TYB & TYC celebrate a decade of music and ministry
This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Territorial Youth Band (TYB) and Chorus (TYC). And there is plenty of reason to celebrate. Over the last decade these dynamic music groups have helped Salvationist musicians, ages 13-25, sharpen their skills, grow in their faith, and strengthen their service and the music ministry in corps throughout the territory.
Members of the TYB and TYC come from different backgrounds. Some live in large cities, others come from tiny farm towns. While the demographics vary, each person is unique and their talent is valued.
“We want everyone to realize they each have a voice…you might not be a solo voice, but you are an important part,” said Matt Woods, TYC director.
Both TYB and TYC meet each spring for intense rehearsals and performance. Some years they also perform during commissioning weekend in June.
“When we all come together after being away for a year, it’s like nothing has changed when you see the ‘family’ that we have created together,” said TYB and TYC member Amanda Curry, a soldier at the Norridge Citadel, Ill., Corps.
Jordania Pook, a soldier at the Oakbrook Terrace, Ill., Corps, who is in her first year with the TYC and TYB, said she also likes the sense of community.
“There are so many talented singers and artists that I have been able to get closer to and learn from,” Jordania said. “Being surrounded by a group of faithful, kind and creative teens and young adults allows me to grow as a person and as a musician.”
Since the TYB has grown significantly, especially in the last three years, musicians have been divided into two groups to enable more participation and a repertoire that accentuates each group’s strengths and allows for more challenging music for advanced players.
Celebration Brass, which currently has 24 members, presents a wide range of music genres including mambo, brass band, contemporary praise, and percussion features. Triumph Brass, which currently has 35 members, performs everything from classical and jazz to devotional music and even a number in an African style.
TYC explores a wide variety of music genres from contemporary praise and worship to gospel hymn settings and more.
“Music is an important form of worship,” stressed Matt.
“A group of people singing the same melody and lyrics together can have wider implications on society,” he said. “People talk about entering an old cathedral considered to be a sacred site, and they feel that heaven is just a bit closer. We can also dwell in a musical space—singing words that are life-giving—and make heaven almost tangible.”
Joe Caddy, who led TYC from its beginning through 2023, recalled its initial meeting at Wonderland Camp in late February 2014.
“I remember that cold and snowy weekend,” Joe recalled. “We knew what we were doing was something significant for the people there and the long-term ministry of the territory.”
