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The Canadian Staff Band plays outside the Crystal Cathedral in Garden Grove, Calif. |
On a whirlwind tour that culminated New Year’s Day at the Tournament oof Roses Parade, the Canadian Staff Band (CSB) treated audiences across Southern California to a number of great performances, demonstrating why this ensemble is known around the world for excellence. Each step along the way, the musicians dazzled everyone from long-time Salvationists to commuters in Hollywood.
Pasadena Tabernacle Songster Leader Martin Hunt commented, “The concert held on Saturday evening at Pasadena Tabernacle Corps featuring the Canadian Staff Band and the Pasadena Tabernacle Youth Chorus was a wonderful expression of Salvation Army music making. The enthusiasm of the young people in the Youth Chorus was infectious.
“The Canadian Staff Band was outstanding in its music presentation,” said Hunt. “In particular, young soloists performing “Jubilance for Cornet and Band” (soloist Brindley Venebles) and “Joshua” (soloist Barrington Venebles) showed mature artistry and skill. The concert was a wonderful offering of talents to the Lord and was brought to a conclusion with the CSB’s presentation of “A Gift for the Altar,” featuring the tune “I have not much to give thee, Lord.” The sensitivity and expression of the playing of this piece will live on in my mind for a long time.”
The band kicked off its tour on Dec. 28 with an evening concert at the San Diego Citadel; played at the Hollywood & Highland outdoor shopping mall and for residents of Bell Shelter on Dec. 29; and performed with the Pasadena Youth Chorus at the Pasadena Tabernacle on Dec. 30.
On New Year’s Eve morning, the band played at the Crystal Cathedral “Hour of Power” Sunday services along with the Pasadena Tabernacle Songsters. That evening, the CSB traveled to Tustin Ranch for a New Year’s Eve concert. The capstone event came early the next morning when they marched alongside The Salvation Army Tournament of Roses Band in the annual parade in Pasadena.
Members of the Canadian Staff Band are selected from officers and employees at The Salvation Army’s Territorial Headquarters for Canada and Bermuda, or from various corps bands located within easy access of Toronto. CSB visits Salvation Army centers throughout Canada and the United States once a month, seven months a year. North American venues have included Walt Disney World in Florida in addition to the Tournament of Roses Parade. International tours have included stops in England, Holland, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Norway, Brazil, Australia and New Zealand.
