YOUTHFUL PRAISE!

Eastern Territorial Songster Leader William Rollins

Reviews Greater New York Youth Chorus contributions to

“Eternus”

(Greater New York Youth Band and Chorus)

         Youthful praise is the best way that I can describe the vocal contributions of the Greater New York Youth Chorus to the new CD recording “Eternus.”  This being their first recorded efforts is noble and successful.  Their capable conductor, Gavin Whitehouse, has chosen worship songs from both Salvation Army repertoire and other contemporary worship sources, achieving a good spirit of praise through these young singers.

         The voices of the Greater New York Youth Chorus, although typical of this age group, manage to reach a quality above the norm.  The passion of the vocal sound and the energy of their expressive ministry shine through on each selection, particularly on what I consider their signature song, “We Are Not Ashamed.”  Young Stephen Ditmer, Jr’s tenor solo is a treat to hear and clearly demonstrates his ability to testify through his voice.

         With “Eternus” as their recorded beginning, the Greater New York Youth Chorus is on their way to a long ministry example to youth around The Salvation Army world, both live and recorded.  Congratulations go to them for their local commitment and their youthful praise.!

Norman Bearcroft reviews the

Greater New York Youth Band’s items on their new recording, “ETERNUS”

 The Greater New York youth band opens the recording with a fine, energetic rendition of Martin Cordner’s march, “Temple Visions”. It is with a seeming ease that the band masters the technical demands of this music  and offers a very exciting performance.

      Phil Catelinet’s ever popular Cornet duet, “Deliverance” based on the old song, “In spite of the devil I’m nicely saved” is the next presentation. Andrew Garcia and Jonathan Quetela are the soloists and they match each other splendidly in both sound and style, which is  most evident in the triple tongueing sections. 

     Douglas Berry is the Flugel Horn soloist in, “I Surrender” composed by David Chaulk and arranged by Andrew Mackereth. I am always impressed by the playing of Douglas, whether he is playing the Soprano Cornet in the New York Staff band or the Flugel Horn with the Youth band. On this recording he plays the solo without any personal additions to the music and the presentation is one of great quality.

    Some very good playing is evident in, “King of Kings,Majesty” a  so called, “Big band” number with some excellent  side drumming.

    In the Soprano Cornet solo, “Capriccio” by Philip Sparks, Christopher Ward is the confident and exciting soloist.  Some intricate rhythms are mastered and the whole concept of the music is presented in fine style.

     The style of Leslie Condon”s masterpiece, “The Call of the Righteous” has been copied by many, but the original has a charm all  its own. The band meets the demands of the music in fine style and, in particular in the open statement for the Cornet  section, which has remained a challenge for the best of bands.  I had the impression that every section of the band met the demands which Leslie Condon included in this thrilling work.

    “Cantad a Jehova” composed by Salvador and arranged for bands by Dorothy Gates, is a sound picture of  the Old Testament character, David, dancing before the Lord. The band sounds very much at home in this rendition.

     In the Euphonium solo, “Brillante”, Ryan McCrudden is the  soloist . His ability to master the technical demands of this work is all  that one could ask. I look forward to more performances by Ryan.

     “The Name” by Martin Cordner, gives the band the opportunity to display their ability to perform in the “Pop -style” required in this number.

      The final track is, “The Irish Blessing” by Joyce Eilers Bacak and arranged for Brass band by Stephen Bradnum, in which the band conclude  with a soulful presentation of the words

“May the God that loves us all,  hold you in the palm of His hand”

A fitting prayer at the conclusion of some very exciting music from a very exciting band.