American Band Journal #70 (300-304)

Band Music for Evangelism
Edited by Dr. Dorothy Gates

The American Band Journal was first published in 1948. The famous Swedish American Composer, Erik Leidzen, was the first editor and the designer of the instrumentation for the series. Leidzen had clear ideas about scoring. He looked for color in the brass band score through scoring for "bright" instruments in contrast to "mellow" instruments. The use of mutes was an important part of his color palate as well.

The first issue of the American Band Journal introduced a number of unknown composers to Salvation Army bands around the United States. This issue of the journal, 65 years later, also features some new young writers. We are pleased to publish "Day by Day" by Kathryn Opina and "A Day to Stand" by Jeremy Smith. These are young composers that have been part of the North American Composers Forum held at Asbury University.

Morgan Juel Stavik has taken Erik Leidzen's "Perfect Peace" to a new peaceful place with captivating results. David Rowsell has provided a very playable march commemorating the ministry at Old Orchard Beach with songs that are often heard there, as well as a moment where the Canadian National Anthem meets the United States National Anthem as a tribute to the nature of the attendance at the Old Orchard Beach Camp Meetings.

Leading off the journal is a beautiful arrangement of "God Bless America" by William Himes. This piece was written to be premiered by the New York Staff Band at their 125th Anniversary Concert and Carnegie Hall. This will be a much appreciated addition to any brass band in the United States.

Enjoy this music. It is intended as an offering and a thanks to God for His faithfulness.

Ronald Waiksnoris
Territorial Music Secretary