Junior Band

a Biblical thought...
Praise the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary; praise him in his mighty heavens. Praise him for his acts of power; praise him for his surpassing greatness. Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet, praise him with the harp and lyre. (Psalm 150:1-3)

a Book thought...
In individualistic cultures most people are problem-centred strategists. This is the way of the manager, and it involves working towards a future where present problems are lessened or removed. The aim is to remove or lessen present ‘bads’ rather than positively create ‘goods’. The alternative is to have a mission-directed strategy to get to the future, preferably first: to develop and implement a mission to put ‘goods’ into the future. This, as I have said, is the way of the leader. (p116)

a Dave thought...
On Sunday morning the The Salvation Army Box Hill Junior Band had their debut performance. This involved playing 5 short numbers in the 9.30, 11am and Korean services. As the conductor I was very proud of all 22 of these fine young people aged from 6-14. We have 3 flutes, 6 clarinets, 5 cornets/trumpets, 3 alto saxophones, 1 tenor saxophone, 2 trombones, 1 baritone, and 1 percussion. This concert band rehearses every Tuesday night from 6-6.45pm and the improvement in just 10 rehearsals has been amazing. As Noah is part of this as a 7 year-old trombone player I was also a proud dad, and have seen his musical knowledge and skills improve since they all began back in late February.

Bands are a great asset to our movement, and with young people the concert band is an effective way to include many kids from the local community who learn through a school music program in our weekly activities. I have heard on numerous occasions of stories of people coming to faith and then becoming a junior soldier, senior soldier and even an officer because of an invite into a band. The sense of community and belonging are quite unique in a band setting, but unless you have experienced it you may never quite understand the bonding that takes place. The added bonus of a Salvo band is that you also have the ability to pray together and do mission together. So next time you hear or see a Salvo band try to not just see it as just another group but rather as a small church because the potential is amazing.

Just a thought.