Brass bands have long been a tradition in The Salvation Army, having first been introduced as a means of spreading the Christian gospel in the open-air. The Young People s Band has a dual purpose in supporting the ministry of music within the Corps as it provides a training ground where youngsters can learn music but more importantly are provided with a good grounding in the Christian faith. It goes without saying that they also enjoy their music and have a great deal of fun in so doing.
The Salvation Army has, since its early days, believed that music has a big part to play in presenting the Christian message and the Young People s Band regularly assists during Sunday worship, either by providing accompaniment to hymns or providing individual contributions of its own. It also participates in the meetings for children held each Sunday. A particularly busy time of year for the youngsters is the run-up to Christmas when they join with others to take the Christmas message to such places as schools and old people s homes.
The band is now led, and the training provided, by Ryan Cripps, himself the principle horn player in the senior band (adults) at the corps. Ryan is married to Vanessa. He was appointed in September 2012 having transferred from Maidstone following his marriage where he held the position of Assistant Young People’s Band Leader for a number of years. He is currently studying to become a member of CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants) and at present works for BAE Systems based in Rochester as a Programme Control Analyst doing a lot of geeky analysis. His hobbies are photography and sport (both participating & watching). He loves cars but don t ask him to do any mechanics or gardening!
Ryan
Training a children s group such as this inevitably involves constant change as the children grow into adults and move on. The size of the Young People s Band varies from time to time for this reason. At present there are 7 members, girls and boys, and 3 more are in the process of initial learning and preparation for full membership. Help is provided by members of the senior band when this is needed which also helps to foster the link with the senior section to which the youngsters will one day, hopefully, progress.
If you would like to know more about the work The Salvation Army does with young people please CONTACT US. Better still, join us in worship and see the young people for yourself as they participate in our church.