NY Staff Band

The 2006 Staff Band Retreat

For two days, all the current members of the staff band, along with spouses, and some friends, gathered at the Hamilton Park Conference Center in Florham Park, New Jersey. The event was much anticipated as it was a chance to relax, enjoy each other's fellowship and most importantly spend some time in spiritual renewal and regeneration. We were blessed to have as our guests the most honorable Lt. Colonels Ray (O.F.) and Joy Steadman-Allen.

Before I tell you about that, let me dispel some assumptions you may have. As a first year member of the band, I had no clue what to expect, and assumed a "Band Retreat" would be similar to many retreats I have experienced growing up in Army and school musical ensembles. Traditionally, "Retreat" was code for a weekend of very long, strenuous rehearsals. I was very happy to learn that not one rehearsal was scheduled for this band retreat and the coordinators meant what they said when they named it a retreat.

An early arrival on Saturday allowed for a full day of sessions with the guests, which proved to be most enjoyable. After Doug Berry performed a difficult solo, and at 9:30 in the morning, Colonel Ray started with a wonderful accounting of some pivotal pieces of music as they related to his life's story. This was truly a highlight of the weekend for me, as he recounted stories from the Second World War, Australia, encounters with various leaders of Army's past, and many more.

After a break, and a short time of worship, Emilee Bennett performed a passionate solo before we heard from Colonel Joy. She shared on her life as a Salvation Army officer. It was a great way to see how the Steadman-Allen's story fit together. They are a beautiful example of team ministry.

Following a delicious meal, an historic reading session began. Many alumni accepted the invitation to join with current band members for an afternoon of music-making celebrating the music of Ray Steadman-Allen.

Not only did we have a stellar ensemble, but also a stellar line-up of bandmasters to lead. Helping Colonel Ray was Vernon Post, Derek Smith, and Lt. Colonel Norman Bearcroft. It was an honor to be able to sit under so many able musicians at one time. It was great to hear Lt. Colonel Steadman-Allen give a brief history for most of the pieces.

Saturday evening we were treated to a delicious banquet that included a slide show of the Scandinavian Tour followed by several memories shared by bandsmen and women. Following this was a very stimulating discussion with Lt. Colonels Bearcroft and Steadman-Allen recounting many interesting times where their work and lives crossed paths.

Sunday morning was a beautiful worship time centered on the weekend's theme, "Grace." A free-flowing season of prayer and testimony under the leadership of Colonel James Knaggs, and Executive Officer Major Richard Munn led to Lt. Colonel Steadman-Allen's message which centered around the 1st chapter of John, and Albert Orsborn's hymn, "I Have No Claim on Grace." Interspersed with the message was Major Tom Mack's new arrangement of the song, written for this weekend.

The service concluded with the band's signature benediction, "Rock of Ages." Recognized during the service were all the new members, Janette Barrington, Emilee Bennett, Captain Michelle Dressler, Simon Morton, Joshua Muir, Major Richard Munn, Nathan Savage and Victoria Ward. Also recognized for 10 years of service was Douglas Berry.

The retreat was a truly relaxing time, a chance for the fellowship of the band to grow outside of the band room and concert halls. Bonds were strengthened and spirits renewed as we enter into a new year, the 119 th for the Staff Band, prepared to bring the message of God to his people through the best possible music for His glory.

Josh Muir