USA East Music BULLETIN - WINTER 2018/19 - ISSUE 1 | Page 11

NEW JERSEY CHRISTMAS
By Simon Morton, Divisional Music Director, NJ
A wonderful audience filled the Tabernacle
at beautiful Camp Tecumseh on Sunday
evening, December 2nd, 2018.
The New Jersey Divisional Christmas
Festival, now in its third year, features all of the
Divisional Music and Arts forces in addition to
some great soloists and corps groups.
The festival commenced with Salvation
Brass providing an exciting performance
of Intrada on Regent Square by Ken
Downie. After the welcome and prayer, the
enthusiastic audience joined the House Band
in an upbeat version of O Come All Ye Faithful
led by Douglas Berry.
It was a real blessing to see so many young
people, children and teens, participating in
the program. The NJ Divisional Music and Arts
T H E S A LVAT I O N A R M Y U S A E A S T
groups meet once a month to rehearse brass,
vocal, timbrels, dance and drama and had
worked diligently to present their offerings
on this evening. Many groups including
the beginner brass, singing company and
timbrels combined with Salvation Brass
to present their items while the Divisional
Drama Team walked us through the Advent
story with dramatic readings.
Other highlights of the evening were
inspiring numbers by the Paterson ARC Choir
and the Englewood Korean Songsters clad in
red festival tunics! The energy of the Kearny
Dance Troupe and the cool vibe of Doug
Berry singing The Little Drummer Boy helped
round out the program.
After a special word from our Divisional
Commander, Major James Betts, and a
combined choral piece, the lights were
dimmed and each person held a candle while
singing a vocal benediction, Silent Night,
led by the one and only John Copeland. It
provided a moment of reflection and served
as a reminder of what the Christmas season
is all about
In the midst of a busy season for most
Salvationists, the festival provided a moment
of reflection and served as a reminder of what
the Christmas season is all about. ■
W I N T E R 2019 | USA EAST MUSIC BULLETIN • 11