Young Musicians – Shining Like Stars

by Colonel Richard Munn

For 20 years now, young aspiring musicians from across the USA East have spent a late winter weekend in the company of the accomplished members of the New York Staff Band (NYSB) in the much loved and eagerly anticipated ‘Future All Stars’ weekend.

It is a quite remarkable feature of territorial life and proving highly effective in nurturing and enhancing young musical skills and proficiencies, with an eye to the future.  Current NYSB members, Chris Webster, Michael DeVault, James Dorce, Devonte Thompson, Brandon Finnie, Mackenzie Dalrymple, all came to the All Star Weekend as teenagers a decade ago, and recall fondly the impact of the weekend.  ‘Future All Stars’ weekend is a great opportunity for delegates and NYSB members to come together as one band, to worship Christ through our shared passion for Brass Banding,’ says Chris Webster.

In addition to frequently performing in some of the top-notch venues and platforms of the USA, and beyond, a singular characteristic of the NYSB is a determined commitment to regularly host beginner workshops where the seasoned elite musicians sit amongst novice beginners and apprentice them.

Delightfully, the senior members of the NYSB especially look forward to this weekend, this year coming up in March 17-19, 2023, at Star Lake Conference Center.  It is especially hands-on, where attendees will experience playing in a massed ensemble, sectional work, 1:1 instruction, a devotional emphasis, great food, and a final Sunday morning of worship and afternoon public concert in Montclair, NJ on March 19.

The apostle Paul pens a delightful image of encouragement to the young church in Philippi: ‘Shine like stars in the sky.’ (2:15) We might say exactly the same to our young musicians.

What Future All Stars are ready to shine this year? Take a look at the link below!