world class musicians of the NYSB but have been led in rehearsals and masterclasses by members of the International Staff Band of The Salvation Army ( London ), The Black Dyke and Cory Bands , also from the UK , leading
chamber and orchestral musicians in the USA and prominent orchestral musicians from the likes of the LSO , Metropolitan Opera and New York Philharmonic . It is a small world in The Salvation Army and the brass world , especially
when they are combined ! There is , however , a great deal of respect from the outside brass world not only for the work the SA does but for the musicians that are amongst its ranks which has been an invaluable connection over
the years . Many well-respected conductors have graced the podium over the years but certainly the most special moments have been when Derek Smith walked into the rehearsal room , causing staff band members
to sit up a bit straighter ! Then to see the reactions of the young people as he would take the baton was priceless ! On occasion , FAW has coincided with the NYSB Annual Festival and students have
been fortunate to experience a few fantastic joint concerts with the Black Dyke Band and Mnozil Brass , further showcasing the possibilities associated with music making . Devotional guests have been no less important as the times of ‘ rest ’ both from playing and in the Lord were vital to the success of the event . Several Territorial and Divisional Youth Secretaries have come alongside the NYSB over the years including Majors Jason and Leslie Knaggs , Captains Nathan and Loreita Hinzman , Majors Shaun and Kim Belanger and most recently , Captains
Joel and Kathleen Ashcraft . Each devotional guest brought a unique perspective over the years adding to the mountaintop experience for each delegate evidenced by the tender Sunday morning worship time . Any in the NYSB
can attest to the poignant testimonies shared by both students and members and has always been a highlight each year . The combination
of high standard musical worship and intentional exploration into Gods word have been paramount to the success of Future All – Stars since its inception ,
clearly indicated by the waitlist of students each year . An exhaustive list of musical guests and conductors is provided in this bulletin .
PERFORMANCE :
Anyone that has ever gone to music camp in The Salvation Army has experienced the anticipation of wondering what major work they will get to play , as often these pieces are not attainable on a corps or divisional level . Future All – Stars adds another
opportunity midway throughout the year in which young people can sink their teeth
into challenging music that they wouldn ’ t ordinarily get to play . Sitting alongside the NYSB seems to give a boost of confidence after some initial trepidation and year after year , the FAW band has put on an exceptional final concert , presenting works from the pens of Eric Ball , Peter Graham , Ken Downie and Robert Redhead to name a few . Some years have been more challenging depending on the balance and standard of student players but classic SA works such as ‘ The Kingdom Triumphant ’ and ‘ Resurgam ’ have been given readings that any band would be proud of and the use of video and lyric screens has added to the impact of each finale , helping to convey the message on an even deeper level . In addition to ensemble playing , a focus has also been placed on solo playing . A number of virtuoso soloists have come along to showcase their abilities to the students but have also been a good example of what is possible with talent , hard work and perseverance . Names such as Phil Smith and Phil Cobb , Sheona Wade ( White ) and Michelle Baker , Sam Pilafian and Brett Baker are giants in the brass music world . For young people around the territory , benefitting from their expertise has been a wonderful opportunity but even better than that , the chance to see and hear home grown salvationist soloists within the ranks of the NYSB and from abroad makes the goal to be at that level one day , a little closer to reality . An exhaustive list of major works played is provided in this bulletin .
THE FUTURE : It is an unescapable part of life , but the future will eventually become the present and then the past . These moments aren ’ t fleeting however , as the seeds sown over these 20 years of Future All – Stars have had an indelible effect on Salvation Army worship music , the careers of many of the students involved and the lifeblood of The Salvation Army . In Johns revelation of what is and what is to come , we know that heaven will be a place of music making and will be bolstered by singers and great musical ensembles . If nothing else , the Kingdom is being prepped for worship like it ’ s never seen before , and we will shine among them like stars in the sky ! For now , we hope and pray for another successful 20 years of music ministry as the impact has been far reaching for all involved . God Bless the Future All – Stars !
THE SALVATION ARMY USA EAST SUMMER 2024 NYSB BULLETIN 7