Visit to Indianapolis, IN - May 22-23, 2010

The Chicago Staff Band has just returned from a visit to the Indianapolis, Indiana area. This visit is the last out of town weekend for the 2009-10 season. We still have two rehearsals, a recording session and the Congress weekend left before we take our summer break.

We started out on Saturday morning heading through Indiana on I-65. Getting out of Chicago was a breeze which is unusual. But, after having had lunch we felt right at home as our bus encountered a significant traffic jam as we approached Indianapolis.

Both the Saturday night concert and Sunday morning worship services were held at the Mount Comfort United Methodist Church in Greenfield, IN. Ernie Alder, a member of the Methodist congregation, has ties to the Salvation Army and had initiated the invitation for the band to return to the Indianapolis area.

Upon arrival we had a quick sound check followed by a home cooked dinner. Ample time remained for us to finish our final concert preparations. A nice responsive audience gathered for the 7:00 pm concert. At the conclusion of the concert we recognized the service of our travel coordinator, Major Robert Doliber, who will be leaving the band at the conclusion of the season when he will be taking an overseas appointment.

On Sunday morning the band and other area Salvationists gathered with our new Methodist friends for worship at 9:00 am. Our Executive Officer, Lt. Colonel Richard Vander Weele brought the message of the morning as we celebrated Pentecost Sunday together. An ensemble was called upon to open the 11:17 am contemporary worship service before we boarded the bus for a relatively quick and painless return to THQ.

Our appreciation goes out to the Salvation Army’s Indiana Division and the people of the Mount Comfort United Methodist Church. Special thanks go to Majors Vicki and Dick Amick, Captain Marcos Ramirez, Ernie Alder and Pastor C. Reid Walker.

Now, for those who are interested, here’s the Saturday night concert play list:

Montclair Citadel (Bulla)
Welcome & Prayer
Concertino for Flugel and Band (Himes/Beth Cooper, soloist)
Sirocco (Graham)
Soon and Very Soon (Crouch/Karl Strand, soloist)
Then Will the Very Rocks Cry Out (arr. Hayes)
Concertino for Trombone (David, arr. Condon/Matthew Luhn, soloist)
Let Everything Praise (Cordner)
Lord, Lord, You Sure Been Good to Me (arr. Alexander)
INTERMISSION
El Es El Senor (Jones)
Slavonic Dance No. 8, Opus 46 (Dvorak)
Through My Savior’s Merit (Condon)
Cause for Celebration (Himes)
The Stars and Stripes Forever (Sousa, arr. Himes)
Closing Prayer
Choral Benediction (Himes)

CSB to Visit Indianapolis, IN

I've been asked several times for information about our visit to Indianapolis scheduled for May 22-23, 2010. I'm pleased to be able to provide the following:

Saturday, May 22
7:00 pm Concert
Mt. Comfort United Methodist Church
3179 N. 600 W.
Greenfield, IN 46140


Sunday, May 23
9:00 am Worship Service
Mt. Comfort United Methodist Church
3179 N. 600 W.
Greenfield, IN 46140

An ensemble will also present a few numbers at the beginning of the 11:00 am Contemporary Service at the Mt. Comfort United Methodist Church.

If you're anywhere near Indianapolis, I hope to see you there. Be sure to say hello!