NYSB Visit to Philly Kroc
By Major Kevin Zanders , Philadelphia Kroc Center Director
OCTOBER 23-24 , 2021 — Harmony was achieved and was the outcome of the New York Staff Bands ministry weekend to the Philadelphia Kroc Center of the Pendel Division . The musical harmonies the band and chorus made were great and expected . However , it was the harmonies of fellowship which made the weekend even more special .
The weekend started with the Music and Arts forces of the Pendel Division coming together , young and older , to rehearse for their upcoming fall festival . Upon the arrival of the Staff Band , the groups joined to break some Chick-fil-A together . Following lunch , the NYSB treated the Pendel Music and Arts groups to a mini concert , followed by a devotional brought to us by Major Josh Lyle .
The ministry continued as the men and women of the Staff Band split into groups to help lead sectionals for both the Pendel Youth Band and Pendel Brass , followed by Staff Band led full band rehearsals of the two groups . The musical instruction and insight on the interpretation of the music was useful and spot on . Yet , it was the relationship building , laughter and fellowship which proved to be useful in the harmonies made together .
After a year and a half of the NYSB not playing for a live audience , it was a real pleasure to host the Staff Band for a concert . There were nearly 180 in attendance and many others , from all over the world , watching the livestream online . How incredibly awesome it was to see so many people , from all different walks of life , come together for such an event . For many in attendance , it was the first time ever hearing a brass band like the New York Staff Band and they exclaimed of how wonderful it was . It was not only good to hear the harmonies of the band and chorus , but it was wonderful to see the excitement in the band ’ s demeanor , as it was evident that they were glad to be playing in front of a live audience again .
It was also a unique experience to have the Kroc Center ’ s Philly Jazz Orchestra to be a part of the concert . To have a traditional expression of Salvation Army music , like the Staff Band , share the stage with a unique expression of Salvation Army music through the Jazz Orchestra , was another great moment of beautiful harmony .
The concert started with some light jazz charts which would express the joy we all need in our lives . This was followed by the offerings of praise and worship through the ministry of the NYSB . Through the concert ,
the listeners , as well as the band members , were challenged to consider how they will live their life for Christ . Ultimately , the concert ended with the challenge of asking God to “ Light me ,” as the band finished with “ Shine As The Light ” by Peter Graham . Bandmaster Derek Lance challenged all of us to leave with the same cry to “ Light me ,” so we can all make our lights shine in such a dark world .
The weekend ended with a spirit-led worship service at the Philly Kroc Corps . It was a wonderful time of experiencing different expressions of music and worship . The service provided a good mixing of these expressions through the leadership of the Staff Band , the participation of congregation members leading songs and prayers , the Kroc Gospel Choir gospeling things up , Major Demetrius Stanford bringing the word to the listening ears and receptive hearts of the congregation .
In the end , harmony was achieved . Harmony was the highlight of the weekend . Men and women , from all walks of life , with different experiences , who look different and had different opinions , musical and non-musical came together — they made harmony .
Hopefully , this gives us the slightest glimpse into what heaven may be like .
6 ‡ NYSB BULLETIN WINTER 2022 WWW . NYSB . ORG