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New York Staff Band hosts third annual young musicians’ weekend.
by Aaron VanderWeele –
Future all-stars—delegates from five territories join New York Staff Band members and guests at Star Lake Camp for the third annual youth musicians’ weekend. Below: The Takeuchi brothers from New Mexico represented the Western Territory. |
Who said kids aren’t interested in brass music? For the third year in a row, the New York Staff Band (NYSB) hosted its Future All-Stars Weekend (FAW) March 17-19, with a total of 67 young people in attendance, at Star Lake Camp in Bloomingdale, NJ.
In each of the program’s three years, delegates aged 13-18 have attended from all four U.S. territories and Canada. This year’s western territory attendees were Peter and John Takeuchi, from New Mexico (Southwest Division).
New York Staff Bandmaster Ron Waiksnoris shared, “This third Future All-Stars Weekend reinforced the reality that our young people are both excited about and committed to Salvation Army banding. I see the standard of music-making getting better each year and I’m pleased that a spiritual sensitivity has become a prominent part of the event.”
The weekend is an intensive investment of time in young people. To keep the weekend affordable , staff bandsmen serve in various roles from faculty to food preparation (even the band’s executive officer is in the kitchen!) Attendees pay only $50 and are responsible for their travel to Star Lake Camp.
Less than 48 hours after meeting for the first time, the future all-stars led worship at the Spring Valley, New York corps by presenting Scripture, accompanying songs, special music and offering testimonies.
The weekend culminated with the NYSB’s 119th Annual Festival. As the NYSB opened the program, the future all-stars were greeted warmly as they marched in to Ray Steadman-Allen’s timeless march, “Crown of Conquest.” After joining the staff band for three numbers, it was time for the future all-stars to shine on their own by performing several varied compositions including Lorne Barry’s, “Credo.” Several massed band numbers, including Sousa’s immortal, “The Stars and Stripes Forever,” concluded the concert.
It is amazing to see how the Lord is using this event. We pray God’s richest blessing on our future all-stars as they strive for the very best in all that they do.