Future All-Stars 2022 — Guest Recital
By Ronald Waiksnoris
MARCH 19 , 2022 – The New York Staff Band ’ s Future All Stars weekend has been a significant part of the staff and schedule since 2004 . The event brings up to 60 young brass and percussion players from around the eastern territory and beyond to the rolling hills of New Jersey and specifically Star Lake . Several past FAW members have gone on to join the NYSB , some have become Salvation Army officers , some have met future spouses . It is a significant intense weekend to be sure .
While the young delegates get to sit in with the NYSB and play music at a very high level , they are also exposed to master classes and recitals by some of the world ’ s finest brass exponents . Past clinicians include Philip Cobb , Brett Baker , Sam Pilafian , James and Thomas Fountain , among others . This year ’ s clinicians and guest soloists for the event were Andrew Garcia and Philip Broome of the West Point Band . It was particularly significant that both Andrew and Philip got their early training in Salvation Army music programs . Andrew Garcia was a future all-star himself in the early days .
Philip Broome of the West Point Band .
The two West Pointers presented an impressive recital . Sound , breath control , and technique were on display to the attentive audience . To start things off , they played a movement from a Beethoven piano trio . A piano trio normally would feature piano , violin , and cello . This transcription for piano , trumpet and euphonium worked very well , setting the stage for the evening with three musicians performing together with balance , blend , and aplomb .
Sergeant Garcia then played the demanding “ Three Episodes for Trumpet ” by Joseph Turrin . The music of Joseph Turrin is well known throughout the brass world . It is challenging to play but most often a welcome sound to the listener . This performance was notable for its clarity and beauty . The second episode featured exquisite flugel playing .
Philip Broome then took his turn , featuring another Turrin piece , his popular “ Concert Piece No . 1 ”. Again , heartfelt sounds , and fluid technique impressed the listeners . Andrew Garcia then brought out his cornet
Andrew Garcia of the West Point Band .
to play a good old traditional theme and variations solo , “ Silver Threads ”. He prefaced his playing with a humorous anecdote about a performance of the same solo he played as a youngster that did not go so well . He then proceeded to erase that memory with a superb version that brought smiles and hearty applause from the young audience .
Philip then took us on “ A Walk in the Woods ” that set a warm reflective mood and demonstrated the unique range and color of the euphonium . A beautiful performance of wonderful music . The recital finished with duets that showed both depth and sophistication in their composition . “ Sola Fide ” ( By Faith Alone ) and “ Aguas de Marco ” brought the evening to a rewarding conclusion .
Special mention should be made that throughout the hour-long recital we were all treated to the outstanding piano artistry of Yalin Chi , also a member of the West Point Band . It was an impressive and enjoyable intimate time of music making that surely impressed and inspired the future all-stars .
THE SALVATION ARMY USA EAST FALL 2022 ������������� ‡ 13