USA East Music NYSB BULLETIN - WINTER 2019/20 | Page 11

based. Cory then took the stage and left the
audience in raptured amazement as the band
provided a reprise of their award winning
performance of the musical composition
“Titan’s Progress” which won them their most
recent National Brass Band Championship.
And if that were not enough for a band geek
such as myself, it was a thrill to enjoy Cory
Band as they weaved the story of Romeo
and Juliet through a series of spectacular
musical offerings. To say that this evening will
remain musically unparalleled for a lifetime
is an understatement. My life has been the
richer for attending this spectacular evening
provided by such talented musicians. I salute
two of the finest bands around!!
CRAIG LEWIS
TERRITORIAL MUSIC SECRETARY,
CANADA & BERMUDA TERRITORY
A large contingent of Canadians made the
trip down to New York City for this concert.
A chance to hear the world’s top ranked
band in person was not to be missed! With
that said, it was a treat to also hear the NYSB
on the night. I’m not sure I’ve ever heard
them sound better. They were tight and
balanced with repertoire that played to their
numerous strengths. If they were nervous
about sharing the stage, they clearly didn’t
show it. Most importantly, the message
behind the music never took a back seat.
Well done to BM Lance and band!
But the main attraction was the
Cory Band. The musical direction and
commentary from the inimitable Philip
Harper was worth the price of admission
alone. They gave us the best of what
we could ask for…a blistering test piece
worthy of championship victories, and
an entertainment program that held the
audience in rapt attention. There was just so
much to enjoy. Virtuosity, reverence, frivolity,
excellence. There can be no shortage of
adjectives to describe their performance.
The night ended with the glorious
sounds of the combined bands playing the
iconic Les Condon piece, The Call of the
Righteous. For me, this was one of the best
band programs I can recall attending. It had
something for everyone – both the brass
band aficionado and the average listener.
I’m so glad that I made the trip. Kudos to the
men and women of the NYSB for continuing
to push the boundaries with innovative
programs, guest artists and repertoire!
RONALD WAIKSNORIS
FORMER BANDMASTER (RETIRED), NYSB
Thanks to the continued efforts of the
New York Staff Band to bring the Gospel
and high quality music to a new and
diversified audience, a huge crowd came
together to hear brass banding at its best in
New York City.
The NYSB presented itself well with high
energy well performed new music.
The Cory Band showed why they are
considered the number one brass band in
T H E S A LVAT I O N A R M Y U S A E A S T
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