History

 

One of the oldest photos of the NYSB, this was taken in 1914.

Serving continuously for more than a century, the New York Staff Band (NYSB) is regarded as one of the foremost brass bands in The Salvation Army, a worldwide church with a strong social service orientation.

The band was originally established by Ballington Booth in 1887 to bring attention to the Army’s early ministry in the United States. Initially named the National Staff Band, it was attached to National Headquarters in New York and was composed entirely of officers and employees of The Salvation Army. In the late 1920's the band remained attached to the headquarters for the new USA Eastern Territory, eventually assuming the present name of the New York Staff Band. From its relatively humble musical beginnings, the band has risen to international stature due to unflagging leadership and the dedication of its members for over a century of service.

The present band remains a true "staff" band in that the musicians who perform are either employed by The Salvation Army or are students, with very few exceptions. Musical standards have risen steeply over the years and current members must pass an audition to be admitted to the group.

Former members of the band include some of the most recognized names in brass music, including Philip Smith, Principal Trumpet of the New York Philharmonic Orchestra, and Stephen Bulla, Chief Arranger for "The President’s Own" U.S. Marine Band.

The NYSB has a heritage of performing a repertoire which is both broad in scope and innovative. Works penned by the likes of Eric Ball, Erik Leidzen, James Curnow, Emil Soderstrom, Peter Graham and Ray Steadman-Allen have been premiered by the band. Much of this music, ranging from classical transcriptions to jazz, has been published by The Salvation Army.

Currently based at The Salvation Army’s Territorial Headquarters in West Nyack, NY, the band has traveled extensively throughout the world. In the spring of 1999 the band completed a Tour of Europe, revisiting several stops from its 1968 tour of that continent. In addition, it has toured Asia, Australia, Canada and Scandinavia, performing in such venues as the Royal Albert Hall, Carnegie Hall, Buckingham Palace and the Sydney Opera House. It’s largest single audience came at a Billy Graham Crusade in New York’s Central Park, where the band played to over 250,000 people.

The NYSB has shared the concert platform with several talented performers such as the New York Philharmonic, the U.S. Coast Guard Band, Elton John, Joseph Alessi and Harvey Phillips. Guest conductors have included notable musicians from John Phillip Sousa to Erik Leidzen to Erich Kunzel (Cincinnati Pops).

Since 1922, the Staff Band has been featured on over 60 recordings in an effort to spread the Gospel in music to an even greater audience. A recent CD, "New York Snapshots," is a compilation of tracks from recordings made over the last decade.

Despite a rich heritage and any musical acclaim it may garner, the mission of the New York Staff Band is to play music that conveys a Gospel message. The venue may be a famous concert hall, a Salvation Army corps, a hospital or a prison, however the aim of the band remains the same - to draw individuals into a closer relationship with God.