GOSPEL ARTS strong sense of ‘quality,’ ” he says. “They will tell you that they will listen to almost anything on their iPods as long as it is quality; the same can be said for the sheet music we place in front of them.” Lam believes that providing excellent music shows young people they are valued and leads to meaningful relationships. “The Army has a rich heritage in music but we also play high-calibre jazz, rock and classical in my bands,” he says. “If music brings people together, then we should use every style available to facilitate a ‘corps village’ in which to raise our youth. “Some of the kids in my school band come because music moves them and they love it. They are the ones that beg me to play classic pieces such as Air for Band by Frank Erickson. Others attend rehearsal because I may be the only adult that calls them by name that day and they want someone they can depend on. Young people will connect with anyone who spends time with them, whether it is in a worship group, brass band or basketball team.” Kingdom Fellowship As a bandmaster, Lam works to facilitate an inclusive band culture. “Before I joined London Citadel, the band was already involved in tours and
Father Figure
For 10 years, Greg Dunleavy, a Grade 12 student, has benefited from John Lam’s commitment of time as a school teacher and witness of Christ’s love. “We were on a band trip one year,” Lam relates, “and Greg told me about his difficult situation at home. But then he said, ‘The day you put the baritone horn in my hands changed my life.’ That encapsulates what I strive to do through teaching.” Thanks to Lam’s spiritual example, Dunleavy is now a member of Resounding Brass, the London Citadel youth band. “I have a desire to come closer to God. I hunger for more of his Word,” says Dunleavy, who has also taken soldiership classes and attends youth group. “Music is my passion. It has helped me through a lot of tough times and I can express myself through it. When Mr. Lam told me about The Salvation Army’s heritage in music, I wanted to be involved. I’ve found everyone at church is loving and friendly; it’s like a family.” Lam, in particular, has been the caring family member Dunleavy desperately needed. “I can speak to Mr. Lam about anything,” Dunleavy continues. “He has been like a father to me. Since I was a child, he understood me when no one else did. I look up to him and respect him.” outreach,” Lam notes. “The community loves to hear us play and so we share the message of Christ with them through music. “When the Canadian Staff Band tours, we only have 36 to 48 hours in a corps or community. So in that time, we try to be personal and engage with those we see through concerts and workshops.” Additionally, developing personal connections within a band—not just with the
tutor or bandmaster—is highly important to Lam. “The London Citadel Band facilitates mentorship,” he says. “My 17-year-old son is friends with 70- and 80-year-olds because of the band. He’s surrounded by positive Christian role models. For me, those quality relationships make the band members my extended family. If there is a crisis or cause for celebration, they’re the first at my door.”
Commissioning Weekend
June 24-26, 2011 Metro Toronto Convention Centre Toronto, Ontario Conducted by Commissioners
William W. Fr ancis Territorial Commander
Marilyn D. Fr ancis Territorial President of Women’s Ministries
June 26, 2011 3:00pm Retirement Service for Commissioners
William W. and Marilyn D. Fr ancis Conducted by Commissioners
Norman and Marian Howe
Commissioning SA Half.indd 1
3/1/2011 12:02:18 PM Salvationist I May 2011 I 23