Music Making for 120 Years
The Salvation Army International Staff Band (ISB) celebrated 120 years of mission and ministry in London with a weekend of spectacular events featuring eight Salvation Army bands from around the world: the International, Amsterdam, Canadian, Chicago, German, Japan, Melbourne, and New York Staff Bands.
The celebrations included a sold-out massed-bands concert in the Royal Albert Hall before 5000 people on Saturday 4 June. The visiting bands made a triumphal entry from around the hall, marching behind their Salvation Army and national flags as the ISB played ‘Emblem of the Army’.
ISB Executive Officer Lieut-Colonel David Hinton opened the evening with prayer before International Staff Bandmaster Dr Stephen Cobb welcomed the Army’s international and territorial leaders, reserving a particularly warm welcome for former ISB members and leaders.
Each staff bandmaster took turns with the baton to lead the massed bands, the ISS enhanced the evening with two solo contributions. Commissioner John Matear, Territorial Commander of the UK Territory with the Republic of Ireland, reminded the audience of The Salvation Army’s dedication to the task God has set it. Commenting on words from 1 Corinthians, he emphasised that the war The Salvation Army fought was one of ‘peace and righteousness’.
The evening concluded with the festival march ‘Celebration’. As fireworks went off and a large Salvation Army flag descended from above the stage, the bands sang out: ‘We’ll keep the old flag flying, flying round the world’.
On Sunday morning, General Linda Bond joined senior territorial leaders for music leaders’ councils at Westminster Central Hall. The ISB and Territorial Youth Band provided musical support, with members of the visiting staff bands also attending.
Japan Staff Bandmaster Hajime Suzuki shared his testimony during the councils. He said he had come to Jesus from a non-Christian family through music, having been introduced to Salvation Army music as a student by his professor. Bandmaster Suzuki explained how, during a period of ill-health, his faith had been tested and strengthened, and said he praised God for his restoration. He took the opportunity to thank Salvationists for their prayers and support for Japan after this year’s devastating earthquake and tsunami.
The youth band sensitively played ‘People Need the Lord’ and then General Bond spoke about how God—in love—can transform those who fail him. A song from the International Staff Songsters led into a time of reflection and prayerful response, with a number of people moving forward to the mercy seat to pray.
Later in the day, the massed bands took part in a march of witness down the Mall, which only a few weeks before had been the scene of a procession after the royal wedding. Several thousand Salvationists, friends and tourists braved inclement weather to cheer and applaud the bands’ progress, some singing along with familiar tunes.
After a brief concert in the Buckingham Palace forecourt, the bands marched away, with the General taking the salute as they departed.