Forgive us if the news on this website comes along like buses.   Nothing for a while, and then lots of information on current events.   I will try to do better at keeping you informed!

I wanted to look back at Commissioning weekend, held in Atlanta, Ga (June) - where the band was featured heavily.   We continued our season repertoire - Triumph of Peace; Good Old Way; Salvation's Song; Let everything praise; Glory, Glory; and inserted Heralds Of Victory.  We also included Ralph Pearce's delightful devotional piece: "Grace."   With the new Lieutenants coming from the "Heralds of Grace" session it was appropriate to include as many songs about Grace and Heralds as possible.   Since there were not many songs about Heralds, we dusted down our Herald Fanfare Trumpets for several congregational songs. 

This month (July 2015) we are guests at the Territorial Music Institute (TMI) held at the magnificent Camp Hoblitzelle, in Midlothian, Texas.   The band will present a concert program (including many of our greatest hits from this season) and lead worship on Saturday morning (TMI operates on a strange daily schedule!)   The band will set the standard and model good Salvationism, musicality and Christian witness.   I am delighted that recently a couple of Territorial Youth members have been promoted to the STB to help us out: Scott Goodier, Lousson Smith, and Rudy Gassant. I know they will enjoy the opportunity. 

TMI celebrates 75 years since its inception.  So many great musicians and leaders have been developed at TMI, and gone on to lead music programs in the South.  One member of the band will be retiring - Major Terry Israel. He has been a faithful member of the band for many years.  He has given sterling service in the back row cornets, but perhaps more notably, has served as Band Sergeant and general comedian! (Every band has one)  I am indebted to his role in lifting the esprit d'corps on many occasions during my leadership. 

Next season will see the band record another CD - "War and Peace" is the working title.  We will also participate in a North American Brass Spectacular gathering in Long Beach, California - featuring all 5 of the North American "Staff" Bands: Canadian Staff, Chicago Staff, New York Staff, Western Territorial Staff, and Southern Territorial band.  It should be a great event.  Many more details to come...

God Bless!