For nearly 140 years, the New York Staff Band has been an indispensable pillar of ministry within the USA Eastern Territory and beyond. Throughout our illustrious history, our music has graced iconic venues such as Carnegie Hall, Royal Albert Hall, the Sydney Opera House, Roy Thomson Hall, and even Yankee Stadium. We have had the privilege of sharing the stage with some of the world’s finest bands, musicians, and ensembles, including the likes of the Black Dyke Band, the Cory Band, the King’s Singers, the New York Philharmonic, the Canadian Brass, Mnozil Brass, and many more.
While many may associate the New York Staff Band with grand concerts and collaborations with esteemed musicians, there is another aspect of our ministry that holds a special place in our hearts—the Sunday morning worship service. There is something truly sacred about these intimate gatherings in our Salvation Army halls, where we unite to worship our great and powerful God. The same passion and energy that characterize our performances in grand concert halls are on full display during these Sunday morning worship services.
When considering our next recording project, we were inspired to capture the essence of these Sunday morning worship experiences and translate them into an album for all to hear. While the pieces featured on this album may not be identical to what you typically hear during a Sunday morning service, they reflect how a Salvation Army band can enhance worship.
For this project, the New York Staff Band has carefully selected various elements commonly found in a Sunday morning worship service and paired them with repre- sentative musical pieces. We include a worship prelude, followed by a call to worship, moments of prayer, and even an offertory/doxology. These aspects of worship lead us to the heart of the service—the message—represented by Robert Redhead’s “Corpus Christi,” followed by a time of response, “The Invitation.”
As you listen to this recording, we pray that the music and words will touch your heart and draw you into a deeper relationship with the Lord. May this album be a source of inspiration and renewal for all who listen.
