en http://www.canadianstaffband.ca RSS Feed for CSB - Canadian Staff Band Copyright: (C) CSB - Canadian Staff Band, see http://www.canadianstaffband.ca for terms and conditions of reuse 60 CSB - Canadian Staff Band Ecclesiact Web System for Churches http://www.ecclesiact.com A Psalm of Praise.

The album will be the fifth under Bandmaster John Lam, who has made recording a priority since his appointment in April 2008. Listeners can look forward to enjoying the following selections:

Servants of God (Steven Ponsford)
A Psalm of Praise (James Curnow)
Cornet Solo The Lord's Prayer (Albert Hay Malotte, arr. Ian Jones)
Soloist Steve Brown
Daystar (Ray Steadman-Allen)
Euphonium Solo Harlequin (Philip Sparke)
Soloist Cameron Rawlins
Fill the World With Glory! (John Larsson, arr. Kevin Larsson)
Trombone Solo This I Know! (Terry Camsey)
Soloist Craig Lewis
The Firing Line (Bruce Broughton)
Tuba Solo The Higher Plane (Stephen Bulla)
Soloist Noel Samuels
They Shall Come From the East (John Larsson, arr. Kevin Larsson)
My Jesus, I Love Thee (A. J. Gordon, arr. Ron Heintzman)
Resurgam (Eric Ball)
Shine On Us (Michael W. Smith, arr. Jonathan Rowsell)

The new CD is scheduled for release in September 2012.
]]> 2049312517 Tue, 15 May 2012 13:54:20 GMT CSB - Canadian Staff Band http://www.canadianstaffband.ca 219240356 2049312517 0 2012-05-15 A Psalm of Praise.

The album will be the fifth under Bandmaster John Lam, who has made recording a priority since his appointment in April 2008. Listeners can look forward to enjoying the following selections:

Servants of God (Steven Ponsford)
A Psalm of Praise (James Curnow)
Cornet Solo The Lord's Prayer (Albert Hay Malotte, arr. Ian Jones)
Soloist Steve Brown
Daystar (Ray Steadman-Allen)
Euphonium Solo Harlequin (Philip Sparke)
Soloist Cameron Rawlins
Fill the World With Glory! (John Larsson, arr. Kevin Larsson)
Trombone Solo This I Know! (Terry Camsey)
Soloist Craig Lewis
The Firing Line (Bruce Broughton)
Tuba Solo The Higher Plane (Stephen Bulla)
Soloist Noel Samuels
They Shall Come From the East (John Larsson, arr. Kevin Larsson)
My Jesus, I Love Thee (A. J. Gordon, arr. Ron Heintzman)
Resurgam (Eric Ball)
Shine On Us (Michael W. Smith, arr. Jonathan Rowsell)

The new CD is scheduled for release in September 2012.
]]>

On Saturday, April 14, the the Canadian Staff Band presented a program of music at the St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts, Toronto, as part of the annual Festival of Brass sponsored by the Hannaford Street Silver Band. An appreciative audience enjoyed the CSB's presentations. For many of them it was the culmination of a long day of listening to a variety of brass bands from throughout the Greater Toronto Area and beyond.

The CSB program included the following items:

Servants of God (Steven Ponsford)
The Firing Line (Bruce Broughton)
Euphonium Solo Harlequin (Philip Sparke)
Soloist Cameron Rawlins
Procession of Nobles (Rimsky-Korsakov, arr. James Curnow)
They Shall Come From the East (John Larsson, arr. Kevin Larsson)
Cornet Solo The Lord's Prayer (Albert Hay Malotte, arr. Ian Jones)
Soloist Steve Brown
Daystar (Ray Steadman-Allen)
Light-walk (Barrie Gott)
Featuring the CSB Timbrels
Lux Aurumque (Eric Whitacre, trs. Andrew Poirier)
Seize the Day (Peter Graham)

It was a wonderful night and many commented afterwards on the high musical standard and overall excellence of the band's performance.

The CSB thanks Brendan Rawlins for his assistance on second baritone in the absence of Ron Pearson.



Photos
2012 Graham Lindsey / Wavelength Media
]]> 1770985794 Wed, 16 May 2012 08:09:21 GMT CSB - Canadian Staff Band http://www.canadianstaffband.ca 219240356 1770985794 0 2012-04-20

On Saturday, April 14, the the Canadian Staff Band presented a program of music at the St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts, Toronto, as part of the annual Festival of Brass sponsored by the Hannaford Street Silver Band. An appreciative audience enjoyed the CSB's presentations. For many of them it was the culmination of a long day of listening to a variety of brass bands from throughout the Greater Toronto Area and beyond.

The CSB program included the following items:

Servants of God (Steven Ponsford)
The Firing Line (Bruce Broughton)
Euphonium Solo Harlequin (Philip Sparke)
Soloist Cameron Rawlins
Procession of Nobles (Rimsky-Korsakov, arr. James Curnow)
They Shall Come From the East (John Larsson, arr. Kevin Larsson)
Cornet Solo The Lord's Prayer (Albert Hay Malotte, arr. Ian Jones)
Soloist Steve Brown
Daystar (Ray Steadman-Allen)
Light-walk (Barrie Gott)
Featuring the CSB Timbrels
Lux Aurumque (Eric Whitacre, trs. Andrew Poirier)
Seize the Day (Peter Graham)

It was a wonderful night and many commented afterwards on the high musical standard and overall excellence of the band's performance.

The CSB thanks Brendan Rawlins for his assistance on second baritone in the absence of Ron Pearson.



Photos
2012 Graham Lindsey / Wavelength Media
]]>

On the weekend of March 31-April 1, the Canadian Staff Band was pleased to visit Oshawa Temple for the corps' annual band weekend. Situated just 50 kilometres east of Toronto, the city of Oshawa has long been known as the ...Automotive Capital of Canada,o with General Motors being a mainstay of the economy. In recent years, the city of 150,000 has also become a retirement community for those wanting easy access to Toronto, as well as attracting young families who commute into the Greater Toronto Area for work. Oshawa Temple, under the leadership of Majors Robert and Dana Reid, has been the recipient of many Salvationists transferring into the corps and, as a result, the congregation is flourishing as never before.

The weekend began with a band clinic on Saturday afternoon, as CSB members met with members of Oshawa Temple and Scarborough Citadel Y.P. Bands for some sectional practice and tutoring. This was followed by rehearsal with the massed bands in preparation for the evening concert, billed as ...Listen to the Music.o

After supper, a large crowd filled the hall for the program, which started with a sparkling rendition of Steven Ponsford's Servants of God and the congregational song O Boundless Salvation (arr. William Himes). Other CSB items included William Broughton's The Firing Line and Ray Steadman-Allen's classic Daystar. Soloists Cameron Rawlins and Craig Lewis were featured in two contrasting items respectively Philip Sparke's Harlequin and Terry Camsey's This I Know! Oshawa Temple Y.P. Band, led by Kristen Moore, presented In My Heart by Simon Downey, and Scarborough Citadel Band, led by Steve Brown, played Nicholas Simmons-Smith's Sunday School Medley.

The CSB kicked off the second half of the program with three items, Rimsky-Korsakov's scintillating Procession of the Nobles (arr. James Curnow), Kevin Larsson's Fill the World With Glory! and Martin Cordner's The Name. The massed Y.P. bands then combined with the CSB to present I Stand Amazed (Stephen Bulla), which was especially appreciated by the parents of the young people and other supporters in attendance. This was followed by the CSB timbrels in Barrie Gott's Light-walk (always a crowd pleaser), the vocal selection He Leadeth Me (Paul Kellner), a devotional comment by CSB Executive Officer Major Kevin Metcalf, and Peter Graham's Seize the Day, a selection of traditional spirituals including The Gospel Train, Swing Low and Amen.

On Sunday morning Palm Sunday a CSB ensemble provided music for Sunday school and were also involved in a dramatic recreation of Jesus' triumphal entry. The CSB then led the morning meeting. Musical contributions included A Psalm of Praise (Curnow), My Jesus I Love Thee (arr. Ron Heintzman) and Written in Red (Dean Jones). Solo items included Steve Brown (cornet) in The Lord's Prayer (arr. Ian Jones), and Cameron Rawlins (vocal) in It Is Well (arr. William Himes).

In addition to the CSB, the Sunday afternoon musicale featured a showcase of musical talent from Oshawa Temple Corps, including the senior band and songsters, singing company, beginners' band and junior timbrels. CSB items included An Overture of Praise (Ruben Schmidt), The Great Rescue (Martin Cordner), They Shall Come From the East (Kevin Larsson) and an arrangement of Michael W. Smith's Shine On Us by the band's newest member, Jonathan Rowsell. Noel Samuels was featured in Stephen Bulla's The Higher Plane, a solo originally written for soprano cornet. To conclude the afternoon, the band presented William Himes' suite, To the Chief Musician.

The CSB continues to be grateful for all the many players from within its ranks that have come from Oshawa Temple over the years. We thank one of our own current members, Oshawa Temple Bandmaster Andrew Burditt, for his fine organizational skills that brought everything together to create a truly memorable weekend for all.
]]> 920925066 Tue, 15 May 2012 13:51:27 GMT CSB - Canadian Staff Band http://www.canadianstaffband.ca 219240356 920925066 0 2012-04-10

On the weekend of March 31-April 1, the Canadian Staff Band was pleased to visit Oshawa Temple for the corps' annual band weekend. Situated just 50 kilometres east of Toronto, the city of Oshawa has long been known as the ...Automotive Capital of Canada,o with General Motors being a mainstay of the economy. In recent years, the city of 150,000 has also become a retirement community for those wanting easy access to Toronto, as well as attracting young families who commute into the Greater Toronto Area for work. Oshawa Temple, under the leadership of Majors Robert and Dana Reid, has been the recipient of many Salvationists transferring into the corps and, as a result, the congregation is flourishing as never before.

The weekend began with a band clinic on Saturday afternoon, as CSB members met with members of Oshawa Temple and Scarborough Citadel Y.P. Bands for some sectional practice and tutoring. This was followed by rehearsal with the massed bands in preparation for the evening concert, billed as ...Listen to the Music.o

After supper, a large crowd filled the hall for the program, which started with a sparkling rendition of Steven Ponsford's Servants of God and the congregational song O Boundless Salvation (arr. William Himes). Other CSB items included William Broughton's The Firing Line and Ray Steadman-Allen's classic Daystar. Soloists Cameron Rawlins and Craig Lewis were featured in two contrasting items respectively Philip Sparke's Harlequin and Terry Camsey's This I Know! Oshawa Temple Y.P. Band, led by Kristen Moore, presented In My Heart by Simon Downey, and Scarborough Citadel Band, led by Steve Brown, played Nicholas Simmons-Smith's Sunday School Medley.

The CSB kicked off the second half of the program with three items, Rimsky-Korsakov's scintillating Procession of the Nobles (arr. James Curnow), Kevin Larsson's Fill the World With Glory! and Martin Cordner's The Name. The massed Y.P. bands then combined with the CSB to present I Stand Amazed (Stephen Bulla), which was especially appreciated by the parents of the young people and other supporters in attendance. This was followed by the CSB timbrels in Barrie Gott's Light-walk (always a crowd pleaser), the vocal selection He Leadeth Me (Paul Kellner), a devotional comment by CSB Executive Officer Major Kevin Metcalf, and Peter Graham's Seize the Day, a selection of traditional spirituals including The Gospel Train, Swing Low and Amen.

On Sunday morning Palm Sunday a CSB ensemble provided music for Sunday school and were also involved in a dramatic recreation of Jesus' triumphal entry. The CSB then led the morning meeting. Musical contributions included A Psalm of Praise (Curnow), My Jesus I Love Thee (arr. Ron Heintzman) and Written in Red (Dean Jones). Solo items included Steve Brown (cornet) in The Lord's Prayer (arr. Ian Jones), and Cameron Rawlins (vocal) in It Is Well (arr. William Himes).

In addition to the CSB, the Sunday afternoon musicale featured a showcase of musical talent from Oshawa Temple Corps, including the senior band and songsters, singing company, beginners' band and junior timbrels. CSB items included An Overture of Praise (Ruben Schmidt), The Great Rescue (Martin Cordner), They Shall Come From the East (Kevin Larsson) and an arrangement of Michael W. Smith's Shine On Us by the band's newest member, Jonathan Rowsell. Noel Samuels was featured in Stephen Bulla's The Higher Plane, a solo originally written for soprano cornet. To conclude the afternoon, the band presented William Himes' suite, To the Chief Musician.

The CSB continues to be grateful for all the many players from within its ranks that have come from Oshawa Temple over the years. We thank one of our own current members, Oshawa Temple Bandmaster Andrew Burditt, for his fine organizational skills that brought everything together to create a truly memorable weekend for all.
]]>
Two afternoon sessions at Bracebridge Corps brought a spiritual emphasis to the retreat as worship and devotions were led by Lieutenant Fred Reid, corps officer. Time was also taken to focus on our mission and direction as a band and to discuss business matters. We then made our way to our accommodations at the Muskoka Riverside Inn, where we enjoyed a delicious meal before sharing in various activities and an evening of fellowship together.

On Sunday, the CSB led the morning meeting at the corps, with Major Kevin Metcalf bringing the Bible message. Then, after sharing lunch with members of the congregation, the band presented a short concert to an appreciative audience, some of whom had travelled in from nearby Huntsville and Orillia to attend. Items included A Psalm of Praise, The Firing Line, Fill the World with Glory and William Himes' To the Chief Musician. Soloists Cameron Rawlins (euphonium) and Craig Lewis (trombone) were featured respectively in Harlequin and Somebody Prayed For Me.
]]> 1647689482 Wed, 15 Feb 2012 14:54:26 GMT CSB - Canadian Staff Band http://www.canadianstaffband.ca 219240356 1647689482 0 2012-02-15
Two afternoon sessions at Bracebridge Corps brought a spiritual emphasis to the retreat as worship and devotions were led by Lieutenant Fred Reid, corps officer. Time was also taken to focus on our mission and direction as a band and to discuss business matters. We then made our way to our accommodations at the Muskoka Riverside Inn, where we enjoyed a delicious meal before sharing in various activities and an evening of fellowship together.

On Sunday, the CSB led the morning meeting at the corps, with Major Kevin Metcalf bringing the Bible message. Then, after sharing lunch with members of the congregation, the band presented a short concert to an appreciative audience, some of whom had travelled in from nearby Huntsville and Orillia to attend. Items included A Psalm of Praise, The Firing Line, Fill the World with Glory and William Himes' To the Chief Musician. Soloists Cameron Rawlins (euphonium) and Craig Lewis (trombone) were featured respectively in Harlequin and Somebody Prayed For Me.
]]>
Jennifer Allington (2nd Horn) is currently in her third year of nursing studies at Ryerson University. She attends Yorkminister Citadel, Toronto, where she is actively involved in both band and songsters. Jennifer's appointment to the band marks three generations of Allingtons who have served in the CSB horn section. Her grandfather, Bramwell, one of the founding members of the band in 1969, was the principal horn player for many years and served as band secretary until his promotion to Glory in 1985. Jennifer's father, Rick, came into the CSB in 1989 and continues to serve as principal horn.

Jonathan Rowsell (Eb Bass) grew up in St. John's, Newfoundland, where he was heavily involved with St. John's Temple Corps. He moved to Ontario last summer with his wife, Seritha, to begin work on his doctorate of musical arts in tuba performance at the University of Toronto. He currently attends London Citadel Corps where he is involved in both the senior and junior band and in the worship team.
________

Two matters of further interest arising from Jennifer Allington's appointment to the band: this will be the second father-daughter combination to serve together in the CSB, the first being Stan Ewing and his daughter Sarah (2003-2007); and this marks only the second time that three generations have been members of the CSB, the other being founding members William and Brian Burditt (father and son), and Brian's son Andrew, currently a member of the solo cornet section.
]]> 2002590690 Mon, 13 Feb 2012 09:22:19 GMT CSB - Canadian Staff Band http://www.canadianstaffband.ca 219240356 2002590690 0 2012-02-13
Jennifer Allington (2nd Horn) is currently in her third year of nursing studies at Ryerson University. She attends Yorkminister Citadel, Toronto, where she is actively involved in both band and songsters. Jennifer's appointment to the band marks three generations of Allingtons who have served in the CSB horn section. Her grandfather, Bramwell, one of the founding members of the band in 1969, was the principal horn player for many years and served as band secretary until his promotion to Glory in 1985. Jennifer's father, Rick, came into the CSB in 1989 and continues to serve as principal horn.

Jonathan Rowsell (Eb Bass) grew up in St. John's, Newfoundland, where he was heavily involved with St. John's Temple Corps. He moved to Ontario last summer with his wife, Seritha, to begin work on his doctorate of musical arts in tuba performance at the University of Toronto. He currently attends London Citadel Corps where he is involved in both the senior and junior band and in the worship team.
________

Two matters of further interest arising from Jennifer Allington's appointment to the band: this will be the second father-daughter combination to serve together in the CSB, the first being Stan Ewing and his daughter Sarah (2003-2007); and this marks only the second time that three generations have been members of the CSB, the other being founding members William and Brian Burditt (father and son), and Brian's son Andrew, currently a member of the solo cornet section.
]]> Nicole Downer who has had to relilnquish her position in the band for personal reasons. Nicole came into the band in 2005 and has given faithful service since that time. With husband, Nathan, they have welcomed two little ones into their home in recent years, Chloe and Callum. We wish them well as they raise their young family and continue to be actively involved at their home corps of Mountain Citadel, Hamilton.

We are also grateful for CSB veteran Ian Watkinson for coming back into the band this past fall, but he has now had to retire once again. Our ongoing prayers are with him as he battles ongoing health concerns during these days. ]]> 671783963 Tue, 21 Feb 2012 10:23:15 GMT CSB - Canadian Staff Band http://www.canadianstaffband.ca 219240356 671783963 0 2012-01-11 Nicole Downer who has had to relilnquish her position in the band for personal reasons. Nicole came into the band in 2005 and has given faithful service since that time. With husband, Nathan, they have welcomed two little ones into their home in recent years, Chloe and Callum. We wish them well as they raise their young family and continue to be actively involved at their home corps of Mountain Citadel, Hamilton.

We are also grateful for CSB veteran Ian Watkinson for coming back into the band this past fall, but he has now had to retire once again. Our ongoing prayers are with him as he battles ongoing health concerns during these days. ]]> December was a busier than usual month for the CSB as this year we were on duty for three Christmas concerts within the span of a week.





First up was the annual Christmas With The Salvation Army program at Toronto's Roy Thomson Hall.



This year's special guests were soprano Marjory Watson from Kirkcaldy, Scotland, along with the Peterborough Singers under Sydney Birrell, organist Ian Sadler and dramatist Colin Fox. The Peterborough Singers made up the core of this year's Festival Chorus, supplemented by Salvation Army songster groups from throughout souther Ontario. The massed group two selections on its own - Leonard Ballantine's One Cold Night and the traditional O Holy Night - as well as supporting soloist Marjory Watson in Somewhere In My Memory (Leslie Bricusse/John Williams), They Followed His Star (Carol Cymbala) and Joy Webb's Come Into our World. Marjory Watson sang three solo items - It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year and Michael W. Smith's Emmanuel/Little Town (both accompanied by the CSB), and Winter Wonderland, with Bill Way on piano, Ken Bailey on bass and Gord Mayer on drums.

The Peterborough Singers were making their second appearance at this annual concert and proved themselves to be once again in fine form with a spirited rendition of the first movement from John Rutter's Gloria, accompanied by organist Ian Sadler and a brass/percussion ensemble from the CSB. In the second half of the program they also presented two contrasting carols in settings by Paul Halley - What Child Is This? and Good King Wenceslas.



In addition to accompanying three carols and tuba soloist Robert Brown in his own unique interpertation of Frosty the Snowman (complete with a dancing snowman!), the Canadian Staff Band main contributions to the evening were Christmas Fantasy, a medley of carols arranged by Jan de Haan, Sergei Prokofiev's Troika arranged by Andrew Blyth, and the scintillating Gaudete! by Kevin Norbury.



Also appearing on the program were dramatist Colin Fox who presented a series of readings; the territorial commander, Commissioner Brian Peddle, who brought a devotional message; and Ontario Lieutenant-Governor David Onley, who brought greetings and thanked the Army for its valuable work to the community.





_____





On Monday, December 5, the CSB was priviled to participate in Let's Celebrate Christmas, a concert at the Richmond Hill Performing Arts Centre just north of Toronto sponsored by The Salvation Army's Richmond Hill Community Church. Organized by Staff Bandsman Steve Pavey, the event also included the Easy Street Youth Band, a group of young musicians that Steve leads at his corps, the Mackenzie Singers from Alexander Mackenzie High School, and a young vocal soloist, Isabella Santiago, who amazed the audience with her outstanding vocal presentations.



Not all of the CSB was able to be present for this event due to other commitments and we were grateful to CSB alumni Kevin Hayward, Dave Rayment and Barrington Venables for helping us out. The band was led by Deputy Bandmaster Ken Smith in the absence of Bandmaster John Lam, and presented a variety of items including The Carollers, The Everlasting Light, Sleigh Ride, Chestnuts, Winter's Snow and A Christmas Festival. Staff Bandsman Cameron Rawlins also sang Mary, Did You Know?, as featured on the CSB's recent Christmas CD, Christ is Born! A definite highlight of the night was the presentation of Eric Ball's The Kingdom Triumphant, featuring a special video dramatizing the story of Jesus' birth, his life and ministry, death and resurrection and future exaltation.



The CSB also accompanied the audience in Joy to the World (arr. Kevin Hayward), Hark! the Herald Angels Sings (Willcocks), White Christmas (arr. Ballantine), and Joyful, Joyful (arr. Himes), in which it was joined by the Easy Street Youth Band. This enthusiastic group of youthful musicians did a splendid job through the evening, presenting two items on its own - Fanfare for Christmas and Christmas Lullaby - as well as joining us for two massed items, Westminster Fanfare and Angels in the Mid-winter. The CSB was impressed with the high quality of musicianship displayed by the group and commend Steve Pavey for his leadership.
_____

A week later it was off to St. Paul's Church for the 33rd annual Christmas Carol Concert, an event that is always packed out for both performances and helps the Toronto Star provide gift boxes to 45,000 underprivileged children in the Greater Toronto Area. Conductor emeritus Giles Bryant was once again in top form, leading the massed choirs and congregation in the usual carols with band and organ accompaniment. The CSB's contributions were Prokofiev's Troika arranged by Andrew Blyth and Gaudete! by Kevin Norbury.



December is a busy month for Salvation Army band members, and the extra-mile service when you're in the staff band is all part of the privilege of service.

To our regular visitors, we wish you a Happy Christmas and a new year filled with God's richest blessing.

]]> 1200842193 Mon, 19 Dec 2011 10:32:18 GMT CSB - Canadian Staff Band http://www.canadianstaffband.ca 219240356 1200842193 0 2011-12-13 December was a busier than usual month for the CSB as this year we were on duty for three Christmas concerts within the span of a week.





First up was the annual Christmas With The Salvation Army program at Toronto's Roy Thomson Hall.



This year's special guests were soprano Marjory Watson from Kirkcaldy, Scotland, along with the Peterborough Singers under Sydney Birrell, organist Ian Sadler and dramatist Colin Fox. The Peterborough Singers made up the core of this year's Festival Chorus, supplemented by Salvation Army songster groups from throughout souther Ontario. The massed group two selections on its own - Leonard Ballantine's One Cold Night and the traditional O Holy Night - as well as supporting soloist Marjory Watson in Somewhere In My Memory (Leslie Bricusse/John Williams), They Followed His Star (Carol Cymbala) and Joy Webb's Come Into our World. Marjory Watson sang three solo items - It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year and Michael W. Smith's Emmanuel/Little Town (both accompanied by the CSB), and Winter Wonderland, with Bill Way on piano, Ken Bailey on bass and Gord Mayer on drums.

The Peterborough Singers were making their second appearance at this annual concert and proved themselves to be once again in fine form with a spirited rendition of the first movement from John Rutter's Gloria, accompanied by organist Ian Sadler and a brass/percussion ensemble from the CSB. In the second half of the program they also presented two contrasting carols in settings by Paul Halley - What Child Is This? and Good King Wenceslas.



In addition to accompanying three carols and tuba soloist Robert Brown in his own unique interpertation of Frosty the Snowman (complete with a dancing snowman!), the Canadian Staff Band main contributions to the evening were Christmas Fantasy, a medley of carols arranged by Jan de Haan, Sergei Prokofiev's Troika arranged by Andrew Blyth, and the scintillating Gaudete! by Kevin Norbury.



Also appearing on the program were dramatist Colin Fox who presented a series of readings; the territorial commander, Commissioner Brian Peddle, who brought a devotional message; and Ontario Lieutenant-Governor David Onley, who brought greetings and thanked the Army for its valuable work to the community.





_____





On Monday, December 5, the CSB was priviled to participate in Let's Celebrate Christmas, a concert at the Richmond Hill Performing Arts Centre just north of Toronto sponsored by The Salvation Army's Richmond Hill Community Church. Organized by Staff Bandsman Steve Pavey, the event also included the Easy Street Youth Band, a group of young musicians that Steve leads at his corps, the Mackenzie Singers from Alexander Mackenzie High School, and a young vocal soloist, Isabella Santiago, who amazed the audience with her outstanding vocal presentations.



Not all of the CSB was able to be present for this event due to other commitments and we were grateful to CSB alumni Kevin Hayward, Dave Rayment and Barrington Venables for helping us out. The band was led by Deputy Bandmaster Ken Smith in the absence of Bandmaster John Lam, and presented a variety of items including The Carollers, The Everlasting Light, Sleigh Ride, Chestnuts, Winter's Snow and A Christmas Festival. Staff Bandsman Cameron Rawlins also sang Mary, Did You Know?, as featured on the CSB's recent Christmas CD, Christ is Born! A definite highlight of the night was the presentation of Eric Ball's The Kingdom Triumphant, featuring a special video dramatizing the story of Jesus' birth, his life and ministry, death and resurrection and future exaltation.



The CSB also accompanied the audience in Joy to the World (arr. Kevin Hayward), Hark! the Herald Angels Sings (Willcocks), White Christmas (arr. Ballantine), and Joyful, Joyful (arr. Himes), in which it was joined by the Easy Street Youth Band. This enthusiastic group of youthful musicians did a splendid job through the evening, presenting two items on its own - Fanfare for Christmas and Christmas Lullaby - as well as joining us for two massed items, Westminster Fanfare and Angels in the Mid-winter. The CSB was impressed with the high quality of musicianship displayed by the group and commend Steve Pavey for his leadership.
_____

A week later it was off to St. Paul's Church for the 33rd annual Christmas Carol Concert, an event that is always packed out for both performances and helps the Toronto Star provide gift boxes to 45,000 underprivileged children in the Greater Toronto Area. Conductor emeritus Giles Bryant was once again in top form, leading the massed choirs and congregation in the usual carols with band and organ accompaniment. The CSB's contributions were Prokofiev's Troika arranged by Andrew Blyth and Gaudete! by Kevin Norbury.



December is a busy month for Salvation Army band members, and the extra-mile service when you're in the staff band is all part of the privilege of service.

To our regular visitors, we wish you a Happy Christmas and a new year filled with God's richest blessing.

]]>
On the weekend of November 18-20, 2011, Salvationists in Toronto and Hamilton, Ontario, were privileged to host the Glenmore Temple Band from Calgary, Alberta, under Bandmaster Jeff Haskey. The group had travelled to southern Ontario to take part in the Canadian Staff Band's annual Fall Festival and march in the Toronto Santa Claus Parade.





Visiting band members were kept busy from the moment they arrived, presenting a concert to an appreciative audience at Meadowlands Corps, Hamilton, on Friday evening. Then it was off to Toronto on Saturday morning for parade rehearsals, followed by an enjoyable Fall Festival in the evening with the CSB and the Ontario Central-East Divisional Youth Chorus at Scarborough Citadel.



As the CSB played Steven Ponsford's Servants of God to open the 2011 Fall Festival, concert, the visitors from Calgary marched in from the back of the hall proudly wearing their traditional white Stetsons. Then, following a welcome and prayer by Commissioner Brian Peddle, territorial commander, they launched into their first item, Martin Cordner's Round-up, during which the audience was treated to visual images highlighting their home city nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains and known the world over for its famous Calgary Stampede.

The first of two solos on the program featured Michael Royan, cornet, who presented a sparkling rendition of Norman Bearcroft's Golden Slippers accompanied by Glenmore Temple Band. Of interest is that the work was originally written for Staff Bandsman Deryck Diffey in the early 1970s. Deryck was in the audience and later commended Michael for his superb playing.

The second soloist of the night was Staff Bandsman Cameron Rawlins who presented the euphonium solo Harlequin by Philip Sparke, featuring a slow modal ballad followed by a frenetic faster movement delievered with flawless execution to the delight of the audience. Other items rounding off the first half of the program were South Shields Celebration (Cordner) by Glenmore Temple Band and James Curnow's A Psalm of Praise by the CSB. Under leader Cathie Koehnen, the Divisional Youth Chorus presented two contrasting items, Richard Phillips' Sing for Joy and Part the Waters, an arrangement of the song by Charles Brown.

Following the intermission, the CSB led off with Bruce Broughton's The Firing Line, followed by Glenmore Temple Band's presentation of I've Got Joy by Derrick Kane. The audience was then treated to the first Toronto performance of the CSB Timbrels, led by Staff Band Member Serena Doars and set to the music of Barrie Gott's Light-walk. As it did in performances throughout Holland the Germany in the spring, it literally brought the house down! The Divisional Youth Chorus then presented its second set of the evening - the traditional spiritual Give Me Jesus and an bright, energetic rendition of Shine Down arranged by Mark Hayes. This was followed by the CSB playing Kevin Larsson's new setting of They Shall Come From the East and Glenmore Temple Band with an excellent presentation of William Hime's Celebration of Contemporary Gospel Song.

The massed bands finished the program with three items, the Christmas march Glad Tidings (Kenneth Smith), which would be heard on the streets of Toronto the next day in the Santa Claus Parade, along with Andrew Poirier's transcription of Eric Whitacre's Lux Aurumque and a new setting of In Christ Alone by Craig Woodland. In between, following devotional comments by the territorial commander, was a massed vocal item featuring all three groups - Paul Lovatt-Cooper's My Simple Prayer with words by Rob Little.



On Sunday morning, the visiting band participated in worship at Bloor Central Corps, where the message was given by Major Eddie Vincent, Glenmore Temple corps officer. It was then off to march in the 107th annual Toronto Santa Claus Parade, as Army band members from the Greater Toronto Area joined the CSB and Glenmore Temple Band along with timbrellists and divisional and territorial leaders. As always, the event provided a great opportunity for Christian witness to the 500,000 who lined the parade route along the downtown city streets.





The Canadian Staff Band was pleased to host the visitors from Alberta for this third annual fall festival and parade weekend. Plans are underway for next year and details will be announced in due course.


]]> 854307755 Mon, 12 Dec 2011 14:16:36 GMT CSB - Canadian Staff Band http://www.canadianstaffband.ca 219240356 854307755 0 2011-12-12
On the weekend of November 18-20, 2011, Salvationists in Toronto and Hamilton, Ontario, were privileged to host the Glenmore Temple Band from Calgary, Alberta, under Bandmaster Jeff Haskey. The group had travelled to southern Ontario to take part in the Canadian Staff Band's annual Fall Festival and march in the Toronto Santa Claus Parade.





Visiting band members were kept busy from the moment they arrived, presenting a concert to an appreciative audience at Meadowlands Corps, Hamilton, on Friday evening. Then it was off to Toronto on Saturday morning for parade rehearsals, followed by an enjoyable Fall Festival in the evening with the CSB and the Ontario Central-East Divisional Youth Chorus at Scarborough Citadel.



As the CSB played Steven Ponsford's Servants of God to open the 2011 Fall Festival, concert, the visitors from Calgary marched in from the back of the hall proudly wearing their traditional white Stetsons. Then, following a welcome and prayer by Commissioner Brian Peddle, territorial commander, they launched into their first item, Martin Cordner's Round-up, during which the audience was treated to visual images highlighting their home city nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains and known the world over for its famous Calgary Stampede.

The first of two solos on the program featured Michael Royan, cornet, who presented a sparkling rendition of Norman Bearcroft's Golden Slippers accompanied by Glenmore Temple Band. Of interest is that the work was originally written for Staff Bandsman Deryck Diffey in the early 1970s. Deryck was in the audience and later commended Michael for his superb playing.

The second soloist of the night was Staff Bandsman Cameron Rawlins who presented the euphonium solo Harlequin by Philip Sparke, featuring a slow modal ballad followed by a frenetic faster movement delievered with flawless execution to the delight of the audience. Other items rounding off the first half of the program were South Shields Celebration (Cordner) by Glenmore Temple Band and James Curnow's A Psalm of Praise by the CSB. Under leader Cathie Koehnen, the Divisional Youth Chorus presented two contrasting items, Richard Phillips' Sing for Joy and Part the Waters, an arrangement of the song by Charles Brown.

Following the intermission, the CSB led off with Bruce Broughton's The Firing Line, followed by Glenmore Temple Band's presentation of I've Got Joy by Derrick Kane. The audience was then treated to the first Toronto performance of the CSB Timbrels, led by Staff Band Member Serena Doars and set to the music of Barrie Gott's Light-walk. As it did in performances throughout Holland the Germany in the spring, it literally brought the house down! The Divisional Youth Chorus then presented its second set of the evening - the traditional spiritual Give Me Jesus and an bright, energetic rendition of Shine Down arranged by Mark Hayes. This was followed by the CSB playing Kevin Larsson's new setting of They Shall Come From the East and Glenmore Temple Band with an excellent presentation of William Hime's Celebration of Contemporary Gospel Song.

The massed bands finished the program with three items, the Christmas march Glad Tidings (Kenneth Smith), which would be heard on the streets of Toronto the next day in the Santa Claus Parade, along with Andrew Poirier's transcription of Eric Whitacre's Lux Aurumque and a new setting of In Christ Alone by Craig Woodland. In between, following devotional comments by the territorial commander, was a massed vocal item featuring all three groups - Paul Lovatt-Cooper's My Simple Prayer with words by Rob Little.



On Sunday morning, the visiting band participated in worship at Bloor Central Corps, where the message was given by Major Eddie Vincent, Glenmore Temple corps officer. It was then off to march in the 107th annual Toronto Santa Claus Parade, as Army band members from the Greater Toronto Area joined the CSB and Glenmore Temple Band along with timbrellists and divisional and territorial leaders. As always, the event provided a great opportunity for Christian witness to the 500,000 who lined the parade route along the downtown city streets.





The Canadian Staff Band was pleased to host the visitors from Alberta for this third annual fall festival and parade weekend. Plans are underway for next year and details will be announced in due course.


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The first CSB Christmas recording, Home For Christmas, was released in 1972. Just three years into the band's existence, the group was still being conducted by its founding bandmaster, Major Norman Beacroft. The LP album mostly featured the band playing simple carol accompaniments from the original Christmas Praise carol book published by SP&S in 1963. Added into the mix were some special arrangements taken from the published band journals of the time and some new settings by Major Bearcroft.






In 1978, the CSB released its second Christmas LP album, this time conducted by Captain Robert Redhead. It featured a wide variety of new carol arrangements including the original version of Stephen Bulla's A Christmas Suite, The Festive Season by Morley Calvert, Joyful Bells and Good Christian Men Rejoice by Leslie Condon, Kenneth Cook's march The Spirit of Christmas, and two items by Captain Redhead, March of the Kings and Away in a Manger (Normandy Carol). Also featured were two vocal items featuring the band's male chorus - O Come Immanuel and To Save a Poor Sinner.



Of note is that this second CSB Christmas album was released a year before the very first Toronto Star Christmas Carol Concert was held in 1979 at St. Paul's Church, Toronto - a tradition that still continues some 32 years later! And in all the time since, the CSB has not released another Christmas album ... until now.


The band's latest and much-anticipated Christmas album, Christ is Born!, features new and old favourites and some new music written especially for this recording. Since its release in November 2011, it has proven extremely popular and is being enjoyed by listeners throughout Canada and around the world.

Check our recordings page to purchase your copy today. ]]> 1138722882 Mon, 09 Jan 2012 15:05:51 GMT CSB - Canadian Staff Band http://www.canadianstaffband.ca 219240356 1138722882 0 2011-12-05
The first CSB Christmas recording, Home For Christmas, was released in 1972. Just three years into the band's existence, the group was still being conducted by its founding bandmaster, Major Norman Beacroft. The LP album mostly featured the band playing simple carol accompaniments from the original Christmas Praise carol book published by SP&S in 1963. Added into the mix were some special arrangements taken from the published band journals of the time and some new settings by Major Bearcroft.






In 1978, the CSB released its second Christmas LP album, this time conducted by Captain Robert Redhead. It featured a wide variety of new carol arrangements including the original version of Stephen Bulla's A Christmas Suite, The Festive Season by Morley Calvert, Joyful Bells and Good Christian Men Rejoice by Leslie Condon, Kenneth Cook's march The Spirit of Christmas, and two items by Captain Redhead, March of the Kings and Away in a Manger (Normandy Carol). Also featured were two vocal items featuring the band's male chorus - O Come Immanuel and To Save a Poor Sinner.



Of note is that this second CSB Christmas album was released a year before the very first Toronto Star Christmas Carol Concert was held in 1979 at St. Paul's Church, Toronto - a tradition that still continues some 32 years later! And in all the time since, the CSB has not released another Christmas album ... until now.


The band's latest and much-anticipated Christmas album, Christ is Born!, features new and old favourites and some new music written especially for this recording. Since its release in November 2011, it has proven extremely popular and is being enjoyed by listeners throughout Canada and around the world.

Check our recordings page to purchase your copy today. ]]>
Andrew Dolan is currently in his second year of specialist neuroscience studies at the University of Toronto. He attends Scarborough Citadel, Toronto, and plays in the corps band once led by his grandfather, noted Army musician and historian Fred Creighton. Andrew is deputy bandmaster of the Y.P. Band and a member of both the Ontario Central-East Divisional Youth Band and Youth Chorus.

Trent Mansell is not a new member, having served previously in the CSB from 1999 to 2005. Trent attends Mississauga Temple with his wife, Miriam, and their two boys, where he is involved in the senior band and worship team brass. A bachelor of music graduate from the University of Western Ontario, he currently works as an elementary school principal and is a fourth-generation Salvationist.
]]> 1170026699 Fri, 14 Oct 2011 11:15:44 GMT CSB - Canadian Staff Band http://www.canadianstaffband.ca 219240356 1170026699 0 2011-10-13
Andrew Dolan is currently in his second year of specialist neuroscience studies at the University of Toronto. He attends Scarborough Citadel, Toronto, and plays in the corps band once led by his grandfather, noted Army musician and historian Fred Creighton. Andrew is deputy bandmaster of the Y.P. Band and a member of both the Ontario Central-East Divisional Youth Band and Youth Chorus.

Trent Mansell is not a new member, having served previously in the CSB from 1999 to 2005. Trent attends Mississauga Temple with his wife, Miriam, and their two boys, where he is involved in the senior band and worship team brass. A bachelor of music graduate from the University of Western Ontario, he currently works as an elementary school principal and is a fourth-generation Salvationist.
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