Future All-Stars Weekend

by Warren L. Maye

“This is just such an amazing event. What a tremendous ministry these kids are now immersed in!” —Commissioner Ralph Bukiewicz, territorial commander

The annual Future All-Stars event reached its exciting conclusion on March 16, 2025, before a capacity crowd with an afternoon concert at the Montclair Citadel Corps in New Jersey. The festivities kicked off at 2:30 p.m. as young people joined forces with members of the New York Staff Band (NYSB) to perform stirring, powerful selections of Salvation Army music.

Young band members also shared personal reflections about their life experiences and spiritual journeys and read vivid introductions to each of the 11 classic works performed.

Lt. Colonel David B. Davis, territorial assistant chief secretary, delivered a stimulating devotional. “They’ve been given the name ‘Future All-Stars,’ but I believe that you will agree with me that they are also all-stars right now,” he said, and called for a dedication to living out faith in a way that inspires others to embrace God’s kingdom. “That’s precisely what He calls upon each musician, teacher, parent, leader alike to become — true all-stars, equipped to diligently represent God within our society today.” Like the powerful music that shook the citadel, his words surely resonated within hearts.

Among the performances by the band, led by B/M Derek Lance, and the band chorus, led by Mark Baker, were two pieces arranged by Martin Cordner, who attended the concert: “South Shields Celebration” and “Wake Up the Saint.” The band chorus sang “I Know a Fount” (Noel Brooks) and “Rock of Ages” (William Berchell).

Finding growth through hardship

Kendra Gitau of the PENDEL Division shared her personal journey of faith and growth during a challenging year. In 2024, after graduating high school and transitioning to college, she experienced a period of loneliness and emotional struggles that deepened her relationship with God. Despite feeling distant from Him at times, Gitau was able to reflect on the importance of recognizing barriers created by bitterness and frustration. At a retreat, she found hope in understanding God’s grace and mercy while discussing Psalm 51, and she emphasized the significance of community worship for spiritual renewal.

Looking forward to the future, Gitau said, “Weekends like these mean so much because they provide opportunities surrounded by fellow believers while worshiping together — a rarity nowadays — which fills hearts of deeply grateful souls like mine who need spiritual renewal before stepping confidently into what lies beyond, come next year, and ahead.”

Celebrating community support and mentorship

The weekend included several days of enriching workshops, rehearsals, meaningful conversations, fellowship activities, and ministry opportunities, all sponsored by the Montclair Citadel and the Green Family Foundation, which has helped sponsor the event for more than 20 years.

Derek Lance, the NYSB bandmaster, offered thanks to all the parents, teachers, corps officers, music directors, and regional music directors who support the band, and to the band members themselves. “It’s truly a highlight for everyone involved,” he said.

This ongoing ministry to the young musicians builds their skills, faith, and character.

Brindley Venables, director of music program development and manager of the NYSB, expressed the importance of mentoring children. Band members are role models, and Venables noted that their efforts have positively impacted many lives, particularly during worship sessions where kids can feel God’s presence.

“A lot of them look up to us. It’s a big responsibility. But it’s amazing to see lives changed,” he said. “There were a lot of reports from kids last year, during the worship time, that they were deeply moved. So I think what we are doing is really important.”

Inspiring future generations

Ken McCance, from the Manchester Citadel in Connecticut, reflected on his joy in witnessing youth continue the tradition of brass banding, a passion he shares. He is now supporting young musicians close to his family and finds inspiration in their pursuit of excellence.

Samantha Maxwell, who was a flower girl at his wedding, was asked how she felt about being in the band. She said she really liked it and found it exciting.

McCance added, “Both my father and grandfather were also named Ken McCance but had different middle names. My grandfather served as a Salvation Army bandmaster down in Pittsburgh many years ago before retiring in Mississippi; he passed away a few years ago. It’s important for me to keep this tradition alive, and I’m proud of our family’s legacy.”

Lieutenant Emily Betts, the corps officer of the Kearny, N.J., Corps, was joyful to see children passionately participate in music events. She was particularly excited about the growth of a young musician named Kenneth Chalco, who played flugel and is about to graduate high school. Despite being somewhat nervous at the concert, he performed well. “He plays cornet at our corps, but we have probably about six people in our band,” said Betts. “It’s super small, but we’re powerful, so we were super excited to have our first cornet player represent us on the flugel today.”

Tomorrow’s leaders

Major Brett E. DeMichael, general secretary for the New Jersey Division, echoed earlier comments from Lt. Colonel Davis about recognizing these kids as stars now.

“These kids are all-stars right now. We need them in our corps to be taking leadership roles and to be engaged. To see this as an outlet for them in that way is just so exciting,” DeMichael said. “I think Army music brings young and the experienced musicians together in a unique way. Many of us have a testimony of someone sitting next to us when we were young, guiding us along not just about music but also about what it means to be a Salvationist musician and how that relates to our discipleship walk. It’s awesome and so encouraging. I could talk about this all day!”

Major Samuel Alarcón, the corps officer of the White Plains, N.Y., Corps, also expressed his appreciation for seeing children from his corps playing music with others for the kingdom of God. Soldier Sebastian Rojas, with a wide smile, said, “It’s really fun to be able to be a part of this because not everybody has the same opportunity. I’m just thankful that I got chosen by my leaders to be here this weekend. Thank you so much!”