The Salvation Army Mission Statment

"The Salvation Army, an International movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian church. Its message is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination."

Founded in 1961 by Alfred Swenarton, the New Jersey Youth Band is the unique and happy development of a concern and a conviction: a concern for the advancement of the spiritual, cultural and physical well-being of the youth of today, and a conviction that the music program of The Salvation Army is second to none in realizing that worthwhile goal.

The membership of the NJYB consists of young people ages 13-30 who are active members of Salvation Army Corps (churches) in the State of New Jersey. There are 7 adult mentors (including leadership) who believe strongly in the ministry of the NJYB to its membership.

In the tradition of The Salvation Army, the NJYB is a brass band made up of cornets, alto horns, baritones, euphoniums, trombones, tubas and, of course, percussion. The NJYB also features a timbrel group, which presents rhythmic drills with tambourines to some of the more lively music the band plays. The band members and timbrelists join their voices together to form a youth chorus.

The repertoire of the NJYB is mostly music published by The Salvation Army and is played to the honor and glory of God. Both traditional and contemporary music are included in each program.

The ultimate goal of the NJYB is to build the Kingdom of God—first by providing spiritual guidance and Christian example to those who are members of the band and then by playing music that brings honor and glory to God. Throughout its history, the NJYB has strived to achieve the highest standard possible.

The NJYB is honored to have performed in several venues throughout the State of New Jersey, the United States and the world. The first major tour for the NJYB was in 1964 to Scandinavia. This was followed by trips to Great Britain in 1968 and Norway in 1991. Most recently the band completed a tour of Scotland and Northern Ireland in 2006.  The band has also been to California, Colorado, Washington, DC, Ohio, New York, Pennsylvania, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Texas and Puerto Rico.

The NJYB has made four professional recordings – the first an LP, in 1964 to commemorate its Scandinavian Tour; the second a cassette entitled “The Splendor of Youth” in 1987; the third a CD entitled “More to Give” in 2004; and the fourth recording entitled “Generations” realeased in May 2006 for our Scotland and Northern Ireland tour.

Of course, the NJYB is “on duty” for The Salvation Army in the State of New Jersey. The band has played at dedication services for new Salvation Army Facilities, at rallies to encourage younger musicians and artists from throughout the state, at Salvation Army Day at the Great Auditorium in Ocean Grove, NJ; and at various Salvation Army functions throughout the State.