The weekend of 16 – 18 October 2015 found the New York Staff Band (Bandmaster Ronald Waiksnoris) on its first ministry weekend of the 2015 – 2016 season. They were privileged to be in Massachusetts for three days and minister in various ways.

On Friday evening the Staff Band was in Waltham where they helped launch the “Paint the Town Red” weekend. A few highlights from the evening included the band’s first performance of Break-Out by Marcus Venables and a wonderful performance of Classics in Brass (William Himes) with the Waltham/Fall River Beginner Band. The full program was as follows:

• Raise the Song (Morton)
• Brooklyn Citadel (William Bearchell)
• Maid of the Mist (arr. Wilkinson)
• Jesus Shall Conquer (Kenneth Downie)
• Fiesta (Peter Graham)
• Break-Out (Marcus Venables)
• The Prayer (arr. Roger Trigg)
• He Giveth More Grace – Band Chorus
• Hillcrest (Bruce Broughton)
• Classics in Brass (William Himes) – with Waltham/Fall River Beginner Band
• Goodnight (arr. Andrew Mackereth)
• Penny Lane (arr. Andrew Mackereth)
• Big Little Fugue (William Himes)

On Saturday morning, the Staff Band was at Camp Wonderland, where they were able to play together with Mass Brass, the divisional band of the Massachusetts Division. A great time of music-making with friends young and old, this was in preparation for an afternoon concert at Quincy Market shared by the two groups. The first portion of the concert was given by the Staff Band, with members of Mass Brass joining for the second part. The full program at Quincy Market was as follows:

• Joyful Intercessors (Andrew Mackereth)
• When I'm 64 (arr. Dorothy Gates)
• Here, There and Everywhere (arr. Andrew Mackereth)
• All You Need Is Love (arr. Dorothy Gates)
• Alone Yet Not Alone (arr. Peter Graham)
• I Will Follow Him (arr. Goff Richards)
• ’Mid All the Traffic (Leonard Ballantine)
• Hillcrest (Bruce Broughton)
• God Bless America (Irving Berlin, arr. William Himes)

With Mass Brass

• Deeds of Valour (Bramwell Coles)
• Amazing Grace (William Himes)
• Fountain (William Himes)
• Stars and Stripes Forever (John Philip Sousa, arr. William Himes)

After some free time at Quincy Market, the band headed to Gordon College, where they would present an evening concert. For this event they were joined by the Boston University Trombone Choir (Director Don Lucas). Highlights of the evening included Memory performed by Chris Ward (soprano cornet), Fiesta featuring guest trombone soloist Don Lucas, and I Will Follow Him joined by the Boston University Trombone Choir.

The weekend concluded with a Sunday morning visit to the Lowell Corps for worship. Upon arrival, the Staff Band was met with friendly faces and a wonderful breakfast prepared by members of the corps. A few highlights from the service included the recognition of Honor Junior Soldiers, a timely testimony from Aaron Harris, a lovely offertory from Jason Collier, and powerful words from Executive Officer Lt.-Col. Kenneth Maynor. This was a God-honoring day that finished with the altars full and many people blessed.

Source:
New York Staff Band web site