NY Staff Band

The Story of the NY Staff Band Weekend in

Middletown, NY

By Elizabeth Hanna

"The Story of Salvation Army Bands is a romance.... Now we who have thought about music have discovered that the secret of its marvelous influence is it's quick appeal to the human heart. Relation of music is not to the idea but to the emotions. Music does not first sound the depths of knowledge. It first sounds the depth of feeling. It does not excite to argument or criticism. It awakens a yearning to listen, to receive, and to follow." These are the words of Evangeline Booth.

I was ironing Saturday morning on the day the NY Staff Band would be coming to Middletown for a full weekend of it's "marvelous influence!" Coincidentally, I was listening to the words above and got lost in the beautiful captivating voice our Founder's daughter. Later that night I would recall her words as Major Munn spoke about the passion that music elicits and how this yearning causes us to give music greater importance than practical matters when given an ultimatum.

It started in the mall. When I walked down the long stairway that led from the upper level to the center court I could see their sparkling presence and hear the exuberance resounding through the huge open space of the mall. This is my band I was thinking. I am wearing a uniform of the same Salvation Army. I am a child of God in this church that could be home to me almost any place in the world. This band represents the glorious sounds of praise to Jesus Christ that infiltrate the world with music of all kinds through the Salvation Army. This was the modern day "open air" according to Major Munn. Was I the only one who yearned to "follow" in that moment? I think not!

I was a self appointed greeter at the Middle School Saturday evening. It was raining outside but the people poured in despite the weather. The Advisory Board, who arranged the weekend with the Corps Officers, were somewhat anxious yet excited. We, the Corps Council, Advisory Board and the Band had just come from a community dinner together. It was a lovely time of fellowship and becoming acquainted. Interesting stories of previous "billets" were told around the tables. "I've had the worst and the best." I heard one band member say and continue on with the story! In the back of my mind I am thinking: "Is my house clean enough? Will "my guy" be comfortable? Will our hosting be a good story?" Staff Bandsman Burt Mason was to stay with us that night. He was a delight and we enjoyed his company.

What an honor to welcome the Bearcrofts that night! I had just met Major Bearcroft a couple days prior on a visit to our historical museum with the 3 Donald Spencers! She gave us a tour which inspired love and interest of our Salvationist history. I also learned a bit about her husband's legendary life with and contributions to the Army. Well, that night she gave me (I guess) a well deserved reprimand for wearing earrings with my uniform. The following day she was happy to see them missing.

That night in an auditorium filled with the community of Middletown , NY the New York Staff Band rung the powerful message of Jesus Christ in the special way they do! It makes me feel that the wearing of the uniform throughout the community will take on a new meaning! Not only do I ring bells, and give out donuts and personal support to the troops (by representation) but now I have a magnificent beautiful band behind me which "first sounds the depth of feeling." The Cornet Duet, the Euphonium Duet, the melodious voices of all the Bandmembers singing in unison, made it a night to remember.

I tried to watch each musician individually to capture the spirit of each person and instrument. It was difficult; however, as the purpose intended is to be captured by the whole as one. I am sure that their success would be acquiesced in that by the entire audience!

The Sunday Morning Worship Service is the most sacred time of the week when we gather to express our adoration of our Lord and God in the most special way. We met at our neighboring church, The Webb Horton Memorial for a joint service. Entering the voluminous sanctuary with the vision of crisp formal uniforms and bright and shiny instruments at the head of the church was breathtaking! There was a minute taken to rearrange the seating of the kids to dispel the temptation of distraction in a new place. I sat down close to the front, close to my Captains, the Spencers, and with my husband. There were miracles to be today, I could feel it in the air... The band started to play Holy Ground and my heart nearly exploded. Then Amazing Grace and tears of joy flowed down my face. There was no one there without the "yearning to receive." It would be impossible. We were invited to sing several songs as the band played and my usually loud and clear voice cracked in an attempt to join in. The voices of the Band Chorus again filled the open space and into our hearts and lives. The piano accompaniment was again moving and delightful.

Mrs. Spencer called the children up front for a lesson about how God completes the work of those who trust in Him and depend on Him. Her use of PB&J and bread instead of fish and loaves helped bring it home for them and was an excellent refresher on that message for all of us!

Major Munn also spoke about defeating the odds. He quoted John's gospel: He breathed on them and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit." I imagined the breadth of Jesus on me as the Holy Spirit filled the room and our lives. He concluded his message by imploring us to allow the Breadth of the Holy Spirit to give us the power to "refuse to entomb ourselves by forces that intimidate us" just as Jesus refused to remain behind the tomb.

We descended to the lower level of the church for a covered dish dinner after "O Boundless Salvation" as the benediction. The entire congregation of the day was invited to attend. Now, it would seem that there could be nothing new under the sun for the afternoon performance after such uplifting and all encompassing music already enjoyed! But the opposite is true.

The Band led a nearly two hour event at the Corps in the afternoon! It was another "edge of the seat" kind of event. I loved Norman Bearcroft's "Saved to Serve" and it was fun to watch him conduct. Of course, really being home now made it special too. The "Cossack Wedding Dance" reminded us of Captain Oxana O'Gara who remains dear to our hearts in Middletown .

I will now conclude my story of the NY Staff Band weekend in Middletown with Major Munn's words taken from Reverend Susan Wonderland's morning message: "Recall with great vigor The Season of the Empty Cross and of the Empty Tomb!"