Melbourne Staff Band

Welcome to the 2009 website of the Melbourne Staff Band.

The year began with the visit of Professor David King as guest conductor for the MSB’s recital at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl - the concert given at the invitation of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. Plans are in hand for interstate visits to Tasmania and Queensland. The energetic support of territorial headquarters events and regular ministry visits of the MSB to Salvation Army and church centres continues.

The mission of the Staff Band involves extending the Kingdom of God. This kingdom or rule of God, demonstrated and made accessible in the person of Jesus Christ, is founded upon love. It is the opposite of kingdoms, systems and ‘isms’ that coerce, devalue and dominate people and the planet.

Jesus saw the presence of this kingdom as good news. “The time has come!” he said. “God’s kingdom is already here. Turn back to God and believe the good news!” (See Mark 1:14 CEV).
This summary statement of Jesus’ message identifies four factors:

• This present moment matters. This moment is infused with the presence of the living God. It’s the only moment we are sure of.
• God is not distant but here with us. 
• Change is possible. We need not be locked into destructive and debilitating patterns of belief and behaviour. Repentance – a change of mind, or direction – is possible.
• Good news (or Gospel) is central to God’s activity in the world. Jesus invites us to believe the good news that we are not orphaned. Bad news doesn’t have the final say. Everyone can investigate, welcome and celebrate this Good News of love.

The Melbourne Staff Band continues to explore the implications of the Gospel with music, choreography, visual presentations and public speaking. This is not done in isolation from the harsh realities of life and the struggles of faith, but with the help of the risen Christ. “Because [Jesus] himself was tested by what he suffered, he is able to help those who are being tested” (Hebrews 2:18 NRSV).

Grace and Peace be with you throughout 2009.

Robert Paterson
Melbourne Staff Band Executive Officer

November
Saturday 14 Myer Christmas Parade
Saturday 28 Connections '09
Sunday 29 Commissioning

Future Brass

It’s difficult to fathom how much brass band music means to the Salvation Army and how vital a role it has played for well over 100 years. From the traditional band message in the eleven o’clock meeting, to the open air on a late Sunday afternoon, brass band music has always played a significant part in the Army’s culture. And the Future Brass class of 2009 further enhanced the Army’s magnificent brass band reputation.

For the seventh consecutive year, the Melbourne Staff Band hosted Future Brass, with this year’s venue being Ruyton Girls School in Kew. Over three days, 46 young and enthusiastic brass and percussion players came from all across Australia to play some of the finest brass band music ever produced in the Salvation Army. The weekend was full of challenges, but produced plenty of excitement and showed off some of the best young talent in the territory.

Full Report

NOW AVAILABLE

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