OCTOBER 4-6, 2024 – Over the weekend, Singing Stars took place at the Star Lake Lodge & Conference Center, offering young people ages 13 to 21 an inspiring opportunity to gain experience in their musical talents. Singing Stars has a rich history of nurturing young vocalists, and this year was no exception. Participants not only sang alongside the Eastern Territory Staff Songsters (ETSS) but also received invaluable mentorship from these seasoned musicians. The ETSS has long been dedicated to guiding and supporting youth in their musical and spiritual journeys. In addition to the singing experience, attendees enjoyed a camp atmosphere, fellowship, and fun activities.
The event culminated in a powerful Grand Finale Concert at the Montclair, New Jersey, Citadel Corps, where the participants joined the ETSS in performance. It was a “privilege and honor to sing God’s praises” during the festival, featuring memorable pieces such as “There Is a Joy” by Chris Brindley, Trevor Davis’ “Where I Love to Be,” and a gospel-style rendition of “Great God Great Praise.” The men’s chorus delivered an energetic performance of Emerson’s arrangement of “Seize the Day,” while the women’s choir moved the audience with Mervyn Clarke’s arrangement of “Precious Jesus.” A poignant moment came as the choir reflected on the theme of life’s purpose, singing “What Was I Made For?”—a sensitive Billie Eilish arrangement from the recent “Barbie” movie, reminiscent of Erik Whitacre’s style.
Testimonies and scripture highlighted God’s grace in the lives of the young people, deepening the spiritual impact of the event. One of the most powerful moments of the concert was the portrayal of God reaching out to humanity through Mozart’s “Requiem Lacrimosa,” where the Latin text “Lord, have mercy” resonated with a profound sense of Christ’s life and death. This was followed by Joseph Martin’s “Come to the Cross” and “I Speak Jesus,” with Captain Christina Spencer of the ETSS bringing these pieces together to portray God’s love.
Territory Program Secretary Lt. Colonel Meg Davis offered a welcome and prayer, and Territory Music Secretary and New York Staff Bandmaster Derek Lance expressed words of appreciation before 67 youth, along with 43 members of the ETSS, joined together in a final proclamation. The concert concluded with a powerful performance of Jay Rouse’s arrangement of “We Believe,” sharing the foundations of the church through the apostles’ creed in song.
The event, prayerfully organized under the impactful leadership of Erik Jones, Empire Divisional Music Director and ETSS Songster Leader, and Lilli Finikin, Greater NY Divisional Director of Music Ministries and primary pianist for the weekend, was a resounding success. Their dedication was further supported by the invaluable efforts of the Territory Music Department, including Gavin Whitehouse, Senior Music Producer and pianist; Warren Smith, Music Publication & Web Specialist; Jeromy Green on bass; and Jake Lyle on percussion. It was a weekend rich in both musical excellence and spiritual reflection, where young people and ETSS members received rich blessings, deepening their faith and musical talents through mentorship, gratitude, and shared worship.
