The Voice of The Salvation Army

Music to His Ears

It took a mother’s dying wish to get P.O.D. frontman Sonny Sandoval to finally hit the right note.

May 15, 2013 by William J. Bruce III Leave a Comment


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With more than 10 million albums sold, movie soundtracks to their credit and having had the honour of playing New York City’s Times Square on New Year’s Eve, heavy metal band P.O.D. has done it all. But behind P.O.D. frontman Sonny Sandoval’s success is the story of a mother’s love. “You should really get down here … your mom doesn’t look too good,” said the voice on the other … [Read more...]

Shining a Light on World Missions

Musician Andrew Scott is raising money for The Salvation Army with a new CD.

May 9, 2013 Leave a Comment


Musician Andrew Scott is raising money for The Salvation Army's world missions

What began as a simple conversation has become a source of inspiration for musician Andrew Scott and The Salvation Army. Originally from Grande Prairie, Alta., Scott lives in Edmonton and recently released a CD of public domain tunes as a fundraiser for world missions. “The whole thing came from an idea that my mom, Eva Scott, and I had,” he says. “We asked what we could do that’s fun … [Read more...]

Rita MacNeil: A Dream Fulfilled

Rita MacNeil overcame adversity and hardship to become one of Canada’s most beloved singers.

April 17, 2013 by Paul Weigel 1 Comment


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To mark the untimely passing of Rita MacNeil this week, Faith & Friends is reprinting the cover story we published on her in February 2004, written by Paul Weigel: When Rita MacNeil was 12 years old, making music was a dream. Exceedingly shy and born with a cleft palate, the odds seemed stacked against her. Growing up in the backwater town of Big Pond, Nova Scotia, didn’t help either. But … [Read more...]

Music of the Heart

At the Victoria Addictions and Rehabilitation Centre, a new music program is helping residents gain self-confidence.

April 9, 2013 by Kristin Fryer Leave a Comment


At the Victoria Addictions and Rehabilitation Centre, a new music program is helping residents gain self-confidence

At first, it was just a few guys playing guitar in the chapel. But the sound of their chords and rhythms travelled down the halls, drawing others in. Soon, more people came, bringing their own instruments, joining in, forming groups, until 18 men were playing together. Guitars, piano, bongos and xylophone—a truly joyful noise. “I get goose bumps just thinking about that night,” says … [Read more...]

Review: History, Harmony and Humanity

History, Harmony and Humanity offers insight into the life and work of one of the Army’s best musicians.

March 6, 2013 by Major Ken Smith Leave a Comment


History, Harmony and Humanity: A Suite of Articles about Ray Steadman-Allen

Growing up in The Salvation Army, I cannot recall a time when I did not know the name of Ray Steadman-Allen. From my early days of learning to play a brass instrument to the time when I first showed an interest in composing, RSA (as he is affectionately known worldwide) was an influence in my life as a young Army musician. History, Harmony and Humanity: A Suite of Articles about Ray … [Read more...]

Ontario Youth Band Tours California

Six-day tour includes marching in the 2013 Tournament of Roses Parade.

February 13, 2013 Leave a Comment


The Ontario Central East Divisional Youth Band marches in the 2013 Tournament of Roses Parade

The Ontario Central East Divisional Youth Band went on a six-day tour of the greater Los Angeles area in December. This tour included marching in the famous Tournament of Roses Parade, which The Salvation Army has participated in continuously for more than 90 years. On the first day of the tour, the band enjoyed a special opportunity to perform at Disneyland, which hosts up to 15 visiting bands … [Read more...]

Review: Sinner’s Creed

Scott Stapp, lead singer of Creed, was living the rock-star lifestyle. But God had other plans.

January 24, 2013 by Kristin Fryer Leave a Comment


Review of Scott Stapp's Sinner Creed

The fall should have killed him. Heavily intoxicated, Scott Stapp slipped from the railing of his hotel balcony and landed on a cement platform 20 feet below, fracturing his skull and breaking several bones. This event could have been a tragedy, but instead it was a turning point. “Looking back, I now know I was face-to-face with what I had become,” he says. For years, Scott, lead singer … [Read more...]

Music for the Masses

Salvation Army group chosen to represent Switzerland at Eurovision Song Contest 2013.

January 9, 2013 Leave a Comment


The Salvation Army - Salvationist.ca - Heilsarmee chosen to represent Switzerland at Eurovision 2013

Heilsarmee, the "rock group" put together by The Salvation Army's Switzerland, Austria and Hungary Territory to represent Switzerland at the 2013 Eurovision Song Contest, has won the Swiss public's support after an exciting televised contest. Heilsarmee, with the song "You and Me," received 37.54 percent of the vote – more than double that of the second-placed act. The members of six-piece … [Read more...]

Salvationists March in Calgary Stampede

Glenmore Temple Band participates in the 100th birthday celebrations of the Calgary Stampede.

August 2, 2012 Leave a Comment


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Calgary’s Glenmore Temple Band participated in the 100th birthday celebrations of the Calgary Stampede. The band is the longest serving one in the stampede parade. Peterborough Temple Band also travelled from Ontario to join them for the event and other anniversary festivities. As the 100 Salvationists, including flag bearers, banner carriers, band members and timbrelists, marched along, the … [Read more...]

The Power of Praise

When we come together to worship each week, we must think beyond notes, forms, styles or techniques and focus on God.

July 10, 2012 Aux-Captain Alain Suamunu-Luasu Leave a Comment


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During a recent conversation with another Salvationist about our ministry at Toronto’s Yorkwoods Community Church, I was asked how many contemporary praise songs and hymns we use in our services. I explained that we balance our services with music that reflects our rich heritage and music that is applicable to our culture today. As I thought further about the question, I asked the person, … [Read more...]