Band Alumni: A Community Not To Be Neglected

The recent passing of a CSB alumni member has given me pause to stop and think of the many people who have populated the band over the almost fifty years of the band’s existence since its resurrection in 1969. I have noticed that in the last ten years many alumni have reached out in a variety of ways to talk about memories of their days of ministry with the CSB. One contingent from the Norman Bearcroft era recently travelled to the United States for a reunion of sorts. We should be encouraged by this activity and its potential to bring Salvation Army bandsmen together again long after their time in the band has come to a conclusion. 

On significant anniversary years we have made efforts to invite our alumni to events so they can enjoy the fellowship and be honoured appropriately. We attempt to keep a list of where they live and how best to reach them. It’s not always easy and we admittedly need to be better at this. In this social media age not all alums use the same platform for communication that we are now used to. Some are on Facebook, some prefer email, and others may use neither. It’s something our band locals are doing our best to grapple with while also running the current affairs of CSB ministry. Suffice it to say that, even if we have failed to reach out and find everyone, we genuinely appreciate all contributions of former members and celebrate their victories for the Kingdom as we strive for the next ones in their stead.

People leave our bands for many reasons. Sometimes it becomes impossible to carry on because of work commitments, while others leave to spend more time with family after many years of service. Some truly ‘age out’ and others leave for health reasons. Unfortunately some leave under a cloud of controversy and can feel cut off from the fellowship as a result. In any of these cases a healthy alumni fellowship can reignite the positivity of those special days of band ministry spent together and may even bring healing to old hurts if any still exist. The potential for spiritual impact cannot be overlooked.

With that in mind I am suggesting that alumni of all Salvation Army bands make an effort to find each other, renew friendships and share your memories and stories. It can be organized in the form of an official alumni association, or informal meetings for coffee or even the occasional reunion. Maybe you want to plan fundraising or do something in support of the current band on active duty. Just because you are no longer in the band doesn’t mean that the unique sense of community has to disappear. That’s what is so great about it all. Some of the stories and memories you share may be even better (or a bit embellished!) with age. Above all, reach out to those who you know may need to be reunited with the banding community and let them know they are remembered and prayed for. And for current members of our bands around the world, maybe choose just one or two alumni who may have impacted your career and reach out to them, take them out for coffee and let them know what they mean to you and that they are not forgotten. Chances are that your efforts will mean more to them than you will ever know.