USA East Music BULLETIN - WINTER 2018/19 - ISSUE 1 | Page 4

Neil Smith Band
Abundance (Venables)
Hope (Larsson)
Craig Lewis Band
Lord, Lift Me Up (Smith)
To The Highest (Venables)
Duncan Horton Band
WSB 100 (Stein)
You Are Life (arr. Horton)
Enter, Enter (Ling)
Sir Duke (arr. Richards)
Harold Burgmayer Band
Raise the Song (Morton)
Finale from Symphony #4
(arr. Gordon)
Ken Waterworth Band
Assignment (Bright)
Boundless Kingdom (Ponsford)
Stephen Cobb Band
Glorifico Aeternum (Jones)
The Fruit of the Spirit (Larsson)
Derek Lance Band
Let There Be Light (Ponsford)
Fearless (Wainwright)
Nick Simmons-Smith Band
Thy Matchless King (Collier)
Martyn (Heaton)
Exultate (Downie)
WATCH THE FINALE CONCERT HERE
Dr. Cobb spent several minutes detailing
his relationship with General Larsson and
it was a real privilege to be present for a
conversation and learning opportunity
between these two leaders. Following this
rehearsal the whole camp spent a free
afternoon in Hollywood. This was a great
experience for many, especially those who
had never visited California before. Later that
evening the whole camp rented a bowling
alley for several hours and spent New Year’s
Eve bowling before returning to camp and
continuing the celebrations.
Following the worship service the Star
Lake Band travelled to the StubHub Center
and rejoined the rest of camp for our first
official marching practice for the Rose Parade.
It is always a race against the clock to prepare
for the Parade and we were fortunate that
after a few trial runs the band’s ability to stick
together and navigate the difficult turns
had improved greatly. After this practice the
massed band returned to camp, where we
had a final rehearsal with our new individual
bands to end the day.
The following morning, January 1st, was
the day of the Rose Parade and thus a very
early start to the day. Wheels rolled at 5:30
and although we were all very tired, there
was a definite feeling of excitement as we
began in many ways the culmination of
the entire week. For those unaware of the
parade route, the Rose Parade is a 5 mile
parade straight down Colorado Boulevard.
This is one of the most famous New Year’s
Celebrations and parades in the world. This
year was particularly special for the Salvation
Army as it marked the 100th straight year that
a band from the Army has participated in the
parade.
This was the largest and most diverse
band that ever marched from the Salvation
Army and it was truly a privilege to be a
part of history. Kevin Larsson wrote two
pieces designed especially for this group to
perform during the parade – “Amazing Grace”
and “This is Our Story”, both of which are
centered on traditional hymns in the church.
These songs translated remarkably well to a
marching band style and we were fortunate
to have these arrangements for such a special
occasion.
After the parade, those that were not too
tired had the option to spend a free afternoon
in Santa Monica. Nearly all of the USA East
members chose to go, and for many this
was a highlight of the trip; the pier and the
beach in Santa Monica are often considered
some of the best and most beautiful parts
of California and this was certainly true this
afternoon. Once we returned back to camp,
we had another individual band rehearsal
and then it was off to bed.
Wednesday was the last full day at camp
for the USA East members. After a final “last
chance” rehearsal with our individual bands,
4 • USA EAST MUSIC BULLETIN | W I N T E R 2019
the camp departed for the Tustin Ranch
corps for the final performance of the week.
This was a concert everyone at camp had
been looking forward to and, along with the
parade itself, was one of the true highlights
of the week. All 8 individual bands had the
chance for 12 minutes of music and it was
fascinating to see the choices bandmasters
made with their given time.
After the last band’s performance, the
massed band took the stage once more, this
time conducted by Kevin Larsson, to close
out the evening with a performance of “Auld
Lang Syne” (arr. Robinson). It was a fitting end
to the program and a perfect capstone on a
week full of highlights.
All in all, the Salvation Army’s participation
in the Rose Parade this year was excellent
and the USA Eastern Territory was very well
represented. It was a historic occasion that
has never occurred in this way before and we
were reminded of this throughout the week.
There were so many highlights that occurred
during our time out west and I believe it is
safe to say that everybody from the East
boarded our planes for home feeling fulfilled.
It was a marvelous opportunity for the future
of the Army to unite and present music for
the Lord, and this mission was certainly
accomplished. ■
W W W. M U S I C . S A CO N N E C T S . O R G