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By Derek Lance
Fifteen young people traveled around The Salvation Army’s Eastern Territory playing and teaching music in a new program called “Summer Brass.” For five weeks, July 2 to Aug. 3, the 16-year-old and above group formed a brass band under the leadership of Derek Lance, music leader for the Eastern Territory.
The group consisted of cornet, horn, trombone, tuba and vocal performers, who taught as they traveled through six divisions and served on the faculty of music camps and conservatories.
Lexi Payton, a member of the band, said she had an amazing experience that not only benefited the music programs, but also benefited the band. “[Summer Brass] molded the members into better teachers, musicians and Christian leaders,” she said. “It was an extremely rewarding experience. I learned a lot and had fun!”
Their first venture into public saw Summer Brass leading worship at The Salvation Army of Spring Valley, N.Y. They testified to what the Lord was doing in their lives and were also able to come alongside kids from the Spring Valley community who were attending day camp.
At Camp CONNRI’s Music and Arts Camp in the Southern New England Division, Summer Brass served on camp staff and provided leadership for band, drum and sacred dance classes. The kids at CONNRI were eager to learn.
“They helped greatly in elevating the standard of music making in our division…giving us a much needed shot in the arm,” said Major Philip Ferreira, divisional music director for the Southern New England Division. “Their presence here has truly been a stepping stone from which we will move forward in the development of our music and arts.”
At the end of the five weeks, the Summer Brass members said it was an experience they will never forget.“Summer Brass gave me a chance to refine my talents and use them for the Lord,” said Zachary Delong, a member of the band. “I loved having a chance to minister to the kids and help them gain a passion for music.”
