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weekend in Portland. Photo by John Docter
Band performs and teaches students in the youth music programs.
By Diane O’Brien, Lt. Colonel
The Western Territorial Staff Band, led by Bandmaster Neil Smith, completed its first ministry weekend under its new designation as “staff band” in Portland, Ore., Oct. 12-14, both performing and teaching.
“We were thrilled to come across excited, expectant listeners as well as young people who really wanted to learn,” Smith said.
Friday evening’s “Beat the Drum” concert, a fundraiser for Salvation Army youth music programs, filled the pews at Old Laurelhurst Church with neighborhood supporters and raised nearly $3,000 and a baby grand piano. The Gresham Corps’ young people’s band participated, exemplifying those who would benefit from the donated funds.
The weekend’s music featured classic pieces: “Elsa’s Procession to the Cathedral,” “Fire in the Blood,” and “The Light of the World,” with solos from Stephen Yalden (xylophone), Nick Helms (flugel) and Susan Pierce (vocal). Music composed by band members Ralph Pierce, Kevin Larsson and Daniel Prince were played as well.
Staff band members tutored students Saturday at the Gresham Corps on brass instruments, guitar, voice, percussion, keyboard and composition. That evening, those tutored participated in the concert with brass contributions from “Muffins’ Rhapsody” to “Quicksilver,” the former from the beginners and the latter from Jeremy Morrison and John Docter.
The weekend concluded Sunday with a holiness meeting at the Portland Tabernacle Corps.
“God’s blessings were abundant all weekend,” Smith said. “Not just to attendees but to members of the band as well.”
