Excitement greeted members of the Canadian Staff Band (CSB) as they took the stage for their 42nd anniversary festival in March at the Toronto Centre for the Arts. The band presented a diverse program of music that also featured the New York Staff Band (NYSB) under the direction of Ronald Waiksnoris.
The CSB premiered two new works: The Gathering by Marcus Venables and Rejoice! by Colonel Robert Redhead. Other pieces included Major Leonard Ballantine's Abram's Praise and Ein Feste Burg, the popular Dance of the Tumblers by Rimsky-Korsakov and Kevin Norbury's Rhapsody on a Theme by Purcell.
The NYSB gave dazzling performances of Children of Sanchez, featuring Andrew Garcia on flugel horn, a band chorus rendition of Heaven by Los Lonely Boys, and an energetic arrangement of Ol' Man River with scintillating drum solos by Bob Jones. The band also played a new composition by Kenneth Downie, Hope of Glory. The two bands combined to present four items to conclude the evening, culminating with Eric Ball's masterpiece, The Kingdom Triumphant.
On Sunday, the NYSB ministered at Toronto's Yorkminster Citadel while the CSB led the meeting at Toronto's Harbour Light Ministries. Both groups will participate in the International Staff Band's 120th anniversary celebrations in June. Eight staff bands from around the Army world will perform at the Royal Albert Hall in London, England, and march down The Mall into Buckingham Palace. Prior to this weekend, the CSB will visit the Netherlands and Germany from May 28-June 2, while the NYSB will tour Ireland.
Chief of the Staff Commissioner Edward Hill and World Secretary for Women’s Ministries Commissioner Shelley Hill have been honoured at The Salvation Army’s International Headquarters (IHQ) as they prepare to enter retirement following more than 33 years of Salvation Army officership and ministry around the world. International leaders,
(Above, from left) Claire Dunmore, territorial community mission secretary; Captain Crystal Porter (Mi’kmaq and Euro-Canadian); Collier and Lorna Azak (Nisga’a); Colonel Margaret McLeod; Lt-Colonel Leslie Wiseman; Tracy Desjarlais (Piapot First Nation of Saskatchewan); FSIN Second Vice Chief, Edward (Dutch) Lerat, member of Cowessess First
Captain Laura Van Schaick, territorial gender equity officer, recently sat down with General Brian Peddle (Rtd) to discuss the ongoing work of gender equity within The Salvation Army—both internationally and here at home. Their conversation reflects on the progress made, challenges encountered and their hopes for the future, and highlights the importance of recognizing and empowering the gifts and leadership of women and men across the Army.
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