Salvation Army

The Salvation Army is a Protestant Christian evangelical denomination and, consequently, a charity and social services organisation, with international headquarters at 101 Queen Victoria Street London, England.

Music

As the popularity of the organisation grew and Salvationists worked their way through the streets of London attempting to convert individuals, they were sometimes confronted with unruly crowds. A family of musicians, named the Frys, began working with the Army as their "bodyguards" and played music to distract the crowds.

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The tradition of having musicians available continued, and eventually evolved into the creation of true bands. Their musical groups, usually a brass band or smaller collection of brass instruments, are seen in public at Army campaigns, as well as at other festivals, parades and at Christmas.

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The standard of playing is usually high and the Army operates bands at the international level, such as the International Staff Band, which are the equal of professional ensembles, though they do not participate in the brass band contest scene. Many professional brass players and contesting brass band personnel have come up through The Salvation Army, and in some cases continue to maintain links, such as Philip Smith, principal trumpet of the New York Philharmonic, who still plays and records quite often with the Army's New York Staff Band.

Related Topics:
Trumpet - New York Philharmonic

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Depending on the size, corps have brass bands that enhance Sunday services by accompanying the congregation in the singing of hymns and/or during "Praise & Worship" times set aside during the service. Those Salvation Army corps (churches) without a sufficient number of proficient musicians may use either a piano accompanist or other live musician accompaniment as available. Where no musicians are available, corps will often use CD's or cassettes to fill those roles.

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