NYSB Opens Season in Riverhead

The New York Staff Band (Bandmaster Ron Waiksnoris) traveled to the eastern Long Island community of Riverhead on October 18, 2003, for the first concert of the fall season. This was the band's second visit to Riverhead, where the local corps is one of newest in the division, having been opened five years ago. The concert was held at the Pulaski Street School. More than 180 persons were in attendance and heard the band premiere many of the works that will be featured in the upcoming season, as well as items that will be used during the upcoming Profile XXV Concert on November 14, 2003, which will feature the music of Major Terry Camsey.

Pulaski Street School, Riverhead, New York

The concert opened with Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee, a selection from Endless Praise (William Himes). This was followed by Paul Drury's quick march Jubilee. Several items by Major Terry Camsey were featured in the concert, as a prelude to this year's Profile Concert, which will feature the major's compositions. These included Gabriel's Reverie, Song of the People, and trombonist Burt Mason's performance of Sing a Happy Song.

Other items performed during the concert included Exultate (Kenneth Downie), Song of Courage (Eric Ball), and Light-Bringer (Martin Cordner). The Band Chorus contributed with Jesus Paid It All (Robert Sterling, arr. Thomas V. Mack). Band vocal soloist Raymond Livingston contributed with a song by Andrew Lloyd Webber, Love Changes Everything. Stephen Bulla's Air 'n Variations was performed by euphonium soloist Aaron Vanderweele. The band also played The Last Amen (Peter Graham). The concert concluded with a traditional Staff Band ending, playing the patriotic march The Stars and Stripes Forever (John Philip Sousa) and then singing Rock of Ages as the benediction.

Sources:
New York Staff Band

Posted by Webmaster 10 November 2003 11:55:35