2024 – 2025 New York Staff Band
From the Bandmaster
The start of a new year can be both exciting and nerve-wracking , whether you ’ re returning to school , starting a new job , or beginning a new season with your musical group . For
students , the nervousness might come from wondering if they ’ ll like their teachers , if they ’ ll have classes with friends , or if they ’ ll find their locker in time . But there ’ s also excitement in reuniting with friends , making new ones , and getting back into sports , all while getting closer to the finish line of school .
For those leading Salvation Army musical groups , similar worries may arise . Will everyone show up to the first rehearsal ? Will new members fit in with the group ? Will they enjoy the chosen music ? Yet , the excitement lies in the opportunities that come with a fresh start — new players bring new energy , and picking new music , while daunting , allows for creativity . Being back as the leader is a reminder that people trust in your ability to guide them forward .
One of the most rewarding aspects of a new season is the chance to start fresh . Maybe you ’ ve found a new way to communicate your vision or improved your conducting technique . Perhaps there are new projects ahead that will propel the group to greater success .
As this season begins , it ’ s also a perfect time to regroup spiritually . Have you picked up a new devotional or considered joining a Bible study to deepen your understanding of God ’ s word ? Ephesians 4 reminds us :
That , however , is not the way of life you learned when you heard about Christ and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus . You were taught , with regard to your former way of life , to put off your old self , which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires ; to be made new in the attitude of your minds ; and to put on the new self , created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness .
This is one of those great reminders that despite what is in the past or what you have done before , it is always possible to become new in the Lord and to be more and more like him every day . Don ’ t just make the start of the new year about new things that can be checked off a box . Take advantage of the time to regroup and use it to grow and mature in every aspect of your life .
Derek W . Lance BandMaster
LEADERSHIP
TERRITORIAL LEADERS USA EAST Commissioners Ralph and Susan Bukiewicz
EXECUTIVE OFFICER Lt . Colonel David B . Davis
BANDMASTER Derek W . Lance
BAND PERSONNEL
SOPRANO CORNET Jonathan George
SOLO CORNET Brindley Venables Robert Venables Brian Smith James Dorce
FIRST CORNET Major Josh Lyle Thomas Pierce
SECOND CORNET Major Tom Dressler Peter Vaughan
FLUGEL HORN Zack Hodgson
SOLO HORN Matthew Hodgson
FIRST HORN
Fred Mbesi
SECOND HORN Tatiana Dennison Zoe Zanders
FIRST BARITONE Brandon Finnie
SECOND BARITONE
Justin Siguachi
FIRST TROMBONE
Mark Baker Lorena Simmonds-Lance
SECOND TROMBONE
Nathan Power
BASS TROMBONE Warren Smith , Jr .
EUPHONIUM Aaron VanderWeele Devonte Thompson
E-FLAT TUBAS Christopher Webster Michael DeVault
B-FLAT TUBAS Simon Morton Andrew Dressler
PERCUSSION Andrew Boynton Robert Myers Edward Hardy Jake Lyle
COLOR SERGEANT Charles F . Olsen , Jr .
MULTIMEDIA SPECIALIST Major Stephen Ditmer
PROPERTY SECRETARY Major Philip Ferriera
2 NYSB BULLETIN FALL 2024 NYSB . ORG