It was a full house at Guelph Citadel, Ont., on April 5 as the Canadian Staff Band (CSB) hosted its annual concert, Festival 56. The sanctuary filled with brass music, red festival tunics and an air of gratitude as the CSB celebrated 56 years, with a special tribute to Bandmaster John Lam as he prepares to retire after 30 years of faithful service to the band, including 17 years as its leader.
Lindemann is one of the most celebrated trumpet players in history, and the first to receive the Order of Canada. He has performed at major venues worldwide including Carnegie Hall, the Great Wall of China and the Olympics
Festival 56 was a night of celebration, reflection and gratitude for decades of musical ministry. The sold-out concert featured a vibrant program of music by the CSB, Canadian Staff Songsters (CSS) and special guest Jens Lindemann, world-renowned trumpet soloist.
The evening also welcomed many notable guests, including Commissioners Lee and Debbie Graves, territorial commander and territorial president of women’s ministries; Colonels John and Lani Chamness, chief secretary and territorial secretary for spiritual life development; retired world leaders General Brian and Commissioner Rosalie Peddle; and Commissioner Tracey Tidd and Commissioner Susan McMillan, former territorial leaders.
A Night of Music
The program opened on a high note with the CSB’s performance of Life Anew by Marcus Venables, and Lt-Colonel Les Marshall, executive officer of the CSB, extended a warm welcome to the audience. “Heavenly Father, we come before you tonight with hearts filled with gratitude and awe,” he prayed. “Thank you for the gift of music, a reflection of your beauty, creativity and divine presence.”
Music, thankfulness and good humour were at the forefront of the evening, and with each song selection, Lam took time to share personal reflections, spiritual insights and memories from his journey with the CSB. A tribute video showcased Lam’s life and ministry, including childhood photos, highlights from his years with the CSB, and clips of Lam discussing the impact that music and the CSB has had on his life.
“In November 1982, I had just been to my first Salvation Army music camp and had a very moving experience there. I was invited to sing with the praise and worship group at Roy Thomson Hall. As I sat there with the songster brigade, out came the Canadian Staff Band and they played Symphony of Thanksgiving and The Canadian,” he said in the video. “It’s like my world shifted. It shook me to my core.... That was the beginning for me.”
Lindemann joined the band for Standing on the Promises by Douglas Court. Lindemann, a Canadian whose home base is Los Angeles, lost nearly all his possessions in the California wildfires earlier this year, and he spoke to the audience about the healing power of music.
“We lost everything. I had 40 trumpets and I saved eight of them. I wanted to come play here tonight because music is what heals,” said Lindemann. “The second verse of Standing on the Promises is very important to me: Standing on the promises that cannot fail, when the howling storms of doubt and fear assail, by the living Word of God I shall prevail, standing on the promises of God.”
In addition to his skill on the trumpet and personal stories of faith, Lindemann shared many jokes and anecdotes with the audience. Earlier that day, he had visited a music store in downtown Guelph and purchased a pocket trumpet. The instrument’s seller was a young man named Burton, who lives with spinal muscular atrophy. Lindemann left his phone number with the store, and just hours before the concert, he received a call from Burton (left) and invited him to attend Festival 56
The CSB then performed The Canadian, a bold and patriotic piece that concluded with the Canadian national anthem. Toward the end of the song, Lam signaled the audience to stand, and the sanctuary filled with voices singing O Canada.
Festival 56 also featured the distinct voices of the CSS, led by Songster Leader Cathie Koehnen, who performed the gentle and meditative The Dawn and a rhythmic rendition of I Will Sing. Afterward, Lam announced this year’s recipient of the Norman Bearcroft Scholarship, Mareike Olson from West Kootenay Circuit in Trail, B.C. The scholarship is awarded annually to a deserving student to attend territorial music school.
Later in the evening, the CSB performed Corpus Christi by Colonel Robert Redhead, a selection Lam called one of his “bucket list pieces” that are a challenge to him both musically and spiritually. For Lam, Corpus Christi, which means “the body of Christ,” is representative of the values of the band.
“I am all about community, and I believe that community must extend beyond the walls of The Salvation Army,” he explained. “This band is a community of faith. We spend time studying the Word and bringing people to the Lord in prayer.”
It Means No Worries
After a brief intermission, Lindemann led the audience back to their seats, marching from the back of the sanctuary playing When the Saints. As he reached the stage, the band joined in full force to finish the tune.
Lt-Colonel Marshall returned to the stage to share a devotional based on Jeremiah 29:11 and the Disney production, The Lion King. He reminded the congregation that, like the familiar phrase, “hakuna matata,” seasons of change are part of God’s plan. “ ‘Hakuna matata’ isn’t just a catchy phrase. It echoes a biblical truth that we can live without worry when we trust in God’s plan,” he said. “His promise of a hopeful future lets us release our fears. This isn’t just positive thinking—it’s divine assurance. We can live worry-free not because life is easy, but because God’s will is always good, pleasing and perfect.”
Reflecting on Lam’s tenure with the band, Lt-Colonel Marshall explained that his legacy would endure in those who continue to serve.
“John’s years of faithful service have planted seeds that will continue to grow,” he said. “God is not done with this ministry. The work of God’s kingdom continues.”
After a performance of I Have Seen the Glory of God by the CSB and CSS, Commissioner Lee Graves presented Lam with an Award of Exceptional Service, the territory’s highest honour.
“In this territory, our music ministry is so important to the mission of The Salvation Army,” said Commissioner Graves. “This award is presented to you because you exemplify the mission of the Army, and you live above and beyond in God’s name and for his glory. On behalf of our territory, I express our gratitude and say thank you.”
Christ at the Centre
As the night ended, Lam reflected on his time with the CSB, his own spiritual and musical journey, and gratitude for those who have been part of it. He expressed heartfelt thanks to his family and wife, Sarah, colleagues, students and the many musicians he has served alongside.
“Every piece [the band] played, every player and every location we played in left a mark on my soul in some way,” he said. “My challenge going forward is this: please continue to value the impact of this expression of faith. We’re a small denomination but we pack a punch.
Lam accepts an Award of Exceptional Service from Commissioner Lee Graves
“And if we truly call ourselves an Army, then let’s not only celebrate our victories, but let’s go back and retrieve our wounded and our fallen,” Lam continued. “And while we celebrate behind these walls, we’re meant to be out there in the community, so please never shy away from that. Keep Christ at the centre of everything you do, and he will continue to be faithful to you.”
In closing, the CSB, the CSS and Lindemann performed Bridge Over Troubled Water. Then, as a meaningful benediction, CSB members and alumni went out into the congregation, surrounding the audience with their instruments and music stands, and played God Be With You. The sanctuary was enveloped in the sound of brass music as Lam conducted from centre stage.
A video of the concert will be shared on the Canadian Staff Band's YouTube channel on Saturday, April 12, at 7 p.m. EDT.
Sharing Memories
Prior to Festival 56, there was a celebratory dinner featuring friendly comments from Stephen Pavey, band historian, and Major Kevin Metcalf, former music secretary and CSB member, who reminisced about memories with Lam over the years.
“God has honoured you and given you opportunities and in turn, you have honoured him through your ministry,” said Pavey to Lam. “You’ve taught us the importance of worshipping through music…. You’ve had the opportunity to conduct some difficult music, but your legacy has been the way you’ve connected with people, encouraged them and directed them toward Jesus.”
“John openly gives his heart to the Army and to the Lord, and he openly lives out his Christian faith as a high school teacher,” said Major Metcalf. “We need more people like that.”
Leave a Comment