What The Salvation Army needed in 1887 was a surefire way to attract attention. At least that’s how Ballington Booth, the Army’s commander in the United States, saw it. How else could Salvationists get people into meetings where they would hear the Gospel and be saved? Deciding that a brass band was perfect for this purpose, he called into being a “staff band” based at New York City headquarters. It was formed to provide a model of good music–making and music leadership and above all, to help people find the Lord.

Has the New York Staff Band (NYSB) fulfilled that purpose? Does it continue to keep its commitment to ministry? At the 120th anniversary reunion weekend in White Plains, N.Y., last year, 103 current and former bandsmen considered those questions as they renewed friendships. Guiding and challenging their thoughts were Commissioners Israel and Eva Gaither, national leaders; Drs. Ronald and Beatrice Holz, Ph.D., professors of music at Asbury College; and Commissioners Lawrence R. and Nancy A. Moretz, territorial leaders.

Return to Galilee

In the keynote session, the national commander pointed out that an anniversary is an appropriate time to renew one’s vows. As Jesus commanded His disciples to return to Galilee following the Resurrection, he encouraged participants to take a similar journey. “Retrace your steps to your Galilee, to the place of your spiritual beginnings,” he urged.

Gaither also paid tribute to spouses of band members as integral partners in the band’s mission. “These weekend widows and widowers are important people,” he said, “and I thank them and the children who make sacrifices for this demanding ministry.”

Throughout the weekend, Gaither focused on three key anniversary promises: to promise to be believed, to be authentic, and to love Christ perfectly.

History revisited

Ronald Holz, author of The Proclaimers, a long–awaited history of the band at 120 as well as its predecessor, Heralds of Victory, shared fascinating vignettes.

He spoke of a “bicycle band” from the NYSB’s early days, which turned out to be more fiction than fact. He also shared Major Charles Olsen’s account of how God used the Staff Band to lead him from a children’s home in Brooklyn to membership in the band and finally to Salvation Army officership.

Holz quoted impressive statistics about members’ service to God apart from the band. Of all the documented members in the band’s history, he reported, “just less than 50 percent have served, or are serving, as Salvation Army officers.” And he noted that even higher percentages of members have served valiantly as local officers throughout the metropolitan area.

Holz was by no means the only historian at the reunion. Every member—from youngest current bandsman, Steve Ditmer, to Colonel Floyd Hooper, the oldest alumnus present—has a personal version of band history. Mealtime conversations were filled with anecdotes and memories of unforgettable characters.

Alumni George Holmes, Lambert Bittinger, and Major Mark Tillsley shared their remembrances publicly. They recalled hilarious escapades, such as one bandsman’s trip—in full uniform—down a slide into a motel pool.

Alumni also described musical high points and bandsmen whose example of Christian faith had deepened their own relationships with God. Major Phil Ferreira, anniversary reunion committee chair, added historical perspective as he read letters from alumni unable to attend.

A celebration of music

The NYSB Saturday evening Reunion Festival at the White Plains Presbyterian Church was a joyous celebration. Under the leadership of Bandmaster Ronald Waiksnoris, the program ranged from beloved brass band classics, such as a trombone ensemble’s rousing rendition of “Golden Jubilee” (M. Kippax/arr. T. Walker) to a hot–off–the–press folksong arrangement, “My Lagan Love” (Trigg). The Band Chorus, led by Major Thomas Mack, demonstrated band members’ ability to minister vocally as well as instrumentally. Holz provided insight into historical events, selections, and composers that helped listeners enter fully into the music.

Following Staff Bandsman Aaron VanderWeele’s euphonium solo, “Ransomed” (Marshall), Waiksnoris made a stunning announcement. VanderWeele had been selected as the recipient of the prestigious International Euphonium Player of the Year Award. No one was more surprised than VanderWeele himself, whose response was to give the glory to God.

A highlight of the evening was a trio of master works, each led by the bandmaster who introduced it. Vernon Post (1963–1972) led the elegy, “Low in the Grave” (Soderstrom); Derek Smith (1972–1986) conducted “Elsa’s Procession to the Cathedral” (Wagner/arr. Himes); and Brian Bowen (1986–1992) took the podium for the transcription “The Appian Way” (Respighi/arr. Graham).

In a fitting and emotional conclusion, current and former band members sang “Rock of Ages” (Bortniansky/arr. Bearchell), a song of testimony and faith forever linked to the New York Staff Band.

Promises renewed

The Sunday morning worship service, led by Commissioner Lawrence Moretz, began with “Introit” (Post), a choral call to worship by the entire congregation.

Major Mark Tillsley recalled his years with the band as a time when older members mentored him. Using words of Catherine Baird, he described the fellowship of the band as “friendships forged through serving Him.”

During a testimony period, present and past band members shared what the Staff Band means to them. One former bandsman spoke movingly of a moment, as he played a selection with the band, when God revealed Himself in a powerful way.

Commissioner Eva Gaither noted the similarities between David’s musicians and the members of the Staff Band, all trained in making music for the Lord.

Dr. Beatrice Holz enriched the worship with a vocal solo, “Christ Is All” (arr. Gates). The national commander based his sermon on Jesus’ “Do you love me?” conversation with Peter beside the Sea of Galilee. “Are there things you love more than you love Jesus?” he asked, then reminded band members that the most important promise they could make together is to love Christ perfectly.

In a thoughtful and determined response, nearly all present knelt or stood at the altar. Many prayed with spouses or friends in communal commitment.

As the weekend concluded, there could be little doubt that the band has lived up to its purposes. In a newly adopted mission statement, the NYSB has also made a renewed commitment to “increase public awareness of The Salvation Army and its overall mission to reach the world with the gospel of Jesus Christ.”

Ballington Booth would be pleased.