Third in the series of CDs is now available.

The third in the series of CDs featuring General John Larsson (Ret.) playing piano arrangements of songs from the Gowans and Larsson musicals has now been released. The CD highlights music from their two musicals based on Salvation Army history and comes complete with a 32-page book of the lyrics by General John Gowans (Ret.).

Glory! brings to the stage the classic stories of early-day Army life told by Edward Joy in The Old Corps, and features songs like “There is a message,” “When the glory gets into your soul” and “As high as the sky.”

The Blood of the Lamb is based on Vachel Lindsay’s epic poem “General William Booth Enters Into Heaven,” and, fittingly in this the centenary year of the Founder’s promotion to Glory, portrays William Booth leading into heaven the great multitude he has won for Christ. Songs include “There’s only one flag for me” and “They shall come from the east, they shall come from the west.”

For sample tracks and further information about the CD series visit johnlarsson.com.

John Larsson plays Glory! and The Blood of the Lamb is available from tradewest.com.

Led by Bandmaster Edward F. Freeman, the Tustin Ranch Band (Calif.)—after the National Anthem—kicked off its annual Spring Music Festival with a march by Captain Martin Cordner containing the tune, “Yellow Star and Red and Blue,” indicating the colors in The Salvation Army flag.

Warren Johnson, the band’s executive officer, welcomed the crowd, noting that it was 17 years ago that the corps met in this facility for the first time.

Trumpet soloist David Hall performed “Flourish” and then young pianist Emma Lee presented Mozart’s “Piano Concerto in C.”

Lee was 4 years old when the the Tustin Ranch Corps’ Pioneer School of Music started approximately eight years ago.

As well as featuring newly published music, the band played the Army classic, “The Present Age” (Leslie Condon), which tells the story of a young Christian who sets out to confidently proclaim his faith, only to be greeted by all kinds of worldly things. Eventually he pledges, “I’ll follow thee,” then reaffirms “It is well with my soul,” finishing off with the challenge of “Courage brother, do not stumble.”

David Dunford, pianist, and Sarah Koo, cellist, were featured soloists. Dunford played the “10th Transcendental Etude” by Lizst.

“As always,” said Western Territorial Music Secretary Neil Smith, “his playing was full of energy and flawless. It truly is fascinating to watch him!”

Koo and Dunford together performed a tribute to Majors Lee and Michelle Lescano, who will be leaving shortly to take up a new appointment after almost 20 years at Tustin Ranch. The music, arranged by Dunford, featured the song “How Deep The Father’s Love for Us.”

The sound of 16 cellos from the Pioneer School blended in a medley. In the last two years, this group has grown from two to 16.

The evening concluded with Wilfred Heaton’s classic march “Praise.”

The Sierra del Mar Divisional Band—led by Divisional Music Director Stephen Yalden—took part in the Southern California Community Band Festival on May 15 in Poway, Calif., for the second year running.

The weekend event featured 16 area groups. The Sierra del Mar Divisional Band was the only Salvation Army band invited.

The band began their 45-minute concert with the march, “Manhattan,” followed by “Music-Maker,” “Hine e Hine,” “El Es el Senor” and “Crimond.” The timbrelists then performed to the march, “God’s Children.”

Captain Ken Perine, Sierra del Mar divisional secretary, addressed the crowd, giving historical information on The Salvation Army, including open-air meetings and how music and timbrels were used to attract the attention of passersby so they could hear the gospel message. He explained that even the bass drum was used as a mercy seat to lead people to Christ.

The music continued with the Army classic, “Sound Out the Proclamation,” and concluded with “Dance like David.”

Before the festival was over, Yalden received an invitation for the group to play next year.

The Sydney Staff Songsters, led by Songster Leader Graeme Press, were in top form during their recent appearance at the Pasadena Tabernacle Corps (Calif.).

Pasadena Tabernacle Songster Leader Martin Hunt said, “The SSS invigorated the audience with their energy, passion and witness, through song, testimony and personal communication.”

At the start of the evening and then again at the end, the songsters sang words arranged by Carol Cymbala:

Thou, O Lord, are a shield for me

My glory and the lifter of my head.

As the concert began, the songsters invited the congregation to sing with them as Press prayed and invited the Holy Spirit in. Along with the energy and excitement in the room, the presence of God was evident as songsters and congregation worshipped together.

“I can honestly say that this was the best communication between singers and congregation I have ever seen. It was like an interactive experience—completely incredible!” said Neil Smith, Western territorial music secretary.

During the evening, the Pasadena Tabernacle Songsters also came to the platform to sing. In June, just after Commissioning, the Tab Songsters will be in Sydney on their Australia and New Zealand Tour.

At the conclusion of the concert the congregation shared in a time of reflection and prayer. The members of the songsters left the platform and prayed all around the chapel with attendees who were requesting prayer in a moving and memorable part of the event.

“In this world of instant communication, it would be almost impossible to beat the level of communication shown by the songsters,” said Smith.

“The Sydney Staff Songsters gave a virtual clinic on how to engage others through music, effectively communicating the gospel to a responsive audience. The group’s musical presentations demonstrated a wonderful versatility of style and listeners were touched and moved by their genuine expression of joy and passion for Christ,” said Major Steven Bradley. “They ‘rocked the house.’”

By Meredith N. Flinn

The Pasadena Tabernacle Band performs at Grace Bible Church in Arroyo Grande, Calif. Photo by Ralph Brigman

The 40-member Pasadena Tabernacle (TAB) Corps band, under the leadership of Bandmaster William B. Flinn, recently participated in weekend ministry along California’s coast in Pismo Beach, Arroyo Grande and Santa Maria. The San Luis Obispo Service Extension team—including David Freehauf, Beth Quaintance and June Loo, service extension director for the Southern California Division—arranged the band’s trip.

In Arroyo Grande, the TAB band played to a 600-plus capacity crowd at Grace Bible Church. The evening concert began with “Fanfare to Worship” and involved the audience in singing “All Hail the Power.”  Lawrence Lycan shared his personal testimony, calling everyone to be an example of Christ to those who do not have a personal relationship with him. Concert highlights included “South Shields Celebration,” a flugel horn solo by John Docter titled “So Glad,” “The Magic Kingdom,” “Let Everything Praise” and “I’ll Walk With God.” James Allen delighted audiences with his piano arrangement of gospel songs. The evening ended with “Stars and Stripes Forever.”

“I was unable to articulate to anyone who had never heard the TAB band before what they would experience and what they would hear. It’s a phenomenal sound—the whole ministry is very powerful,” said Freehauf, chairman of the San Luis Obispo South County Service Extension Unit.

“The quality of the music shows wonderful musicianship, great intonation and great dynamics—it just knocked us off our feet,” he said.

The TAB band provided both preliminary music and congregational accompaniment for the Sunday morning service at Grace Bible Church, joining the church choir in the William Himes arrangement of “Total Praise.” The band then traveled to Grace Lutheran Church where they provided the service and musical numbers—including the cornet solo “Holy, Holy, Holy” performed by Songster Leader Martin Hunt. In his testimony, Bandsman Major Brian Saunders shared his trust in God through all the moments of life. Major Bill Nottle provided the dedication. The morning service ended with the march “Heavenward.”

The band concluded its trip by sharing lunch and conversation at the Santa Maria Corps, hosted by Corps Officers Lieutenants Paul and Jennifer Swain.

The Southern California Divisional Youth Band poses in front of the Chicago skyline. Photo courtesy of Southern California Divisional Youth Band

By Jeff Curnow

On Saturday, March 26 and Sunday, March 27, the 33-member Southern California Divisional Youth Band (DYB) kicked off its North American tour, performing at the Chicago Mayfair Community Church and the Rockford Temple Corps. Band members also worked with music program in Chicago schools.

Under the leadership of Divisional Bandmaster Kevin Larsson, the group performed a creatively planned concert including solo vocalists, a big band group, a trombone quartet, piano soloists and a “boys’” chorus.

All of the elements combined to form a worship experience that was varied, enjoyable and moving.

The band, made up of Salvationists from the Los Angeles area, has an average age of 20. The early 20s is the time in most young peoples’ lives when they make decisions about their future church involvement. It was great to see so many young Salvationists committed to their involvement with The Salvation Army.

The standard of performance of the band was excellent. The Southern California DYB is a talented group of young people, whose joy was contagious as they conveyed the gospel message through music.

Community outreach

On Saturday, band members conducted a day of classes for nearly 50 students who attend the music school at The Salvation Army Mayfair Community Church. That evening, the band ministered to soldiers and friends of Rockford Temple—a concert that culminated a weekend focus on holiness. The Holy Spirit challenged many as General Paul Rader (Ret.) spoke on the simplicity of holiness.

During the next three days band members worked with music programs in Chicago schools. The band members “jumped right in and helped wherever needed,” said Metropolitan Chicago Divisional Music Director Vernon Lawson. Many schools in Chicago would not have any music programs were it not for The Salvation Army and its active engagement of the schools—the Army is running the music programs as part of the normal curriculum.

“In these public school music classes, the kids are getting a lot of music and a little of Jesus,” said Lawson. At each of the five public school concerts, the children clapped along to the movie music and marches. Then—in the middle of the concert—the contemporary brass ensemble accompanied Shalini Henry-John as she sang “My Redeemer Lives”—in a public school!

The band was excited about the reception it received and the opportunity to witness to children in such a taboo setting.

The tour continued on to the Dearborn Heights (Mich.) Corps on March 30, and then into Canada where they performed at the London Citadel Corps, the North Toronto Community Church and the North York Temple Corps.

Band Chaplain Captain Matt Madsen said, “One thing’s for sure, Bandmaster Larsson might be the one directing the band, but it is God who is directing our steps.”

Captain Matt Madsen contributed information to this article.

Traveling from near and far, the Western Territorial Songsters, conducted by Territorial Music Secretary Neil Smith, brought their musical ministry to the Southern California Division on Jan. 28–30. Along with the 30 songsters, the brigade includes David Dunford, pianist, and Major Cindy Foley, chaplain. Their Spirit-led offerings blessed both those who came to hear them and the songsters themselves.

The Western Territorial Songsters

“Until the Whole World Hears” was the theme for the young adult event held the evening of Jan. 29, at the Bellflower Corps. Joining the Territorial Songsters was the Pasadena Tabernacle Corps’ young adult group “Redemption.” With 96 youth—passionate and on fire for Christ—in attendance, the meeting was high energy and thought-provoking. Lt. Paul Swain’s message brought many seekers—moved by the Holy Spirit—to the altar to make life-changing decisions.

On Sunday morning, Jan. 30, the songsters worshiped with the men at the Long Beach Adult Rehabilitation Center (ARC). The testimonies of the ARC beneficiaries were the highlight of the meeting. “Limitless Grace”—one of the songs shared by the Songsters—expressed the message of grace and hope to many who were seeking Jesus’ unlimited love and mercy. Captain Frank Desplancke delivered the message—it was a powerful witness to God’s power to see the Spirit working in the lives of the men through the ministry of the Word and of music.

Psalm 105: 1-3 declares: Hallelujah! Thank God! Pray to him by name! Tell everyone you meet what he has done! Sing him songs, belt out hymns, translate his wonders into music! (MSG). May it be so.

—Captain Lynn Stewart

David Crouch, president and CEO of Foss Homes and Village and John Magnenat

Salvation Army soldier stays busy volunteering in retirement.

By Martha Miller

When retired Bandmaster John Magnenat found that simply soldiering at the Seattle Temple Corps was not enough to keep him busy, he started volunteering. Recently, he was one of six people recognized for volunteer work.

Foss Home and Village—advocates for the aging since 1929 in Seattle—presents the awards to seniors who in retirement continue to contribute their time and talents through volunteering.

First invited to join a corps band in 1938, Magnenat has been a faithful bandsman ever since, playing almost every instrument with three valves. He spent 43 years as a bandmaster with The Salvation Army, most recently at the Seattle Temple Corps. Currently, he plays in the baritone section of the Seattle Temple Corps band. In addition, for 25 years he spent his vacation time as a music camp instructor at Camp Arnold (Wash.). Magnenat said, “It has been very rewarding to see the progress these young people have made musically through the years.”

His life is not all music. He serves on the corps staff as director of senior ministries, plans each week’s Senior Lunch program, and transports several seniors who attend. He teaches a Thursday morning Bible study and visits nursing homes and hospitals.

Major Dave Harmon, corps officer with his wife Linda, often refers to Magnenat as “Saint John.”

Magnenat and his wife, Rafaela, have been soldiers at the Seattle Temple Corps since 1962.

An artist paints during worship. Photos by Chris Toy, Joy Lee and Praise Byun.

Delegates gather for Territorial Worship Arts Retreat.

By Sarah Kalentermidis

“Love Extravagantly” was the theme for this year’s Territorial Worship Arts Retreat, held at Camp Redwood Glen, Feb. 18-20. The retreat, put on by the Territorial Music department—led by Neil Smith—focused on Jesus’ extravagant love for us, and how we can express that same love in various outlets and media. A total of 209 Salvationists traveled to Scotts Valley, Calif., for the event.

Workshops included drama with the Lacey Theatre Company; dance with Alicia Hood, a choreographer; photography with Nikole Lim; video production with Chris Toy; praise and worship with Abraham Guevara and the band; and preaching with Bart Tarman. These classes aimed to educate and encourage delegates to develop and use their gifts to worship God and express love to others.

During the united session, Tarman focused on the love of Jesus and our responsibility to share that love with others, saying, “Jesus didn’t tell his disciples ‘Worship me.’ He said ‘follow me. Follow me. I will show you how to love.’”

Tarman challenged the group to exercise “preemptive love,” reflecting God’s love; he loved us before we even thought about loving him. Tarman also spoke on the need for our identity to be immersed in the identity God gives us as his beloved. An incredible storyteller, Tarman believes in the importance of teaching and preaching the gospel. Reminded of the importance of the Gospels, Krystina Macias (Whittier Corps) said, “They are the books about what Jesus did and said; we should continually be rooted in them and in Jesus—a very humble and challenging goal.”

Alicia Wood dances to “Extravagant Worship.” Photos by Chris Toy, Joy Lee and Praise Byun.

Later Friday night, delegates viewed Nikole Lim’s documentary While Women Weep. On Saturday evening, the Lacey Theatre Company presented an 80-minute show called Word on the Street, by Rob Lacey. The group received a standing ovation as an all-female three-person cast walked through the entire Bible using wit, humor and song.

At Sunday’s worship service, Territorial Commander Commissioner James Knaggs gave a motivating and spirit-igniting sermon. Andrew Smith (South San Francisco Citadel Corps) appreciated Knaggs’ challenge—“to recognize, redeem, and then rev up the gifts that God has given to us.” The challenge can and should be shared by every follower of Christ, using spiritual and creative gifts for his glory. Knaggs’ message summed up the weekend, leaving everyone with a mission and a fighting spirit.

Smith credited the retreat’s success to Creative Arts Director Joy Lee, who planned and executed it. He said, “Five years ago when we started this event, we were not sure where we were headed. Now, with the excitement and interest building in worship arts, we know that God has great things in store.”

Back at home, the delegates’ challenge is to reach others, loving them the way Jesus does and fighting spiritual battles, not avoiding them, with the most important—really the only—weapon we have: love. Just as Knaggs rallied at the end, “Now it’s time to make W.A.R.!”

Save the date for the next Worship Arts Retreat, Feb. 10-12, 2012.

Singer Katy Perry poses with the Tabernacle Children’s Chorus outside the American Music Awards (Photo courtesy of Tabernacle Children’s Chorus).

People noted the angelic performance of the boys from the Tabernacle Children’s Chorus (TCC)—from the Pasadena (Calif.) Tabernacle Corps—on “Dancing With the Stars” when they accompanied Michael Bolton singing “Hallelujah.”

Shortly afterward, Barbara Allen, director of TCC, received a request from Katy Perry’s agent for a group of boys from TCC to accompany her live at the 2010 American Music Awards (AMA) at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles. With additional vocals recorded at Pasadena Tabernacle by some of the Tabernacle Youth Chorus members, the boys set off to the AMA for an experience they will likely never forget.

Lining up for backstage passes, they were stunned to see Miley Cyrus and Justin Bieber—who high-fived all the boys. Following a long day of rehearsals, the boys finally sang “Fireworks” with Perry before the live audience and many millions of viewers around the world.

Later, Perry met with them backstage to thank them personally. She was so pleased with their performance that she asked if they would be willing to help her on her next CD, which got a resounding “yes” from all the boys.

Visit the TCC Facebook page—look up “Tabernacle Children’s Chorus”—to view photos from their AMA appearance. A video of the performance is available on YouTube: http://tiny.cc/3gp8y.

—Barbara Allen