Click here for details on our weekend in Toronto
CSB 50th anniversary weekend
TERRITORIAL BAND TO TORONTO!
The band is headed to Toronto this coming weekend (March 1-3, 2019.) Our first concert is at the Meadowlands Corps
Our concert is promoted here
USA SOUTHERN TERRITORIAL BAND TO TOUR UK
The USA Southern Territorial Band will be visiting the UK later this month for an Easter campaign. The band will visit Chelmsford, London, Maidenhead, Windsor, before attending the 60th annual Boscombe Corps Easter Convention as special guests.
Lt. Colonels William and Debra Mockabee will be guest speakers on the tour which commences on March 26th and concludes on April 2nd, 2018.
The band is very pleased to be partnering with the Black Dyke Trombone Quartet in Maidenhead on Wednesday, March 28th. Details of our concerts and engagements appear here.
It's a Celebration!
The Southern Territorial band had the privilege of participating in the North American Brass Band Festival – held in Long Beach, California: May 19 – 22, 2016.
The event was a celebration of the 10th anniversary of the Western Territorial Staff Band and brought together all the Staff bands from North America: Canadian Staff Band (John Lam), Chicago Staff Band (Harold Burgmayer), New York Staff Band (Ronald Waiksnoris), Southern Territorial Band (Nick Simmons-Smith), and, of course, the host band Western Territorial Staff Band (Neil Smith.)
The Southern Territorial Band met at LAX airport on Wednesday May 18th arriving, as always, from all points of the Territory. After a rehearsal in the Terrace Theater, a 3,000-seater auditorium, the band were taken to their lodging aboard the Queen Mary – now a floating hotel. The Queen Mary, launched in 1936, was quaint and interesting – something akin to the Titanic! – with many of its original fixtures and fittings intact. It was also the cheapest lodging available in popular Long Beach, CA.
After a day of rehearsal at nearby Tustin Ranch corps, the band headed back to the ship for a banquet with the other bands. A rich, unique fellowship exists between Salvation Army bands, and was evident to see as everyone caught up with old friends, and quickly made new ones.
Friday was devoted to a massed band rehearsal – featuring all 5 bands. The rehearsal of Eric Ball’s magnificent “The Kingdom Triumphant” whetted the appetite for the concert the next evening, but even the simple warm up of Gowans and Larsson’s hymn tune “Someone cares” blessed those present.
Saturday included outdoor concerts by the Western Territorial Youth Band, and two local Divisional Youth Bands. This was followed by an afternoon concert in 5 parts – featuring each band. The Southern Territorial Band played “Intrada: A Mighty Fortress!” (Steve Kellner), “A prayer for Courage” (Andrew Barrington, soloist Jeffrey Barrington), “Trombone feature: Let there be peace on earth” (Nick Simmons-Smith), and “The Great Salvation War” (James Curnow) conducted by the composer. It is worth noting that all four pieces were written by members or former members of the Territorial Band. All four pieces also feature on the band’s latest recording: War and Peace.
The evening concert was a glorious celebration of Christian brass band music. Each band marched into the auditorium to the March: “Roll Call” (Broughton.) Highlights included a specially commissioned work by eminent brass band composer Dr. Philip Wilby: “The Pilgrim’s Progress” based on the Christian allegory written by John Bunyan in 1678; the band singing “Jesus Thou Art Everything to Me”; and a Hollywood-style opener by Kevin Larsson that featured each band on its own. The Territorial Band rose to play “When the Saints” with typical fervor and represented the Southland extremely well.
On Sunday morning the band led worship at Riverside (CA) corps. Lt. Colonel William Mockabee (STB Executive Officer) preached on the “Postures of Prayer.” The band led worship through the playing of “Prayer for Courage”, “Cantad a Jehova” (Dorothy Gates) featuring Manny Munoz on trumpet, a testimony by bandsmen Jeremy Rowland and an Altar Call solo “I surrender” played exquisitely on the Flugel Horn by Darryl Crossland. Many people came forward to pray at the altar during the playing of this arrangement of Phil Laeger’s song.
After the traditional Southern Territorial postlude of “Celebration” (Les Condon), the band traveled to Disneyland to participate in a massed band march through the park! Thousands of people witnessed The Salvation Army lift the name of Jesus higher through the “happiest place on earth.”
We hope and pray that many lives were touched by the weekend’s events. It was a true celebration – well executed by the Western Territory and their Music Secretary: Neil Smith. One could tell by the response to concert items, Sunday morning worship, and the fellowship of believers that Salvation Army banding is still a vibrant and effective way to communicate the Gospel message. Long may it continue!
The new Territorial Band recording "War and Peace" is available on CD Baby, and very soon on iTunes.
War and Peace on CD baby
The new Territorial Band recording "War and Peace" is available on CD Baby, and very soon on iTunes.
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/thesouthernterritorialba
California - Here we come!
Next week the Territorial Band will be traveling to California for the Brass Celebration (see below for more information)
The Southern Territorial Band will join the Canadian Staff Band, Chicago Staff Band, New York Staff Band, and the Western Territorial Staff Band - celebrating their 10th anniversary.
The STB will feature four pieces on Saturday afternoon at our concert: Intrada: Mighty Fortress!(Dr. Steve Kellner); Cornet Solo: Prayer for Courage (Andrew Barrington, soloist Jeffrey Barrington); Trombone feature: Let there be peace on earth (Nick Simmons-Smith), and The Great Salvation War (James Curnow) conducted by the composer.
All of these pieces are written by current or former members of the band, and all feature on our new CD: War and Peace which will be available at the California event.
The band are looking forward to participating in the spectacular massed band concert on Saturday evening, and leading worship at Riverside, CA corps on Sunday morning. There may also be the opportunity to play at Disneyland on Sunday afternoon.
Much more news on this trip to come....
STB @ North American Brass Concert - May 21, 2016 - Long Beach, CA
The Southern Territorial Band is pleased to be participating in the North American Brass Celebration in May 2016. This event will bring the Canadian Staff Band, Chicago Staff Band, New York Staff Band, and the Western Territorial Staff Band together for a unique celebration.
The Southern Territorial Band will be traveling to California for rehearsals and preparations on Wednesday May 18 and returning on Monday May 23. The band will be participating in a spectacular massed band event on Saturday May 21 in the evening, as well providing their own concert that afternoon - both concerts being held at the Terrace Theater in Long Beach.
The band will be ministering at the Riverside Corps, CA on Sunday morning and spending some valuable time in Christian fellowship with the other Staff Bands throughout the weekend.
In conjunction with this event, Frontier Press (Western Territory) is celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Western Territory Staff Band by publishing TRIUMPHANT FAITH, a book chronicling the history of The Salvation Army’s brass band. There is a chapter dedicated to the history of the Southern Territorial band written by Dr. Richard Holz and Dr. Ron Holz.
Tickets for the concerts on Saturday May 21 are available at www.tsatickets.org. For more information on tickets, please contact Derek Helms (562) 491-8361.
Picture this: War and Peace
Sara and Bernie in action. Click on the link above to see more photos from the recording session. Photo: Laura Dake
New recording coming soon... "War and Peace"
by Brad Rowland (Percussion section)
The Southern Territorial Band will be releasing a new album entitled "War and Peace" later this Spring, and the ensemble recently spent a jam-packed weekend together recording the repertoire. The band spent a handful of days at the Atlanta Temple Corps in producing the music required to fill such an album with the help of Grammy Award winning producer Phil Bulla and renowned Salvation Army music enthusiast Dr. Ron Holz.
The weekend began on Thursday, Feb. 11 with extended rehearsal in preparation for tracking. Preparation such as this is, of course, essential to putting together the best product possible, and the band hit the ground running with focus and attention on the music. By the end of day one, the band was already beginning to record pieces and that production laid the groundwork for the weekend to come.
Both Friday and Saturday were spent in exhaustive recording, as the band featured prominent works from Leslie Condon and Eric Ball, in addition to pieces written by members of the band including Andrew Barrington, Dr. Steve Kellner and Bandmaster Nick Simmons-Smith. By the end of the afternoon on Saturday, the album was fully completed thanks to the work of all involved, and that allowed the band to pack up and in preparation for Sunday morning worship in the unique venue of the Columbus, GA corps.
On Sunday, the band featured prominently in the service, including a performance from the Southern Territorial Praise team that energized the congregation. Among the highlights of the morning was a cornet solo played by Jeff Barrington, as he ministered to all by beautifully illustrating the message of courage through a piece written by his older brother. The meeting was attended by various members of the Columbus Advisory Board, and the congregation and band joined in singing "And Can It Be" to the glorious festival arrangement penned by William Himes at the close of the service.
In totality, this was a unique and inspired weekend of ministry, both in the present and for the future. The notes and, more importantly, the message by the notes recorded on the upcoming album will serve as a vehicle for worship for years to come, and the opportunity for ministry in a new venue in Columbus was cherished greatly by the band.
Atlanta Temple 125
The Territorial band recently took part in a wonderful weekend celebrating the 125 year Anniversary of the Atlanta Temple corps.
The band was featured with the Territorial Songsters on Friday night at a 'Festival of Praise.' A lively program included "Fanfare of Praise" (Redhead), Cornet feature "Heralds of Victory" (Holz), "The Triumph of Peace" (Ball) and an energetic new composition by former Atlanta Temple soldier Dr. Steven Kellner - "Mighty Fortress." Steve also delighted the congregation with an exquisite performance of William Himes' Euphonium solo: "Journey into Peace."
Saturday morning included massed band rehearsals with alumni of Atlanta Temple band. Special guest James Curnow and former Territorial Bandmaster Dr. Richard Holz led the proceedings. It is worth noting that bandsmen and women of Atlanta Temple Corps have also been members of the Territorial band over many years.
Saturday evening's Festival of Thanksgiving included music from the Alumni band: "Light of the world", "Crown of Conquest", "How sweet the name", and the alumni Songsters - Commissioner Kellner conducting his classic arrangement; "All for Thee."
The second half of the program featured music composed by Atlanta Temple soldiers past and present. The Territorial Songsters featured Chris Priest's "Wonderful Healer" and a new composition by Robert Snelson "Psalm 24". The band played an arrangement of "All for Thee" by Commissioner Kellner's son, Dr. Steven Kellner; a specially written selection by James Curnow "Sing for Joy" featuring songs of one time Atlanta Temple soldier Sidney Cox; and a cracking new march by Andrew Barrington: "Atlanta Temple 125."
The concert concluded with James Curnow's "Great Salvation War" aided by the Territorial Songsters and a multi media presentation including video and images from the Atlanta Temple corps history.
The Territorial band joined forces with Atlanta Temple band on Sunday morning in a wonderful celebratory Holiness meeting including Curnow's "Guardian of our way" and concluding with "O Boundless Salvation" and Bill Gordon's "God be with you 'till we meet again."
It was a wonderful weekend to be part of, honoring the past and firmly looking forward to the future. Some of the music featured during the weekend will be recorded on the Territorial band's next CD: War in Peace - due for release in May 2016.
How do I join the band?
Past, present, future
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!
2015-2016 Audition Information
If you are interested in joining the band for next season, click below for the information packet:
We would love to have you join us in ministry. Our next season will be an exciting one!!
Massed bands: Territorial Band and University of Georgia British Brass Band
A weekend to remember...
Massed bands: Territorial Band and University of Georgia British Brass Band
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!
World famous trumpet soloist in concert with The Salvation Army in North Georgia
World renowned soloist and recently retired Principal Trumpet of the New York Philharmonic Orchestra, Philip Smith is participating in two concerts with the Salvation Army in North Georgia. You will not want to miss the following opportunities:
Friday, January 16th, 7:30 PM
Hugh Hodgson Hall - University of Georgia, Athens. A Brass Spectacular!
Philip Smith will be directing the Southern Territorial Band of the Salvation Army, the UGA Brass Band, and featuring the Bulldog Brass Quintet. This concert is FREE and should be an excellent evening of spectacular music.
Saturday, January 17th, 7:00 PM
Gwinnett County Corps (Lawrenceville)
An evening featuring Phil & Sheila Smith and the finest musicians and creative artists in the Southern Territory! The USA Southern Territorial Band, USA Southern Territorial Songsters, USA Southern Territorial Creative Arts Ensemble will feature in a varied concert with our special guests. Tickets are $5 ($4 for Seniors). Under 13 FREE. This is a fund-raiser for the Boundless International Congress 2015. Please purchase your tickets soon, as there is great demand for this event.
See Nick Simmons-Smith or Robert Snelson in the Music Department for tickets or more information.
On our way to the Mountains
The Red coats are coming.... Not the British, but the Territorial Band of the Salvation Army. We are headed to Charleston, WV for a few busy days of ministry. The band gets together only a few times are year, so these days are precious - it also means rehearsals have to be focused and efficient. We play our fist notes together as a band on Thursday morning - by the end of the day we will have played our first concert - with new members in the group and new repertoire to learn. It is a small miracle!
We are delighted to be in Charleston, WV. Area Commanders Majors Kingsbury have worked incredibly hard on this visit, and are thrilled to have the band. We are also accompanied by the Creative Arts Ensemble who will add their own high standard performances and color to the weekend. Majors Kingsbury have designed a very busy schedule - 2 concerts, 4 outdoor ministry concerts, and 2 Church services on Sunday morning! Wives and husbands of the band - this is not a vacation weekend!
It's always good to get together and see one another. We are all incredibly busy in our own Divisions and Corps, and the fellowship in the band is very special. We welcome back to the band Lars-Otto Ljungholm (solo cornet) and Chris Welch (Percussion). Both are outstanding musicians, and are now Salvation Army Officers (Pastors) as well. We are pleased to welcome Clarence White (1st Trombone) and Tom Hanton (Euphonium) to the band. These two outstanding musicians have just moved to the Southern Territory and we welcome them to the band.
I imagine you look around at the world in these days and despair. Trouble in Syria, Iraq, Israel. Trouble in Ukraine, Russia, Georgia. World health epidemics, protests in China, protests in America.... These are difficult days to live in. We cry out for a God of Peace to end the turmoil and war that ravages our world. The band will be focusing on the message of Peace this weekend. One of my favorite Salvation Army brass band compositions is "The Triumph of Peace" written, ironically, just before the outbreak of World War II. That war was, in a way, inevitable - but Eric Ball crafted a piece of music that spoke not only of the turmoil and terror of our world, but the hope we might have. He included his own setting of John Oxenham's hymn: "Peace in our time, O Lord" which is not only a beautiful melody, but married perfectly to lyrics that resonate with us. We will also be using Ball's "Serenity" a classic meditation featuring "When peace like a river..". Ken Downie's "In perfect peace" will be featured as a benediction, and the band will sing Erik Leidzen's "Peace, perfect peace". It is always a special treat to hear the band sing.
We are glad you are following the band on our website. If you are within driving distance to West Virginia, come and join us. I can recommend the massed band (3 bands) concert on Saturday night at the Scottish Rite Temple if you find yourself with nothing to do on a Saturday evening.
No doubt there will soon be a report of the weekend on this webpage soon! God Bless.
Nick Simmons-Smith, Bandmaster
Would you like to join the Territorial Band?
If you're interested in joining the Territorial Band for the 2014-2015 season, audition information is now available. The deadline for submitting video auditions is July 15, so start working on them now. Detailed audition information can be found here:
If you have any questions, or would like more information, please contact .
May God bless you!
Postcard from sunny Florida
It was good for the band to get together for a weekend in Florida recently. For many band members, it was good just to get away from some awful winter weather in Northern parts of the Territory!
The Band, as always, was on a tight schedule of rehearsals, performances, and travel. We got off to the perfect start on Thursday, when we locked the key to the truck (with all our equipment) inside the cab! I won't mention who was at fault, but I am grateful for Bernie Dake for driving the truck that weekend.
The band was privileged to have Brian Bowen conduct a portion of Thursday's rehearsal. Brian comes with tremendous experience - as New York Staff Bandmaster and as a composer and editor for many publications inside and outside the Salvation Army. He took us through "Praise" (Heaton), "The Last Amen" (Graham), and his own composition "City of God" - a delightful treatment of the song 'Marching to Zion.' We are grateful to Brian for driving through a tornado warning to be with us!
We had the pleasure of playing a short concert for the Eastern Territory retired Salvation Army Officers, after a pleasant lunch.
Friday evening featured the band in concert with the Territorial Songsters and Creative Arts Ensemble. The band commenced the concert with Stephen Bulla's "Praise Him" a great opener for any festival. "The Last Amen" was featured as well as a duet with dancer Kaitlyn Hardiman: "Shepherd Song" (Goff Richards). A spritely version of "Down to the river to pray" (Fernie) returned folks to their seats after a brief interval. The band, songsters, and creative arts all combined for a glorious finale "They shall come from the east" (Larsson) written especially for the Southern Territorial band. This moving collaboration will also be featured at Commissioning later this year. "Praise" and an impromptu encore of "Celebration" concluded the concert that was well-received by all those present.
Saturday included a morning worship service featuring "In Christ Alone" (Dr. Steve Kellner, Euphonium Soloist), and an outdoor concert in Lakeland, FL that was well-attended by members of the community and corps.
The band supported the Territorial Commander (Commissioner Donald Bell) on Sunday morning by playing among other things, "For our transgressions" (Calvert). Members of the band also formed a praise team, as well as providing uplifting songs for worship.
It was a good weekend for all concerned and we hope the folk of Florida were blessed, inspired, and challenged. We certainly enjoyed a warm reception.
Territorial Band in Florida
The Territorial Band will be in Florida March 6-9, 2014 to support the Salvation Army Retired Officers Association (SAROA). The band will be supported worship, providing concerts, and leading worship on Sunday morning at Lakeland Corps. More to follow.....
Smoky Mountain reflections..
Fond memories of a great weekend tour. Thanks to the band for working hard, playing well, and for the fun and fellowship of 4 days together. Thanks to our hosts Roman Festival Brass (Don Robinson) & Jericho Brass (Frank Hale, Dan Bowles) & to Dwight Wages (Crossville/Fairfield Glade) for all your help.
A busy few days for the band: Rehearsal on Wednesday afternoon, including sectionals, then off to Rome, GA for further rehearsals at Berry college. Our repertoire was 100% fresh, so not long to get everything polished for performance. An enjoyable concert with Roman Festival Brass on Thursday evening, followed by a day in Fairfield Glade, TN - playing back to back packed concerts. Really enjoyed meeting the folk of Fairfield (sold quite a lot of CD's too...). Billeted in church members homes that night.
Saturday included an open air in Chattanooga, a visit to the aquarium, and a joint concert with Jericho Brass. Lots of fun playing massed items with Jericho.
Sunday at First Baptist Church in Chattanooga - a Cathedral-like sanctuary.
Playing highlights included: "Praise Him" (Bulla) , "Shepherd Song" (Richards), Jamie Hood's rendition of "Standing on the Promises" (Court), "The Last Amen" (Graham) , "Lightwalk" (Gott), a swing arrangement of "Down to the River to Pray" (Fernie), the classic "For our transgressions" (Calvert), Dr. Steve Kellner Euphonium solo; "In Christ Alone" (Phillips), and finishing most concerts with "Praise" (Heaton) and then "The Day Thou Gavest" (Wilby).
We hope and pray that lives were changed and blessed because of our visit to the Smoky Mountains.
Nick
