“Not to us, O Lord, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness.”
Psalm 115:1
These ancient words, written by the Psalmist define the purpose of the Mountain Citadel Band (MCB) of The Salvation Army. The band is made up of amateur players of all ages and walks of life who share a common bond in both their love for God and their willingness to serve Him. Each player is a Christian and calls The Salvation Army their church home.
The Mountain Citadel Band was formed when two smaller churches, the Westmount Corps and Mount Hamilton Corps, successfully amalgamated in 1990. Prior to this event, both corps had well established banding traditions. When the newly formed corps opened on October 15, 1994, the band was under the baton of Bandmaster Reginald Downer.
In October of 2000, Philip Rayment was appointed Bandmaster of the Mountain Citadel Band. Under his leadership, the MCB initiated its annual Blazing Brass concert series and soon recorded its first CD, entitled “A Christmas Collage”. Blazing Brass has now successfully completed its twelfth year and has resulted in sending several young people to music camp to further their musical education and introduce them to the joy of ministry. The band also keeps busy with a regular schedule of worship services, concerts, parades and weekly rehearsals. A second CD recording entitled “Above All” was released in 2007. A third CD was released for the 20th Anniversary of Mountain Citadel in October, 2010 under the title “Salvation’s Song”.
In January of 2011, Craig Lewis was appointed Bandmaster and in January, 2012, Philip Rayment returned as Bandmaster. The position of Bandmaster became vacant in mid-September, 2013 with the transfer of Mr. Rayment to the Meadlowlands Corps and leadership of the band transferred to Bandmaster Nicole Downer.
The main focus of the MCB is its place in God’s ministry. Sunday mornings are not only a chance to participate in a worship service but also to visit with shut-ins and play for residents at local nursing homes. Each band member views his or herself as a Minister of Music and strives to reflect God’s presence in their daily lives.
Whether on the concert stage or the street corner, the band’s purpose is the same: to spread God’s message of hope and to bring glory to His name.
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DISCOGRAPHY
“Salvation’s Song” (2010)
01. Ein Feste Burg |
“Above All” (2007)
01. Fanfare and Flourishes |
“A Christmas Collage” (2000)
01. On Christmas Day |
2018 BAND SCHEDULE
May 11: Concert for a Cause
June 3: Band Sunday