����������������������� Events : Music
JUNE 10-12 , 2022 – The USA East Commissioning 2022 weekend brought a good number of salvationists from around the territory together once again in beautiful Hershey , Pennsylvania .
Although the primary purpose of the weekend was to commission the newest Salvation Army Officers , the days and nights were filled with meaningful times of worship , reflection , teaching and yes , competing !
Music has always been a major player in the eastern territory ’ s mission with the long-standing Salvationist Star Search being a highlight each year . Several of the territorial music and arts groups came together in unified worship items throughout the weekend and special guest Christian music artist , Danny Gokey were just some of the musical highlights at Commissioning 2022 .
The three territorial music ensembles : The New York Staff Band , Eastern Territory Staff Songsters , and Territorial Worship Band , Unbound always serve in a support role at the annual commissioning weekend . Their music is featured as preliminary items as well as congregational singing and special selections . However , this is the first time that all three ensembles along with the cadet ’ s chorus came together in a special night of worship to kick off the events of the next few days entitled ‘ In Perfect Unity ’. The Eastern Territory Staff Songsters under the leadership of Erik Jones and Lily Finikin presented a beautiful rendition of Carol Cymbala ’ s gospel song ‘ Make Us One ’ with the opening lines featuring a vocal solo by Junior Soldier , Caroline Lance of the Spring Valley , NY Corps . Cadet Darner Montilla interspersed each verse with scripture as members of Unbound ’ s rhythm section helped the song to build , driving home the point of being together in one accord .
Next , Unbound under the leadership of Doug Berry invited the large congregation to rise and worship in an arrangement of two songs , ‘ Raise a Hallelujah ’ and ‘ Do it Again ’ that would be augmented by the entire New York Staff Band ( Derek Lance ) acting as a huge horn section and all of the combined voices of the ETSS and cadet chorus which led to an enthusiastic greeting from Territorial Commanders , Commissioners William and Lorraine Bamford .
After another song from Unbound , the congregation welcomed rising star in the Christian music scene and past American Idol runner-up , Danny Gokey who , along with backing keyboard player and
guitarist presented an inspiring evening of contemporary Christian pop music .
The following day would need all handson deck for the annual Territorial Star Search Talent Display . This event started several decades ago as a brass and vocal solo competition but has grown to now include 15 categories in music and arts with around 1000 participants competing at the territorial
THE SALVATION ARMY USA EAST FALL 2022 ������������� ‡ 5