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By Major A . Philip Ferreira
MARCH 20 , 2022 – There was excitement in the air as supporters of New York Staff Band ’ s Future All-Stars took their seats in anticipation of the start of the concert that would be the culmination of an intense weekend of rehearsals along with Bible study , good food , and fellowship .
The first sounds came from the tuba section , having taken their places on the platform ahead of the rest of the band as they played the opening bars of Sandy Smith ’ s arrangement of James Swearingen ’ s “ Valero ”. After several bars , the percussion section marched into their places and added appropriate rhythm . Each section of the band followed , beginning with the trombones , all seamlessly adding their respective parts as they took their seats . The cornet section was the last to assemble after which Staff Bandmaster Derek Lance took his place at the podium taking the band through the remainder of this exciting item .
Following the audience ’ s enthusiastic response to this terrific opening the Future All-Stars , supported by the NYSB , presented
“ In Awesome Wonder ” by Marcus Venables . This work , after a fanfare opening , transitions into a thoughtful presentation of the hymn , “ How Great Thou Art ”. The theme of this hymn continues and is skillfully integrated into the remainder of the piece which fittingly builds to a triumphant conclusion , reminding all present of the awesomeness of God .
Following opening remarks and the invocation by NYSB Executive Officer , Lt . Colonel Kathleen Steele , the band effectively presented James Curnow ’ s challenging Festival March “ Faith is the Victory ”.
We were blessed in that two of the Future All-Stars were given the opportunity to share a personal word of testimony . The testimonies shared by Wesley Gathinji of Columbus , OH and Julie Dorce of Westbury , NY were relevant and inspiring . While the Future All-Stars Weekend ( FAW ) is largely about excellence in music , it also continues to be about the spiritual development of these up-and-coming Salvationist musicians . Following Wesley ’ s testimony the band presented Leonard Ballantine ’ s beautiful arrangement , “ Mid All the Traffic ” based on the folk song , “ Shenandoah ”. This lovely setting can easily bring to mind the fur traders in their canoes travelling on the scenic Missouri River . However , more appropriately we were reminded of the words to the hymn by John Oxenham from which the title of this item is derived . “‘ Mid all the traffic of the ways , turmoils without , within , make in my heart a quiet place and come and dwell therein .”
Staff Sergeant Andrew Garcia , an alumnus of the Future All-Stars and of the NYSB , and Staff Sergeant Philip Broome , both Salvationists and both principal players in the West Point Band , were guest soloists and clinicians for the weekend . Andrew provided us with an outstanding rendition of Dean Goffin ’ s cornet solo , “ Victorious ” and Philip later offered up one of the movements from Philip Wilby ’ s euphonium concerto , “ Dance : Zeibekikos ”. The NYSB provided expert accompaniment for each of these items . Further on in the program Philip and Andrew would join forces in a trumpet
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