In September, Ontario will host the last six days of a three-territory North American tour by Australia's Melbourne Staff Band (MSB). The band has come to us before and has always displayed a precision and poised dynamic that has been their signature since the days of Retired Bandmaster Colin Woods. This time, current Bandmaster Ken Waterworth has taken steps to ensure their impression will be a fresh and innovative one.Have you heard of Blast? The name refers to a professional music show that features virtuosic brass playing choreographed routines. If you?ve seen a Welsh Guards-type marching drill, that would be a starting point, only more wildly expressive, intricate and very novel. Evidently, Blast has had a big impact in Australia, and the MSB has been working on this kind of approach to add interest and vitality to their presentations. This is not done in the abstract, but by way of acting-out the story connected to the music. Certainly a different, if not dangerous, addition to the tried and true, straight ahead, sit-in- your-rows-and-blow type concert!
Musicians' Councils
The Melbourne Staff Band's journey into the fresh and innovative gives pause to reflect on the way music ministry in general is being retooled to meet the demands of modern mission. In our own territory there is no shortage of innovative applications to report and celebrate.
In fact, our upcoming musicians' councils on Saturday, September 30, will highlight and unpack some dynamic examples of innovations in music ministry. This interdivisional gathering is open to Salvation Army musicians of all disciplines and stripes, and is being designed with their inspiration in mind, both spiritual and practical. The MSB, along with our own Canadian Staff Band, will be present throughout the day, as well as presenting a joint concert in the evening.
Following the MSB's appearances in each of the other three Ontario divisions, Saturday will mark the culmination of their Canadian tour. To ensure that the outside world benefits from this ministry, the community-based Orillia Silver Band (Jim Ferris) has taken on the organization of Thursday's event, and the Toronto District School Board's York Mills Collegiate (Robert Gray) has taken on organization of Friday's events. These arrangements are departures from our usual corps-centered programming and represent the manner in which we intend our music to be salt and light beyond our doors.
Revitalized Music Programs
Music continues to be important to our unique expression of worship as Salvationists. However, not all innovation runs counter to our heritage of brass and singing. Examples of revitalized brass and vocal programs of the traditional kind will also be shared at musicians' councils. A summary of all these innovations in music ministry will appear in a future edition of Salvationist.
In the meantime, pray for these bold new attempts to exercise our mission from within the strengths God has given us. These are exciting and challenging times for our Movement. Pray for wisdom, patience and discipline in honouring this calling.
by Major Len Ballantine
Secretary for Music and Gospel Arts, THQ Corps Ministries
Canadian Tour Itinerary
Sep 26 Guelph
Sep 27 Ottawa
Sep 28 Orillia
Sep 29 York Mills Collegiate, Toronto
Sep 30 Musicians' councils and festival with CSB, Toronto
Oct 1 Yorkminster Citadel, Toronto