block of the street on which the Kingston Citadel Corps is located. This was presented on behalf of Kingston Mayor James Sottile.

During the Saturday evening festival, Advisory Board chairperson Karen Flynn, and Captain Kisser recognized the official kick-off of the 2006 Red Kettle Campaign. Recognized for exceptional bell-ringing assistance during the 2005 campaign with the Golden Kettle Award were Central Hudson Gas & Electric Company (William Flynn, accepting) and the Kingston Kiwanis Club (Rev. Richard Mueller, accepting).

The concert-goers were also treated to a "Sing-along with the New York Staff band" as Bandmaster Waiksnoris led the assemblage in singing familiar Christmas carols to the band's accompaniment.

On Sunday (November 19), the NYSB participated in an interactive worship experience at the Maple Ridge Bruderhof community in Ulster Park, NY. More than 450 individuals, both from the Kingston Citadel Corps and the Bruderhof community, joined in praising God with the NYSB, and the Bruderhof Organ and Strings.

As members of the community raised their voices in beautiful four-part harmonies, members of the NYSB prepared their hearts for their contributions to the worship service. Testimonies of God's grace by Bruderhof community members amplified the musical offerings of the New York Staff Band.

The morning worship service concluded with everyone joining the strings, organ, cornets and percussion in a joyous rendition of Handel's Hallelujah Chorus from "Messiah."

The message of the morning was presented by Major Munn based on the Scripture reading taken from II Timothy 1: 1-14, read by Captain Kisser. An impromptu mini-concert followed at the insistence of the worshippers who left their seats to surround the NYSB, encouraging them to continue playing as the congregants applauded heartily.

After a delicious lunch in front of a roaring fire in the huge fireplace at the Bruderhof community, the band was on its way to the next venue, the Hudson Valley Mall.

The Sunday afternoon festival of the NYSB took place in the center of the Food Court of the Hudson Valley Mall in Kingston, NY. Chairs and tables were removed by mall staff, and the NYSB was positioned in concert formation amidst those enjoying refreshments in the Food Court. After the band was situated, the seating was moved back surrounding the band, creating a "concert-in-the-round" atmosphere.

Major Munn and Captain Kisser co-chaired the program, focusing the spotlight on the Christmas work and 120th anniversary observance of The Salvation Army in Kingston. More than 2,000 holiday shoppers came under the musical influence of the NYSB during the mall concert which included inspirational, patriotic and seasonal selections.