The Salvation Army West End Community Church Gospel Arts Weekend was held on March 17 and 18th 2013, entitled "Time to be Holy."  It was the Corps’ 22nd annual concert which began as a simple band concert on a Saturday night, but has now grown into an full Gospel Arts weekend.  WECC is one of 5 corps in the Bermuda Division. Bermuda is a small island off of the coast of the Carolinas. It is a British Colony but comes under the SA Canada and Bermuda Territory. The WECC Corps is located at the western end of the 21 sq mile island in the Atlantic Ocean.  Its band consists of nineteen-players from different walks of life, including business workers, Govt Officers, bankers and college students, all using their talents and abilities to honor God.
 
The guest for this year’s weekend was Bandsman Sheldon Fox II from the SA North Street Citadel in Bermuda. He recently graduated from University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Education. Sheldon has recently taken over the banding music program at a Government Middle School on the island. He is also developing his skills in brass band arranging and has written pieces for Army bands in Bermuda which he hopes to be published someday. Over the weekend Sheldon conducted the band and ministered on the piano.
 
The Saturday night concert was well attended.  MC for the night was Divisional Bandmaster and Cedar Hill Citadel Bandmaster Warren Jones. Throughout the night, the band played several pieces from the Army's Unity Series, Scripture Based Songs and American Band Journal Publications. The concert kicked off with Dean Jones “Renewed”.  This is a rousing high spirited piece featuring the songs “O Boundless Salvation”, “Be Thou my vision” and “The Power of Your love”. Then there was a welcome and opening prayer. There was a deliberate myriad of the Gospel Arts presented throughout the evening.  Participants included a women’s Dance Ministry, the Praise & Worship Team from North Street Citadel, a ladies praise group from the Wesleyan Methodist Church,  a Saxophone Soloist and a Trombone soloist from one of the corps YP Band members. Band Secretary Shonette Wilson and North Street Citadel CO Major Bruce Jennings united on the stage to sing an uplifting duet entitled ‘You are my Hiding Place’.  The concert also featured soloists within the band. The first one was a new Horn Solo of ‘He Leadeth Me’ by Major George Twitchen, played by Tamiko Ramabuke. The other solo was a Flugelhorn Solo entitled ‘Through it All’ by Andrew Mackereth, featuring YP Bandmaster Jerome Astwood. Both these solos were accompanied by stirring Power Point Presentations. 
 
The weekend was supported by the corps Mission Board and Corps Officers Majors Curtis and Cindy Butler. Major Curtis gave a stirring devotional on the subject of being Holy by using what we have in service to God. He illustrated this well by reflecting on the life of Moses and how he used his staff (rod).

The theme for the weekend was taken from Paul Sharman’s Song Arrangement “Time to be Holy”. The band did justice to the composer’s beautiful soul stirring interpretation of the song. The latter of the evening was occupied with familiar items as the band ‘worked out their Salvation in sound’. They played ‘Saints Alive’, ‘Heal the World’ and concluded the night with Lt Col. Dr Ray Steadman-Allen’s Unity Series March “Hands Across the Sea”. Those in attendance were heard saying that they received more than their monies worth and that they will be back again. There was a substantial donation made to the Corps by a local business during the Saturday night concert. All proceeds were given to support the Gospel Arts Ministries at the SA West End Community Church.
 
The Sunday morning service was also well attended. It was a glorious spring day, with the sun shining through the corps windows reflecting Gods radiance and love. The congregation celebrated and gave God thanks for the Gospel Arts ministers and ministries at the church.
 
The band led the congregation in welcoming the Holy Spirit into the sanctuary as they presented the worship song ‘When I look into You Holiness’ (arr Major Len Ballentine). This set the mood and spirit for the service. After prayer and a scripture reading by Major Cindy Butler, the Praise and Worship Team ushered the people into the Throne Room of God through lively and solemn choruses and testimonies.
 
During the tithes and offering Bandsman Sheldon Fox II warmed our hearts again with his elegant piano interpretations on old SA choruses. It is always good to remember where we have come from!
 
Part of that reflection was a Presentation Period in our worship. At this time the corps honored their longest serving Bandsman, 1^st cornet player Dwayne Bulford. After Dwayne’s birth doctors had said he would never be able to read nor write, let alone learn music or play an instrument. Our God is an awesome God and worked a miracle in Dwayne’s case. Bandsman Dennis Astwood and the WECC Band beautifully presented David Catherwood’s new cornet solo ‘Great is Thy Faithfulness’. This was written at the request of the band for this special occasion as the song is one of Dwayne’s favorites. After the band played, Dwayne was presented with the Army’s 25 year Banding Long Service Award. He stood there proud as pictures were taken and the congregation congratulated him.
 
Major Curtis Butler spoke again on Gods Holiness and His plea to us as Christians in 2013 to use our Gospel Arts as an act of being Holy unto God. Afterwards there was a time of reflection in prayer.
 
In closing the band again accompanied the congregation in a rousing rendition of Commissioner Dick Krommenhoek’s song ‘I Dare to be Different’. Even after the benediction all were challenged to Be Holy and Different for Christ. The weekend culminated with a fellowship feast at the Salt Rock Grill with friends and family overlooking the pristine blue ocean.
 
The weekend was a huge success and we thank God for the opportunity to celebrate His Blessings and Praise His Name through the Arts.
 
Submitted by : Jerome Astwood,  Bermuda Division 

Click here to view pictures from the event.

(Click here to view pictures from the trip)
 
On May 31^st 2012, the Bermuda Divisional Band travelled to Chicago, Illinois for five days to minister to the Metropolitan Division in the U.S. Central Territory.  Our hosts for the trip were Captains Keith and Michelle Graham and the Chicago Midway Corps.
 
God used the band to minister in many different ways including...
 
- Providing opportunities to share about God and answer questions about The Salvation Army, whilst travelling through various airports in uniform;
 
- Sharing meals and daily devotions with each other;
 
- Ministering at The Salvation Army Donut Day Kick-Off, outside in downtown Chicago, in freezing cold weather (as far as this Bermudian is concerned!).
 
The next day the band was warmed by the midday sun as well as the Holy Spirit as they shared in the Open Air during a thrift sale at Norridge Citadel.  After lunch, they toured the USA Central Territorial Headquarters and the new Chicago Ray & Joan Kroc Corps Community Center.  This was a real eye opener.  It was great to see the different aspects of Salvation Army ministry.
 
One unexpected memorable happenstance was being involved in a highway accident, when the band’s vehicle was cut off by a lady on a cell phone. Our driver swerved but hit the rear of the van in front of us causing damage to our vehicle. Fortunately, no one was seriously injured.  The van however, did not fare as well and had to be retired.
 
God was, and is always good and he showed up for us many times. He protected all of the bandmembers in the accident, which could have been much worse. What Satan intended to be a disaster was turned into an opportunity for the band to witness, develop relationships and remarkably, the band still made the  service at the Harbour Light in a timely fashion.  Despite the ordeal, the band shared testimonies and played extremely well.  The Spirit powerfully moved during the service.
 
At the service the band played a new arrangement by one of its members, Sheldon Fox II, of William Himes’ famous chorus “God in You, God in Me.”  It was written as a tribute to Bandmaster Himes for his faithful service to music ministry in The Salvation Army, and its playing was made all the more meaningful because Bandmaster Himes was himself present in the congregation.
 
On Sunday morning, the band led the morning worship service at Chicago Midway Corps, while Captain Keith shared the Word.  After fellowshipping with the soldiers for lunch the band kicked off the afternoon with a march of witness in the neighboring area, followed by a Praise service with members of the Metropolitan Division.  After the service, the Divisional Commander gave a heartfelt thanks to our band for sharing in such a creative and Spirit-led way.
 
During the trip, some of the band members were taken over by illness but God proved that He is the great Healer. Some members also experienced financial challenges but, God made a way for all who were available to travel.  Throughout the trip, God was faithful.
 
This was my first overseas ministry trip with the Salvation Army and I found it very exciting. I learned that it is so gratifying being obedient, serving the Lord and making people happy. I grew as a Christian in several ways. All the preparations drew me closer to God.  My relationship with my wife and other bandspersons grew as well.  My musicianship also improved, as we had practiced until our lips were sore!  While I know we blessed others through our ministry, I felt that I got more than I gave!
 
Steve Bean attends the West End Community Church of the Salvation Army in Bermuda.  He currently plays 2^nd cornet in the Bermuda Divisional Band. 

(Click on picture above to view a larger version of it)

Canada and Bermuda's newest Christmas CD features The Canadian Staff Band, North York Temple Band, Meadowlands Band, St. John's Temple Band, Heritage Brass, the Doug Chaulk Band, the Ontario Great Lakes Chorus, the 2006 and 2011 Festival Chorus, THQ Women's Chorus, mass songsters, soloists Mark Hall, Andrew Burditt, Darlene Anderson, Melissa Cory, Jude Gotrich and Marjory Watson.

At just $1.25 each (plus shipping), the CDs make great give-aways for PR and ministry purposes, and an ideal stocking stuffer for family and friends. Click here to download an order form.

Click here for more information about the CD. 

Click here for more information about previously released Christmas CDs.

It was a full camp this year as 174 students (ages 16-29) and 56 faculty gathered at Jackson’s Point Ontario for National Music Camp, August 25^th to Sept. 1^st 2012.  Special guest faculty members included Olaf Ritman, Bandmaster for the Amsterdam Staff Band; Janice Rees, corps officer from Rockdale Australia (Eastern Territory); Nicholas Simmons-Smith, the Territorial Music Secretary for USA Southern Territory (Atlanta, Georgia), and Roberta Simmons-Smith, the Territorial Creative Arts Director for USA Southern Territory. There were also a couple of students attending this year from the USA, as well as a few from France and Argentina.

It was a record number of first-time attendees this year, and their initiation to camp life on Saturday night included the traditional dancing of “The Grand Old Duke of York”.  This year our very own Territorial Commanders, Commissioners Brian and Rosalie Peddle, happened to be on hand to demonstrate it for the students, much to the students’  delight.

Sunday morning our Chief Secretary, Colonel Floyd Tidd, shared with the students from Ephesians 2:1-5…

“In the past you were dead because you sinned and fought against God. You followed the ways of this world and obeyed the devil. He rules the world, and his spirit has power over everyone who doesn’t obey God. Once we were also ruled by the selfish desires of our bodies and minds. We had made God angry, and we were going to be punished like everyone else. But God was merciful! We were dead because of our sins, but God loved us so much that he made us alive with Christ, and God’s wonderful kindness is what saves you.”

Floyd challenged the students by asking “How tight is your grasp?  How tight do you cling to wealth, the past, comforts, etc.  If we cling to life on our terms we will lose it.  Belonging to Christ means letting go of position, possessions, plans, passions and pride.”  Floyd then shared a moving story about a Christian he met from Eritrea named Aaron, and of Aaron’s intention to go back to his home country to evangelize even though it could cost him his very life for doing so.

Sunday night the students were inspired musically in a concert presented by The Canadian Staff Band. In interviewing students later on in the week, several expressed how it was one of the week’s highlights, motivating them to work towards becoming better musicians. It was especially impressive to see Cameron Rawlins share a difficult euphonium solo called “Harlequin”. His fingers moved like the wind and it seemed that he didn’t miss a note.  It wasn’t so long ago that Cameron was a National Camp student himself. Rob Brown, Steve Brown, Andrew Burditt and Kevin Metcalf were also featured soloists that night. Colonel Floyd Tidd then shared a devotional from Isaiah 6:1-8.

Monday to Friday mornings began with a Bible time led by Captain Janice Rees. Throughout the week we explored the theme of freedom in the Spirit as it relates to the Christian walk, as Janice led us through the book of Galatians. Our focus verse seemed to be Galatians 5:1… “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.  Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.”  Following the corporate Bible lesson, the camp broke into small groups to explore questions pertaining to the day’s teaching, and how it can apply to everyday life.  Janice’s eloquent way of sharing made an impression on a lot of students, who were still able to quote at the end of the week the Bible lessons they learned and the impact that it had on them spiritually.  The students also appreciated Janice sharing her own story of drug addiction, and freedom in Christ found through one of The Salvation Army’s own rehab programs, that gradually led her to a life-commitment as an officer in The Salvation Army.

Each evening had a different feature.  Monday night was the traditional “Meet the Guest” night, always a fun night where we find out a bit of our guests’ life stories and love stories (how they met their spouses), how they became involved with The Salvation Army and what they are up to in their daily lives. It is also a time for our guests to present special musical numbers. Olaf Ritman conducted the “A” band in a couple of brass pieces he arranged, “Copenhagen Temple” and “O That Place”. Olaf also joined Kevin Metcalf in a cornet duet called “Quicksilver”, based on the old tune “Hand me down my silver trumpet”. Roberta Simmons-Smith, who was leading the drama stream for the week, sang a piece from the musical “Wicked”.  Andrew Poirier, another former camp student who was on staff for the week, played a trombone solo by Kevin Larsson entitled “Jesus Shall Conquer”.  Andrew is an accomplished arranger as well as a performer, and he was leading the National Brass Elective for the week.

Tuesday night was Talent Night, and the kids didn’t disappoint, presenting a variety of numbers, both serious and funny, with some original compositions. Some of the highlights included Elisha Moretz (from Pennsylvania) whistling the William Tell Overture, Paul Vos presenting his “Three Hit Medley”, a brass arrangement of contemporary secular pop/dance hits, Grace Barnhart’s East Coast fiddle jig entitled “Toss the Feathers”, and the sextet of Nadan Kang, Alex Way, John Rawlins, Robert Rawlins, Liam Murray and TJ McInnes presenting a barbershop version of the One Direction secular hit “What Makes You Beautiful”.

Wednesday night was the midweek program, where it was standing-room-only inside and outside the auditorium for the many outsiders who came to hear the concert. This prompted Kevin Metcalf to make an appeal for an auditorium fund, to address the dire need the Territory has for a new larger facility to be built. Pieces presented at this program included “Horizons” (John Lam Band), “Just as I Am” and “Marching Along” (Nicholas Simmons-Smith Band), “Superstar” (Keith Haggett Band), “How He Loves Us” and “All My Fountains” (Worship Stream), “This Day”, “Amani”, “The Answer” and “Jonah” (Women’s Chorus), “William Tell Overture” and “Distant Land” (“A” Chorus”), but the hit of the night seemed to be “A” Band’s presentation of Paul Lovatt-Cooper’s “Wall of Sound”, which they repeated as a postlude on Saturday night. This catchy, rhythmic piece featured several soloists, including Jeremy Smith, Emily Ewing, Barrington Venables, Harrison Venables, and Nick Robson.

On Thursday night our Territorial Music Secretary, Major Kevin Metcalf, and our Territorial Youth Secretary, Major Keith Pike, led the camp in a night of devotion and recommitment that featured several musical presentations, testimonies from students Robert Rawlins and Margot Antle, and an invitation to the mercy seat for a rededications to Christ, following which students lit candles to visually symbolize that commitment.
Friday night was Electives Night, where elective groups such as Timbrels, Hip Hop, Mixed Choruses, National Brass, Percussion, Camp TV, Creative Writing and the Chamber Ensemble made presentations. This is always a fun night with a lot of variety.  Both the Media Stream and Camp TV showed video/media presentations throughout the week that kept us laughing.

The Saturday night final program, held at Scarborough Citadel in Toronto on September 1st, featured the band pieces Canadian Folk Song Suite, Worthy is the Lamb, Christus Victor, and Turris Fortisima. The Drama Stream did a choreodrama (mime set to music) to the famous Queen piece “Somebody to Love”. The Women’s Chorus, conducted by both Cathie Koehnen and Andrea Donais, presented “Send Up Your Praise”, “In the Secret of Thy Presence”, Psalm 8”, and “This is the Day”.  The “A” Chorus (Jane Lam, conductor) presented “God Will Close the Door” and Eric Whitacre’s famous “Lux Aurumque”, the latter whose roots began as a youtube sensation featuring a “virtual choir” made up of 12 countries around the world. Commissioner Brian Peddle also shared a devotional to the 500+ crowd.

Camp is always an amazing, transformational experience, not only rejuvenating staff and students spiritually and musically, but also creating friendships that extend far beyond camp, motivating kids to return year after year after year. – Kim Garreffa

To view more camp performances, click here.
 
Quotes from Camp Students

 “I love it here. I love the environment, the community that’s created here. I love the worship. I loved the midweek program. There was a great energy in the room, and all the pieces presented were well done and glorifying to God. I’ve learned about a new type of drama called choreodrama which is movement set to music but you’re acting and performing as well. I can try to take that and implement it at my corps in whatever ministry I do. This camp has helped me grow spiritually so much, in accepting who I am, and accepting God’s grace and not relying on my own strength and my own piety to be a Christian. National has made me a stronger Christian and every year I go back to school uplifted and so recommitted to God. I know you have to do that every day, but camp is like spiritual boot camp for the rest of your life. I really appreciated Janice Rees and her Bible teaching. It was founded in the Bible and it was so revolutionary to me, and I think to a lot of people. Even though it seems so simple, the way she presented it was so heartwarming and fresh and new.” 
- Jonathan Cameron, Scarborough Citadel, Toronto (drama stream major), 5^th year at National, age 21 

 “A mission team from Richmond Hill (Toronto) went to Argentina in March, and I was translating for them. They encouraged me to come to National.  I really liked the Bible stuff here, learning about freedom and grace. I learned we have to work in community [with each other], and I will take that back to my home corps. I took conducting class with John Lam, and it’s pretty good how he teaches. He sets a good example for us. My favorite performance in the week was “A” Band’s “Wall of Sound”, with all the soloists. Our teachers teach in such a humble way. They don’t think that they are superior. I really enjoyed this week. It’s a pleasure to be here. I’ve grown in my relationship with others, and with God.”   - Loreley Bono, Buenos Aires, Argentina (brass stream major), first time to National, age 19 

“I loved waking up at six in the morning and going and watching the waves at the water. It was beautiful. So peaceful. Being able to sing in the worship stream this year has actually been super-challenging to me, to step back from a leadership position, and to be led by someone else. It was very humbling, but I’ve learned a lot from it. Also, to learn about freedom has been really refreshing as well, just cause we’ve been thinking about that, and praying about that all summer at camp (in New Brunswick). I learned [in this week’s Bible program] that you can find freedom in anything as long as you can change your perspective.  Even in trials and when conflict happens, we tend to feel bounded down by those things, but we can find freedom in those moments.  We can find freedom in finding resolutions to conflict and giving our conflict and pain over to Christ.  My favorite performance was singing in the worship team that one song we did, “All my fountains”… we changed the genre of the song altogether and made it super-reggae, like we were on the Hawaiian Islands.  We kind of built it up from scratch and made it our own, and it was very creative. Whenever we go to practice worship stream now that’s the first song we ever want to sing – that’s so much fun.  Camp is a good experience.  I’ve met tons of people.  I now can say that I know people from across the country, which is nice, too.  I appreciated the patience of our leaders, ‘cause we could be rowdy or talk a lot or just not want to listen, and they had lots of patience this week which was respectful.  I would definitely suggest for people to come here.  It’s beautiful here, and the Spirit of the Lord really is here as well. God really likes to come when we ask Him to.  And I’ve just found a sense of peace this week, just a sense of being able to relax and not really worry about anything, and just take it easy. God’s really come along side me and helped me out with that, too, which is awesome.  I’m tense all the time, and I never can just relax and have a good time with God, but this week’s been nice.” - Mitchell Caissie, Sussex NB (majored in worship stream), first time to National, age 19 

"I thought camp would be more intense, but everyone’s really nice.  The age gaps don’t feel intimidating at all. The highlight of camp for me was when the Canadian Staff Band played on Sunday night. We had front row seats and it was amazing. Talent night was funny. There was a whole array of different talents.  John Lam’s helped my playing a lot, and I can take that back to my home corps. I learned [from the Bible time at camp] that God’s grace outruns the law.  The law is just the boundaries that show us that we are free.  If we were lawless we wouldn’t have the same freedom. Thursday night was a moment… you could really feel it.  I really appreciated the patience and kindness of our leaders.  They’re good people. They’re good Christians.  You can tell. I’d recommend to people to come to camp and challenge yourself, musically, if you want that.  If you want to go for drama or arts, you can do that. But come to challenge yourself in your faith. There were hard questions that we had answered this week." - Ben Coles, Kitchener CC, 1^st time to National, (majored in brass), age 18 

"The highlight of camp for me was the relationships I made with other people. I really liked the testimonies that some of the campers gave.  They were really inspiring and encouraging. I liked how relatable our leaders were. If you come to camp, you won’t walk away the same person you came." - Christine Findlay, Toronto Lakeshore CC, 1^st time to National, (majored in brass), age 16 

"Roberta (Simmons-Smith) was an excellent leader.  She is really passionate about what she does, and her ministry. She likes to take the drama stream and turn it into a new avenue of ministry to present the love of Christ to people that wouldn’t normally get the traditional way of presenting the message. Roberta taught us a lot of techniques, but the main thing she taught us was patience, and to pray over everything you do, because that’s the success behind anything, is constant faith in God for anything.  The Bible program this week was amazing.  The biggest thing I took away is that God’s grace, we don’t deserve it, and it’s sufficient for anything. It doesn’t matter what you’ve done, or what you think, God’s grace is sufficient for me, for everyone.  He loves us so much.  I’ve been contemplating a call to Salvation Army officership for the past year, and coming to camp has really confirmed it (I took the Officership elective led by Major Fred Waters). It’s really put me in a spot where I can see where God wants me to be, and it just gives me the encouragement to trust Him more, for Him to reveal what He wants. I appreciated the kindness, compassion and the patience of our leaders, and their devotion to what they’re doing, to the kids and to their faith. I had Cathie Koehnen as a choir instructor. She doesn’t just lead the music.  She tells us to stop and think about the words.  She always challenges us, like every other instructor here.  There’s been many laughs here at camp.  I haven’t stopped laughing since I got here. The funniest part was the talent show, but also spending time with friends and meeting new ones and sharing laughs with them. In one of the programs the Nick Simmons-Smith band played “Just as I am”, and it really takes you back and makes you think how Christ gives us an opportunity to be free from sin, and we can come just as we are:  “Just as I am without one plea”.  I recommend strongly for people to come to National.  Camp changes lives. It’s fun.  You meet new friends. You build relationships that will last for eternity. You get to learn more about music, and most importantly, when we come here, Jesus is here."
 - Jonathan Sturge, Torbay NL, St. John’s Citadel Corps, 1^st time at National (majored in drama), age 16 

"I came back to camp this year because I love seeing all the people again and being surrounded by amazing musicians.  I can see the love of God present in the lives of my leaders.  I loved playing “Pony” late at night with everyone.  I improved my timpani skills this week.  Spiritually I now understand grace better.  I learned that the law can only get you so far, that grace leads to freedom.  Grace plus nothing equals freedom.  The most memorable performance for me was the Canadian Staff Band concert Sunday night.  The funniest moment was the One Direction performance at Talent Night."
- Mariah Atkinson, Glenmore Temple, Calgary AB, 2^nd time at National (majored in brass/percussion), age 19 

I loved meeting the people at camp.  I appreciated my leaders’ hospitality and friendliness.  I learned how to create better presentations.  I had fun filming our media group getting hit by a car.  It was funny.  Camp has made me more sociable.
- Ryan Martin, Wiarton ON, 1^st time to National (majored in worship stream), age 17 

"I come to camp for friends and spiritual growth.  I loved everything.  My leaders were informative, had spiritual savvy, and you could tell they really care.  Spiritually I learned the true meaning of freedom, the purpose of the church, and it re-ignited and refueled my spirit for Jesus and evangelism.  Thursday night helped me change the way I make decisions, and Friday’s small group helped me change my personal philosophy.   The most memorable performance for me was my own performance on Talent Night.  I can’t believe I felt confident enough to do that in front of everyone.  Camp has given me confidence, comfort, hope, support and a renewed feeling to start a new year in schooling."
- Jeremy Hennessy, St. Catherines ON, 3^rd time to National (majored in drama stream), age 20 

"National refreshes me.  The people here are amazing.  Camp lets me connect with other young people and it restores my spirituality.  One of my favorite sayings is “It’s not how you do it, but why”, and the leaders here are doing it for the right reason.  Highlights for me was the Canadian Staff Band concert, when Jeremy Hennessy sang “Arby’s Girl” (it was funny), and I was inspired by Robert Rawlins when he sang “Artist of my soul” and shared his testimony.  I learned this week that I have a voice, and that I can make an impact on anybody, regardless of age and gender." - David Boone, St. Catharines ON, 3^rd time to National (majored in brass stream), age 18

The Salvation Army Territorial Music Camp, August 25th to September 1st 2012
Jackson's Point Conference Centre, Jackson's Point Ontario Canada
Ages 16 - 30

Click here to download a full poster

Click here to download an application

The Salvation Army Canada and Bermuda Territory Music Department is pleased to announce the publication of a brand new course of music theory to replace the old "Inside Music" course that has been used at music camps throughout the Territory since 1980.

The course is written by Jeremy Smith, who has just completed his fourth year of music education studies at the University of Toronto and has taught at various music camps in Canada and the USA Eastern Territory. While his approach is somewhat different than that used in the previous books, we believe this new course will be a great aid in developing young musicians throughout the Territory.

The new course is divided into seven levels (click here for course outline). Each level comes with a student handbook and a separate teacher's guide that offers answers to the various exercises as well as tips for instructors.  In addition, there is a preliminary test that can be useful in assessing students' knowledge and abilities at the start of the week, as well as individual tests to evaluate the students' progress at the end of each level. Note - the teacher's manuals do not include the full course material, so each instructor will need a copy of the student handbook as well.

For pricing information and to place an order, contacts Supplies and Purchasing at orderdesk@can.salvationarmy.org

Free vocal solos and worship music sheet music available to download.  Click here to view.

Free accompaniment videos available to download, for congregational worship/sing-a-long/karaoke. Click here to view.

Download free guitar/bass chord charts in Spanish for popular worship songs and hymns here.

On Friday, March 16^th, 2012, the members of Heritage Brass arrived at Pearson International Airport in Toronto Ontario Canada to begin a ten day tour of Florida.
 
The band was met at the Tampa (Florida) airport by Major George Patterson, a fellow Canadian who is now the Corps Officer at the Ocala Salvation Army and who accompanied the band throughout the whole of the tour. Without reservation, there could not have been a harder working tour guide. After a two hour trip through “horse country”, and an informative commentary from our bus driver, we arrived at the Ocala Corps to a hearty welcome by corps folks and a delicious spaghetti and meat ball dinner, followed by an introduction to our billets, and a much needed good night’s rest.
 
On Saturday, March 17^th, the band members met at the Ocala Corps at 10:30am for a short rehearsal and a cold-plate lunch. This being St. Patrick’s day, our resident Irish solo horn player, Des Kirk, was in his glory. The bandmaster for the tour was our former bandmaster Brian Burditt, as Bandmaster Ian Watkinson was unable to make the trip due to illness.  After lunch, the band was divided into five smaller groups, who went to play and minister at five nursing homes in Ocala. Supper was provided at the Corps which consisted of “Jiggs Dinner” and strawberries with whipped cream, after which the band proceeded to the First Baptist Church for the first concert of the tour.  The band was in good form with soloists Gary Dean’s rendition of “Gift of Love” and Deryck Diffey’s sensitive portrayal of “I’d Rather Have Jesus”. The Band’s Executive Officer Major Greg Simmonds gave a thought-provoking meditative sermon based on Psalm 139, emphasizing how each one of us is known intimately by God.
 
Sunday, March 18^th began with the morning holiness meeting at Ocala. It is an understatement to say that the congregation was “on fire” for the Lord, for the Holy Spirit was certainly felt.  Amazing Grace was the theme of the meeting. The Corps Songster Brigade contributed an arrangement of “He Leadeth Me’ and Heritage Brass presented Dean Goffin’s “Light of the World”. Members of Heritage Brass, whose aim is to bring blessings to others through music, were in turn immensely blessed by the corps folks at Ocala. The Holy Spirit moved several seekers to the Mercy Seat, praise the Lord!  On Sunday afternoon, the band did an open air service at the Ocala Downtown Square. It was sunny and very warm. Retired Commissioner Edwards preached and gave a brief history of The Salvation Army and its mission to those listening. Once again, supper was provided at the Corps prior to going to billets for a good night’s rest.
 
On Monday, March 19^th , following a short spiritual devotional, the band departed for Jacksonville with an interim stop at the historic Spanish City of St. Augustine. It was here that the band members had lunch at their own expense and opportunity was provided to do some shopping and sight-seeing. Nathan, our bus driver, once again provided commentary, this time on the Florida Barge Canal Project, sharing that that the highway was often closed due to fog and smoke from forest fires. Wildlife seen in the area included snakes, bears, Florida panthers, turkeys, Sandhill cranes and eagles. We also noted stately oak trees covered in mosses.  As an amusing aside, the Salvation Army signs that were posted for the band as guidelines to get to the Corps were posted one street early, and so the bus driver turned into a narrow “dead-end” lane which led to a farm house and farmer’s field. There was a small bull calf in the field and as Nathan was attempting to maneuver the bus to turn around, the bull calf was pawing at the ground and lowering its head as though to charge the bus. It was very amusing to band members, but not so much to Nathan. Upon arrival at The Clay County Corps in Jacksonville, we were welcomed by Area Commanders Majors Dean and Pam Hinson and fed by the Corps folks. During supper, the Antique City Brass Band entertained by playing on vintage instruments. The music was of very good caliber and thoroughly enjoyable. The Corps Officers at the Clay County Corps are Captain and Mrs. Angel Calderon. They have initiated a music program for community kids, which now has approximately 100 students actively involved. This is an excellent outreach and the officers are to be commended for this initiative.
 
The evening concert was well attended. One of the “novelty” items in many of the band’s programs included William Himes’ arrangement of “The Stars and Leafs forever”. The item was introduced by B/M Brian Burditt, who encouraged the Americans in the audience to stand during the American excerpts, and the Canadians to stand for the Canadian tunes. The audience enthusiastically participated and obviously enjoyed the item.
 
Tuesday , March 20^th, while driving through Sumter County the band saw a “Florida Gopher”,  which is actually a type of land turtle.  We arrived at Keystone Heights Camp and Conference Center to tour the camp facilities; which included a motel, numerous cottages and cabins, a (man-made) lake with canoes and paddle boats, a large conference center, indoor and outdoor workshops---in short, a very large and beautiful camp and conference center. Over the course of a year, childrens’ camps, womens’ camps, music camps, fellowship camps, and-so-forth are held. At lunch time, we ate at a restaurant called “Speckled Butterbean” which was recommended by our bus driver. After arriving at Lakeland Corps  (Corps Officers Captains Stanley and Deborah Colbert), we did our usual set-up and sound check, followed by supper and the evening concert.
 
The following day, on our way to Sarasota, we stopped at Ellenton Outlet Mall to allow band members to do a little browsing and shopping.  Lunch was our own responsibility and there was a good variety of food-fare from which to choose. At 3:15pm we departed the mall and arrived at the Sarasota Baptist Church an hour later. The evening concert, which was held at the beautiful Sarasota Baptist Church, was very well attended and was sponsored by the Sarasota Concert Band. It should be noted that at every concert venue during the tour, band members were greeted by Canadian “Snow Birds” who always gave us a warm welcome and received our music with enthusiasm.
 
Thursday, March 22^nd the band proceeded to Port Charlotte, where an afternoon program was given to 650 Elementary School children at the Kingsway Elementary School. This was part of the “Music in the Schools” celebration. The program was short (app. 45 minutes), but as part of the program, Brian Burditt had six school children (three boys and three girls) conduct the band through the “Montreal Citadel” march. There was no shortage of student volunteers to conduct the band and the entire student body was attentive and well-behaved throughout the concert. This was as much a highlight for the band as it was for the students. The evening concert at Port Charlotte was sponsored by the Charlotte County Concert Band and was held at The Port Charlotte County Theater.
 
On Friday, the band traveled to Venice/Nokomis, where the band was given a tour of the town with narration by the bandmaster of the Venice Concert band, our sponsors for the evening program. In addition to various town sights, we were shown the intra-coastal waterway. The evening concert was held at the Venice-Nokomis United Methodist Church. The band played to a large and enthusiastic audience.
 
Saturday was the only day that did not involve a concert. Instead, the band journeyed to Dunedin Florida and arrived at the Dunedin Stadium around noon. At 1:00pm, the band marched onto the baseball field and played the National Anthems of The United States and Canada. This was a unique experience for the band, and we stayed afterwards for part of the game which pitted the Toronto Blue Jays against the Atlanta Braves. The Blue Jays won the game by a score of 9 to 0. The band then departed for Clearwater Citadel to unload instruments and then go to St. Petersburg Addictions & Rehab Center for supper and a tour of the facility hosted by Captain Gary Wilson, administrator.
 
Sunday was Canada Day at Clearwater Citadel, and services were conducted by Captains Zack and Shelley Bell, who chose the theme ”On the Way to the Cross”. The band again played Goffin’s, “Light of the World”, Captain Zach gave the message and bandsman Deryck Diffey contributed a sensitive rendition of the cornet solo ”I’d Rather Have Jesus”, accompanied by the band.
 
On Sunday Evening, the band gave their final concert to a very large crowd and enthusiastic crowd, perhaps the largest of the tour.
 
Monday, March 26^th the band departed for the flight home. The plane arrived in Toronto approximately 6:15pm and a troupe of very tired band members dispersed to their various homes. By all measures, the tour was a success and the experience won’t be forgotten any time soon. It is the prayer and hope of the band that they did not just entertain, but that the message of the Gospel was loudly proclaimed through the avenue of music.
 

- Submitted by Bandsman William White

Featuring North York Temple Band (Bandmaster Glenn Barlow), North York Temple Songsters (Songster Leader Robert Venables), North York Temple Singing Company (Leader Sherrilyn Hall), North York Temple Timbrels, St. Martin in the Woodlands Chorale (Conductor Fergus Egan), St. Francis Xavier Church Choir (Conductor Rick Torres), Toronto Cantata Chorus (Conductor Tak Ng Lai), Soprano Aileen Lee, and Cornet Soloist Robert Venables.

Friday April 6th, 7:30 p.m., at The Salvation Army North York Temple, 25 Centre Ave. Toronto Ontario Canada (East off Yonge between Finch & Steeles).

Free Admission!

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Canada's own Maple Leaf Brass Band sheet music publication has just released some new titles.

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To order, E-mail orderdesk@can.salvationarmy.org , phone 416-422-6100 (Canada) or visit our website at http://store.salvationarmy.ca

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