Strike up the (church) band
BY RYAN PAGELOW February 3, 2012 4:35PM
Article Extras
Updated: March 10, 2012 8:01AM
Unlike in many churches, a brass band accompanies the hymns at The Salvation Army Norridge Citadel on Sunday mornings.
“We function like an organ,” said band master Peggy Thomas, who has led the band since 1983. “Yeah, it can get loud in here.”
The 55-member brass band practices on Wednesdays, attracting musicians from around the Chicago area.
Bob Ferrantelli, 69, of Niles, has played in The Salvation Army band for 45 years.
“The music itself is a blast,” said Ferrantelli, who also likes the wide spectrum of ages in the band that includes teens and grandparents making music next to each other. “It might represent the church at its best.”
The band takes time for prayer and devotions at the beginning and end of its practices.
“It’s good fellowship and it’s fun,” said Lizzie Turner, 17, of Norwood Park Township, who plays alto horn in the Youth Band and the Senior Band.
The Salvation Army runs a music program for all ages, training them in brass, percussion and vocals. Over the summer, it runs a music conservatory during its day camp that teaches about 130 children how to play the piano, cornet or recorder, as well as how to sing.
For those who want to pursue music in the bands, The Salvation Army provides instruments.
The Norridge Citadel band has recorded 25 CDs over the years and performed around the country as well as in Canada and England.
“They’re really quite good,” Thomas said. “Most of the people are teachers, architects ... They don’t play professionally. Most of the people learn in The Salvation Army.”
“My son is in the band. My dad used to be in the band. It’s sort of a generational thing. We love music and it’s part of The Salvation Army heritage.”
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