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Band Structure and Key Personnel

Players

The players are, of course, essential to the existence of the band. Salvation Army musicians have some common characteristics. Almost all Salvation Army bands have standards such as those listed below.

  • The musician must be a member, in good standing, of a corps. In most cases, the individual must be enrolled as a soldier. Youth bands usually require that members attend a corps regularly and be of the proper age.
  • Most bands have some standards of musicianship. For example, a corps band may require that anyone wishing to join the band be able to play selected tunes from the Band Tune Book. Larger bands such as regional groups often have audition and/or invitation policies.
  • Salvationist musicians are volunteers. No monetary compensation is given for service in a band.

Band Board

A “Band Board” is a committee that oversees the operations of a band. Most corps bands do not have full, formal boards. The definitions shown on this page are generic; each band may have its own variation on the scope and composition of the band board.

Executive Officer

All Salvation Army bands are sponsored by some level of the command structure. The executive officer is the official representative of the sponsoring organization. This person serves as the chairman of the band board. In most cases, the executive officer is not a player in the band.

For a corps band, the corps officer is the de facto executive officer.

Bandmaster

The bandmaster is the musical director and conductor of the band. This person has the primary responsibility for selecting music, developing performance programs, and setting the musical standards for the group. Larger groups often have a deputy bandmaster, who fulfills the duties of the bandmaster in case of absence. The deputy is usually a player.

In a corps setting, the bandmaster is a senior local officer, with an automatic seat on the corps council. Regional and staff bandmasters are usually appointed by the commander of the sponsoring unit.

Secretary

The duties of the band secretary include recording the minutes and decisions of the band board, communication between the board and the players, and logistical details for engagements. When a band travels, the secretary is responsible for making the transportation and accommodation arrangements. If dues are collected, the secretary handles them unless a treasurer is designated. The band secretary is usually a player.

Sergeant

Salvation Army bands have a spiritual purpose. The band sergeant is the band’s chaplain. The sergeant also handles discipline and attendance problems. The band sergeant is usually a player.

Quartermaster

The quartermaster is responsible for the band’s uniforms and equipment, including any instruments owned by the band. The quartermaster is usually a player.

Librarian

The band librarian is responsible for the music library, and the distribution of parts to the appropriate players. The librarian is usually a player.

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Articles

Two-Part Hymn Series: Ten More Tunes

1 June 2019 14:24

The latest set of ten tunes in our Two-Part Hymn Series has been released. There are now 90 tunes available in the second phase, and 210 overall. Read more

Posted in: New Releases, Sheet Music

STANDING ON THE PROMISES (Tune of the Week)

10 January 2019 06:05

Tune of the Week for 10 January 2019. Read more

Posted in: Tune of the Week
Ken Graham

Staff Band Marks Passing of Ken Graham (1936–2018)

9 January 2019 06:36

The Canadian Staff Band (Bandmaster John Lam) has announced, with great sadness, the passing of Bandsman Ken Graham (North York Temple) on 24 December 2018. Graham was a member of the Staff Band cornet section for nine years, 1985–1994. Read more

Posted in: News

Joyful & Triumphant

8 January 2019 06:40

On 1 December 2018, the National Capital Band (Bandmaster Dr. Steve Kellner) was at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Richmond, Virginia, for Joyful & Triumphant, a Christmas concert and carol sing-a-long. Read more

Posted in: News

NICAEA (Tune of the Week)

3 January 2019 07:23

This is the first of a new series, Tune of the Week, featuring tunes from our Two-Part Hymn Series. Read more

Posted in: Tune of the Week

Two-Part Hymn Series Reaches 200

29 December 2018 10:57

The latest set of ten tunes in our has been released. This brings the total number of tunes in the series to 200. All of these tunes are free to download and use. Read more

Posted in: New Releases, Sheet Music

Away In a Manger (Cornet Solo)

19 December 2018 05:40

James Allen has crafted a beautiful and simple cornet solo that blends together two familiar tunes associated with the much-loved Christmas carol. Read more

Posted in: New Releases, Sheet Music
The New York Staff Band at historic Faneuil Hall, Boston, Massachusetts, November 2018

NYSB Massachusetts Ministry Weekend

19 December 2018 05:23

On the weekend of 16 – 18 November 2018, the New York Staff Band (Bandmaster Derek Lance) traveled to the Massachusetts Division for a ministry weekend that included stops in Worcester, Canton, Boston, and Brockton. Massachusetts Divisional Music Director (DMD) Matthew Luhn and his team organized the events of the weekend. Read more

Posted in: News

Brass for GOSH Launched

3 December 2018 05:17

The London Central Fellowship Band (Bandmaster David Rudd) launched their latest recording with a concert at Regent Hall on 17 November 2018. Just under 300 people were in attendance for a fantastic night of music-making, raising funds for the Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) Charity. All of the profits realized by Citadel Promotions, the producers, will benefit the hospital charity, leading to the title of the recording, Brass for GOSH. Read more

Posted in: New Releases, News, Recording
Kintambo Band at the 10th anniversary service for the Plateau District, eastern Kinshasa

Kintambo Band Supports Anniversary Service

1 December 2018 08:32

On Sunday, 28 October 2018, the Kintambo Band (Bandmaster Henri Makanda Nkodia) had the privilege of being on duty at the Menkao Post in the Plateau District (the eastern part of the city of Kinshasa) for the district’s tenth anniversary Thanksgiving service. Read more

Posted in: News
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