NYSB September Duty Weekend Report
By Simon Morton , Assistant Territorial Music Secretary / NYSB Bb Bass
SEPTEMBER 10 , 2021 – After a season and a half of uncertainty , the New York Staff Band was finally able to get back to the band room during the first week of September 2021 ! The band hit the ground running with a packed first duty weekend just three days later . It was great to welcome some new and returning members to the ranks , including Major Michelle Dressler on second cornet , Major Josh Lyle on first cornet and new to the band in the percussion section , Edward Hardy of the Orange , NJ Corps .
The band immediately started working on all of the music in preparation for the annual Welcome to the Cadets meeting at the Centennial Memorial Temple in New York City , including Peter Graham ’ s “ Shine as the Light ” ( 25th anniversary since it was written ).
The band didn ’ t wander too far from the city after the Friday evening program as the following day , Saturday , September 11 th , would mark the 20th anniversary of the attacks on the World Trade Center .
The New York Staff Band was honored to take part in one of several remembrance services being held around NYC . At the Centennial Memorial Temple , a short prayer and reflection time took place inside the hall followed by the names of each victim being read via live stream from ground zero . The band split in two ensembles and for more than four hours , played hymns and reflective music on the steps of the CMT .
Families of the victims were invited inside while people passing by stopped to listen and meditate , clearly moved by the memories of that day . It was a special time and a good reminder of how impactful music ministry can be to the soul .
Early the following morning , the NYSB met at the beautiful Ocean Grove Great Auditorium down on the Jersey Shore . The first Sunday of September has historically been Salvation Army day at the Ocean Grove Camp Meetings and this year the band was pleased to be the musical guest . A powerful rendition of “ Shine as the Light ” was a highlight of the morning service . But not to be outdone , was a highlight of the morning service but not to be outdone , the massive pipe organ joined with the band in William Himes ’“ O Boundless Salvation ,” literally shaking the floor as the large congregation sang along It was a real treat and a blessing to be able to play to live
THE SALVATION ARMY USA EAST
WINTER 2022 NYSB BULLETIN ‡ 3