Community Band Festival Program - June 7, 2026 at 5:30
Fanfare and Allegro on the Doxology
Composer Steve Kellner
The Doxology, set to the tune Old Hundredth, is used widely around the world by Christian denominations and is based on the short but powerful hymn of praise to the Triune God.
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;Praise Him, all creatures here below;Praise Him above, ye heav'nly host;Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.Amen.
The lyrics were written by Thomas Ken, an outspoken seventeenth century Anglican Bishop. Ken wrote many hymns and it was his desire that “Christians be allowed to express their praise to God without being limited only to the Psalmody and the Bible canticles. He was one of the first English writers to produce hymns that were not merely versifications of the Psalms.” It may be that “the doxology has done more to teach the doctrine of the Trinity than all the theological books ever written.”
The tune, Old Hundredth, was composed (or adapted) by Louis Bourgeois. In 1541, he was “given the responsibilities to provide the runes for the new metrical psalms” for the Reformed Reformation Movement. The first English words to which it was wedded were William Kethe's version of Psalm 100 (All People That on Earth Do Dwell) so the tune became known as “The Hundredth”. The word “Old” was added when a new version of the songbook published in 1696 (the first one being the Anglo-Genevan Psalter of 1551) to indicate that “the tune was the one in use in the previous Psalter.”
“I will praise Thee, O Lord my God, with all my heart: And I will glorify Thy name forevermore.” - Psalm 86:12
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;Praise Him, all creatures here below;Praise Him above, ye heav'nly host;Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.Amen.
The lyrics were written by Thomas Ken, an outspoken seventeenth century Anglican Bishop. Ken wrote many hymns and it was his desire that “Christians be allowed to express their praise to God without being limited only to the Psalmody and the Bible canticles. He was one of the first English writers to produce hymns that were not merely versifications of the Psalms.” It may be that “the doxology has done more to teach the doctrine of the Trinity than all the theological books ever written.”
The tune, Old Hundredth, was composed (or adapted) by Louis Bourgeois. In 1541, he was “given the responsibilities to provide the runes for the new metrical psalms” for the Reformed Reformation Movement. The first English words to which it was wedded were William Kethe's version of Psalm 100 (All People That on Earth Do Dwell) so the tune became known as “The Hundredth”. The word “Old” was added when a new version of the songbook published in 1696 (the first one being the Anglo-Genevan Psalter of 1551) to indicate that “the tune was the one in use in the previous Psalter.”
“I will praise Thee, O Lord my God, with all my heart: And I will glorify Thy name forevermore.” - Psalm 86:12
Slane or Be Thou My Vision
Traditional Irish Tune/Composer Isaac Smith
The tune, “Slane” is a traditional Irish air and was originally used with secular text, “With My Love on the Road.” It's first association with this hymn text was in the Irish Church Hymnal of 1919. The tune is named for a hill, ten miles from Tara, in County Meath, where St. Patrick is said to have challenged King Loegair and the Druid priests by lighting the Paschal fire on Easter eve. Arranged for Joyous Brass, this is its premier performance.
Be Thou My Vision (8th Century anonymous Irish hymn; versified by Eleanor H. Hull; Translated by Mary E. Byrne)
Be thou my vision, O Lord of my heart;Naught be all else to me save that thou art.Thou my best thought by day and by night;Waking or sleeping, thy presence my light.
Be thou my wisdom, and thou my true Word;I ever with thee and thou with me, Lord.Thou my great Father, I thy dear child;Thou in me dwelling, with thee reconciled.
Be thou my breastplate, my sword for the fight;Be thou my dignity, thou my delight.Thou my soul's shelter, thou my high tow'r;Raise thou me Heav'nward, O Pow'r of my pow'r.
Riches I heed not, nor vain, empty praise;Thou mine inheritance, now and always.Thou and thou only, first in my heart,High King of Heaven, my treasure thou art.
High King of Heaven, my victory won,May I reach Heaven's joys, O bright Heav'ns Sun!Heart of my heart, whatever befall,Still be my vision, O Ruler of all.
May we as believers be characterized as people of vision - “looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.” -Hebrews 12:2
Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he. - Proverbs 29:18
Be Thou My Vision (8th Century anonymous Irish hymn; versified by Eleanor H. Hull; Translated by Mary E. Byrne)
Be thou my vision, O Lord of my heart;Naught be all else to me save that thou art.Thou my best thought by day and by night;Waking or sleeping, thy presence my light.
Be thou my wisdom, and thou my true Word;I ever with thee and thou with me, Lord.Thou my great Father, I thy dear child;Thou in me dwelling, with thee reconciled.
Be thou my breastplate, my sword for the fight;Be thou my dignity, thou my delight.Thou my soul's shelter, thou my high tow'r;Raise thou me Heav'nward, O Pow'r of my pow'r.
Riches I heed not, nor vain, empty praise;Thou mine inheritance, now and always.Thou and thou only, first in my heart,High King of Heaven, my treasure thou art.
High King of Heaven, my victory won,May I reach Heaven's joys, O bright Heav'ns Sun!Heart of my heart, whatever befall,Still be my vision, O Ruler of all.
May we as believers be characterized as people of vision - “looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.” -Hebrews 12:2
Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he. - Proverbs 29:18
Peace Like a River
Composer Stephen Bulla
Featuring the trombone section, this jazzy piece features the choruses I've got peace like a river and I've got a river of life flowing out of me.
I've got peace like a river (Cedarmont Kids)
I've got peace like a riverI've got peace like a riverI've got peace like a riverIn my soul (repeat)
I've got love like an oceanI've got love like an oceanI've got love like an oceanIn my soul (repeat)
I've got joy like a fountainI've got joy like a fountainI've got joy like a fountainIn my soul (repeat)
I've Got a River of life (Sunday School Singers)I've got a river of life flowing out of me!Makes the lame to walk, and the blind to see.Opens prison doors, sets the captives free!I've got a river of life flowing out of me!
“Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, 'Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.'” -John 7:38
“Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, 'Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.'” -John 7:38
Song Arrangement – God Bless America
Composer Irving Berlin, Arranged by William Himes
[Pre-lude]
While the storm clouds gather far across the sea
Let us swear allegiance to a land that's free
Let us all be grateful that we are far from there
As we raise our voices in a solemn prayer
[Verse]
God bless America, land that I love
Stand beside her and guide her
Through the night with a light from above
From the mountains to the prairies
To the oceans white with foam
God bless America, my home sweet home
God bless America, my home sweet home
Song Story: "God Bless America" was written by Jewish immigrant, Irving Berlin, in 1918 at Camp Upton in Long Island, New York. It was initially conceived as a peace song as part of a World War I musical revue, with early lyrics reflecting gratitude for being "far from" the war. Berlin set the song aside. In 1938, as WWII approached, Berlin changed the lyrics from "let us all be grateful that we're far from there" to "let us be grateful for a land so fair". He also changed "to the right with the light" to "through the night with a light" to avoid political misunderstanding. Kate Smith introduced it on an Armistice Day radio program that same year, making it famous. She sang it frequently to promote war bonds during WWII. It quickly became a popular patriotic anthem, often regarded as an unofficial national anthem. The song gained renewed popularity during the Vietnam War era and prominently after the 9/11 attacks, becoming a staple at sporting events. Berlin assigned the royalties to the Girl Scouts of America, which has earned millions from the song.
Dance Like David
Composer Andrew Mackbereth
This up-tempo arrangement features the song, ‘When the Spirit of the Lord is within my heart, I will dance as David danced.
Lyrics:
When the Spirit of the Lord is within my heart
I will sing as David sang.
When the Spirit of the Lord is within my heart
I will sing as David sang.
I will sing, I will sing,
I will sing as David sang.
I will sing, I will sing,
I will sing as David sang.
When the Spirit of the Lord is within my heart
I will clap as David clapped.
When the Spirit of the Lord is within my heart
I will clap as David clapped.
I will clap, I will clap,
I will clap as David clapped.
I will clap, I will clap,
I will clap as David clapped.
When the Spirit of the Lord is within my heart
I will dance as David danced.
When the Spirit of the Lord is within my heart
I will dance as David danced.
I will dance, I will dance,
I will dance as David danced.
I will dance, I will dance,
I will dance as David danced.
When the Spirit of the Lord is within my heart
I will praise as David praised.
When the Spirit of the Lord is within my heart
I will praise as David praised.
I will praise, I will praise,
I will praise as David praised.
I will praise, I will praise,
I will praise as David praised.
Song Story: While the modern gospel version is the most well-known, the song is rooted in a traditional Spanish chorus. In many hymnals, the original author is listed as unknown. The lyrics are a direct reference to 2 Samuel 6:14, which describes King David dancing before the Lord with all his might. The song “When the Spirit of the Lord” draws its power from several key biblical narratives that emphasize uninhibited worship, the presence of the Holy Spirit, and the physical manifestation of joy.
The primary basis is David’s Dance (2 Samuel 6) when King David bringing the Ark of the Covenant—the symbol of God's tangible presence—into Jerusalem. David was so overwhelmed by God's favor that he “danced before the Lord with all his might” (2 Samuel 6:14). The Hebrew term used, karar, suggests whirling or leaping with intense energy. To show his humility before God, David removed his royal robes and wore a simple linen ephod, a garment typically reserved for lower-ranking priests or servants. When his wife Michal criticized him for looking “undignified,” David famously replied that he would become “even more undignified than this” in his celebration of the Lord (2 Samuel 6:21–22).
The New Testament Connection: The Indwelling Spirit
While David danced before the Ark, the song’s lyrics, “When the Spirit of the Lord moves in my heart,” connect this Old Testament event to New Testament theology. The Spirit "Upon" Us: The phrasing mirrors Luke 4:18, where Jesus quotes Isaiah 61:1: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me...”. In the New Covenant, the Holy Spirit no longer dwells in an Ark but within the believer. It reflects the mandate in John 4:24 to worship “in spirit and in truth,” which involves engaging the whole person—heart, soul, and body—in praise. Joy is listed as a primary Fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22. The song portrays dancing as a natural, outward “manifestation” of this internal spiritual joy.
There are other scriptural parallels beyond the story of David. The song aligns with various biblical commands for physical worship:
Psalm 149:3: “Let them praise his name with dancing and make music to him with timbrel and harp”.
Psalm 150:4: “Praise him with timbrel and dancing; praise him with the strings and pipe”.
1 Corinthians 14:15: Encourages “singing with the spirit,” which early church commentators suggest refers to the spiritual nature of music as an instrument of the soul.
“ And David danced before the Lord with all his might.” - 2 Samuel 6:14
Adventures of Indiana Jones
Composer Chris Mallett
This piece draws on the original scores composed by John Williams for the Indiana Jones films (Raiders of the Lost Ark, Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, and Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny), and features brass reworkings of Williams’ themes, such as the Raiders March, Marion’s Theme, and the Indiana Jones Theme. Presented in a way that feels like an immersive musical adventure, it’s both a tribute to the films and a creative reinterpretation that invites listeners to rediscover the magic of the music.
Island Dreams
Composer Martyn Scott Thomas
A lively march featuring the tune “Jesus Saves”.
Lyrics:
We have heard the joyful sound-Jesus saves! Jesus saves!Spread the tidings all around-Jesus saves! Jesus saves!Bear the news to ev'ry land,climb the steeps and cross the waves;Onward! ‘tis our Lord's command-Jesus saves! Jesus saves!
Waft it on the rolling tide-Jesus saves! Jesus saves!Tell to sinners far and wide-Jesus saves! Jesus saves!Sing ye islands of the sea!Echo back, ye ocean caves!Earth shall keep her jubilee-Jesus saves! Jesus saves!
Sing above the battle strife-Jesus saves! Jesus saves!By His death and endless life-Jesus saves! Jesus saves!Sing it softly through the gloom,when the heart for mercy craves;sing in triumph o'er the tomb-Jesus saves! Jesus saves!
Give the winds a mighty voice-Jesus saves! Jesus saves!Let the nations now rejoice-Jesus saves! Jesus saves!Shout salvation full and free,highest hills and deepest caves;this our song of victory-
Jesus saves! Jesus saves!
Song story: Priscilla Jane Owens (1829–1907) was an American educator and hymn writer best known for her contributions to Sunday-school services. Born on July 21, 1829, she was of Scotch and Welsh descent and lived most of her life in Baltimore, Maryland. She worked as a public-school teacher for 50 years. Much of her creative work was rooted in her interest in Sunday-school programs, and she wrote many of her hymns specifically for children's services including notable works such as “Will Your Anchor Hold?”, “Give Me the Bible,” and “How Goes the Battle, Brother?” Her most enduring hymn, “We Have Heard the Joyful Sound” (widely known as “Jesus Saves!”), was written in 1882 for a 19th-century Baltimore Sunday-school mission anniversary. Interestingly, the words were originally adapted to the melody of “Vive le Roi” from the opera The Huguenots.
“If anyone hears my words and does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world.”- John 12:47
“She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” - Matthew 1:21
Lyrics:
We have heard the joyful sound-Jesus saves! Jesus saves!Spread the tidings all around-Jesus saves! Jesus saves!Bear the news to ev'ry land,climb the steeps and cross the waves;Onward! ‘tis our Lord's command-Jesus saves! Jesus saves!
Waft it on the rolling tide-Jesus saves! Jesus saves!Tell to sinners far and wide-Jesus saves! Jesus saves!Sing ye islands of the sea!Echo back, ye ocean caves!Earth shall keep her jubilee-Jesus saves! Jesus saves!
Sing above the battle strife-Jesus saves! Jesus saves!By His death and endless life-Jesus saves! Jesus saves!Sing it softly through the gloom,when the heart for mercy craves;sing in triumph o'er the tomb-Jesus saves! Jesus saves!
Give the winds a mighty voice-Jesus saves! Jesus saves!Let the nations now rejoice-Jesus saves! Jesus saves!Shout salvation full and free,highest hills and deepest caves;this our song of victory-
Jesus saves! Jesus saves!
Song story: Priscilla Jane Owens (1829–1907) was an American educator and hymn writer best known for her contributions to Sunday-school services. Born on July 21, 1829, she was of Scotch and Welsh descent and lived most of her life in Baltimore, Maryland. She worked as a public-school teacher for 50 years. Much of her creative work was rooted in her interest in Sunday-school programs, and she wrote many of her hymns specifically for children's services including notable works such as “Will Your Anchor Hold?”, “Give Me the Bible,” and “How Goes the Battle, Brother?” Her most enduring hymn, “We Have Heard the Joyful Sound” (widely known as “Jesus Saves!”), was written in 1882 for a 19th-century Baltimore Sunday-school mission anniversary. Interestingly, the words were originally adapted to the melody of “Vive le Roi” from the opera The Huguenots.
“If anyone hears my words and does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save the world.”- John 12:47
“She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” - Matthew 1:21
Montclair Citadel
Composer Stephen Bulla
This march was commissioned in 2001, for a recording by The Salvation Army's Montclair Citadel Band (New Jersey). Stephen Bulla, a former member of the Montclair Citadel Band, has given us what has become the band's signature tune and features the ever-popular hymn tune, Onward, Christian soldiers.Lyrics:
Onward, Christian soldiers,marching as to war,With the cross of Jesusgoing on before!Christ, the royal Master,leads against the foe;Forward into battle,see his banner go!
Refrain:Onward, Christian soldiers,marching as to war,With the cross of Jesusgoing on before!
At the sign of triumphSatan's host doth flee;On, then, Christian soldiers,on to victory!Hell's foundations quiverat the shout of praise;Brothers, lift your voices,loud your anthems raise!
Like a mighty armymoves the church of God;Brothers, we are treadingwhere the saints have trod;We are not divided;all one body we,One in hope and doctrine,one in charity.
Onward, then, ye people,join our happy throng,Blend with ours your voicesin the triumph song;Glory, laud, and honor,unto Christ the King;This thro' countless agesmen and angels sing.
Song story: "Onward, Christian Soldiers" is a 19th-century English hymn originally written in 1865 by Sabine Baring-Gould, an Anglican priest. Although it is now widely known as a rousing, triumphalist anthem, it was originally penned as a simple marching song for a group of schoolchildren. Baring-Gould wrote the lyrics for a Pentecost (Whitsuntide) procession in Horbury Bridge, Yorkshire. He wanted a song for the children to sing while they marched from one village to another. He reportedly wrote the hymn in about 15 minutes late at night because he could not find anything else suitable for the occasion. It was first titled "Hymn for Procession with Cross and Banners". Baring-Gould originally set the words to a melody by Joseph Haydn (from Symphony No. 15), but this version never gained much traction. In 1871, composer Arthur Sullivan (of Gilbert and Sullivan fame) wrote a new tune specifically for the text. He named the melody "St. Gertrude" after the wife of a friend at whose home he composed it. This "oompah" bass line and steady marching rhythm catapulted the song to international popularity. The hymn "Onward, Christian Soldiers" is heavily rooted in the concept of spiritual warfare. Based on the Hymnary.org database, there are several key Bible verses often associated with the song's themes: Ephesians 6:10-20: This is the most foundational passage, describing the "Armor of God" and the nature of spiritual struggle against "spiritual forces of evil"; 2 Timothy 2:3: Often cited for the line "Marching as to war," as it encourages believers to "Endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ"; and 1 Timothy 6:12: Relates to the "Forward into battle" sentiment by urging the faithful to "Fight the good fight of faith". According to the "Notes" section of this song (hymnary.org), the author, Sabine Baring-Gould, specifically tied Stanza 1 to Deuteronomy 31:6 ("Be strong and of a good courage") and Stanza 3 to Matthew 16:18 ("the gates of hell shall not prevail against it").
"Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes." - Ephesians 6:11
Onward, Christian soldiers,marching as to war,With the cross of Jesusgoing on before!Christ, the royal Master,leads against the foe;Forward into battle,see his banner go!
Refrain:Onward, Christian soldiers,marching as to war,With the cross of Jesusgoing on before!
At the sign of triumphSatan's host doth flee;On, then, Christian soldiers,on to victory!Hell's foundations quiverat the shout of praise;Brothers, lift your voices,loud your anthems raise!
Like a mighty armymoves the church of God;Brothers, we are treadingwhere the saints have trod;We are not divided;all one body we,One in hope and doctrine,one in charity.
Onward, then, ye people,join our happy throng,Blend with ours your voicesin the triumph song;Glory, laud, and honor,unto Christ the King;This thro' countless agesmen and angels sing.
Song story: "Onward, Christian Soldiers" is a 19th-century English hymn originally written in 1865 by Sabine Baring-Gould, an Anglican priest. Although it is now widely known as a rousing, triumphalist anthem, it was originally penned as a simple marching song for a group of schoolchildren. Baring-Gould wrote the lyrics for a Pentecost (Whitsuntide) procession in Horbury Bridge, Yorkshire. He wanted a song for the children to sing while they marched from one village to another. He reportedly wrote the hymn in about 15 minutes late at night because he could not find anything else suitable for the occasion. It was first titled "Hymn for Procession with Cross and Banners". Baring-Gould originally set the words to a melody by Joseph Haydn (from Symphony No. 15), but this version never gained much traction. In 1871, composer Arthur Sullivan (of Gilbert and Sullivan fame) wrote a new tune specifically for the text. He named the melody "St. Gertrude" after the wife of a friend at whose home he composed it. This "oompah" bass line and steady marching rhythm catapulted the song to international popularity. The hymn "Onward, Christian Soldiers" is heavily rooted in the concept of spiritual warfare. Based on the Hymnary.org database, there are several key Bible verses often associated with the song's themes: Ephesians 6:10-20: This is the most foundational passage, describing the "Armor of God" and the nature of spiritual struggle against "spiritual forces of evil"; 2 Timothy 2:3: Often cited for the line "Marching as to war," as it encourages believers to "Endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ"; and 1 Timothy 6:12: Relates to the "Forward into battle" sentiment by urging the faithful to "Fight the good fight of faith". According to the "Notes" section of this song (hymnary.org), the author, Sabine Baring-Gould, specifically tied Stanza 1 to Deuteronomy 31:6 ("Be strong and of a good courage") and Stanza 3 to Matthew 16:18 ("the gates of hell shall not prevail against it").
"Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes." - Ephesians 6:11