The Territorial Band recently completed a very busy weekend of events in North Georgia.   The band welcomed Philip Smith, former principal trumpet of the New York Philharmonic Orchestra, as guest conductor and soloist.   Phil was supported by his wife, Sheila, and also brought along his father – former New York Staff Bandmaster Derek Smith.

Rehearsals commenced on Thursday January 16th with a focus on “Triumph of Peace” (Ball), “Good Old Way” (Broughton), and "Let everything praise" (Cordner) amongst others.   Thursday evening the Lawrenceville Corps, our hosts, conducted their usual corps music rehearsals.   Members of the Territorial Band, Songsters, and Creative Arts participated as private lesson teachers, youth band instructors, singing company leaders, and drama instructors.  

The evening finished with a massed band practice with members of the Lawrenceville corps band and the Territorial Band.   One of the highlights of the weekend was Derek Smith leading us in the March “Rosehill”.   He told the band stories of his time in the Rosehill band, and pointed out the significance of the words associated with the March.

On Friday evening the Territorial band shared a concert with the University of Georgia British brass band (Philip Smith) and the Bulldog Brass Quintet – an outstanding quintet made up from doctoral students from UGA.   The concert included massed items, individual items, and Phil Smith expertly played “His eye is on the sparrow” (Bulla) and “Trumpet Voluntary” (arr. Jakeway.)

Saturday morning included more rehearsals and a beautiful time of worship and consecration for the Territorial groups led by Phil and Sheila Smith.   After a short break, Phil conducted a brass workshop for local musicians – our own Manny Munoz and Joel Collier participated.   In the evening the Territorial band, Songsters, Creative Arts joined forces for a concert of worship at the Lawrenceville corps featuring Philip & Sheila Smith.   The concert was sold out, and focused on ‘Joy and Peace’.

On Sunday morning the band led worship at the Lawrenceville corps.  Highlights included Ray Steadman-Allen’s “In Quiet Pastures”, “Redeeming Love” by Thomas Rive, and a powerful testimony from bandsman Roger Galabeas.   Christmas kettle workers and volunteers were honored by Captain Andy Miller III during the service.  The band concluded worship with Bill Gordon’s powerful “God be with you ‘till we meet again” followed by an impromptu postlude “Rosehill” led by special guest Derek Smith.

All agreed that it was a wonderful weekend of music, ministry, and the unique fellowship that comes with Salvation Army banding.   Our thanks to Philip, Sheila, and Derek Smith for making it a weekend to remember!