SHELBY - The Salvation Army of Shelby will host young musicians from The Salvation Army of the Carolinas Music Conservatory on Sunday, June 30, 2019 at Shelby City Pavilion.
Sgt. Les Ashby, local corps administrator, said excitement is building for this unique program.
"We think anyone who loves music, likes kids and wants to see them grow and shine will appreciate this," he said.
Brass band, choir and creative arts students will be fresh from weeks of preparation at Camp Walter Johnson in Denton, N.C.
"They will be eager to share what they've learned," Ashby said.
Divisional Music and Arts Director Nathan Cole, based in Charlotte, said the Shelby concert is a joint venture with Gardner-Webb University and Dr. Patricia Sparti, professor of music at GWU's School of Performing and Visual Arts.
Shelby Mayor Stan Anthony, a musician himself, said he's "thrilled" to hear about the partnership and the program and plans to attend. "I just learned about this particular event, but have always known that music is an important part of The Salvation Army's ministry and mission," Anthony said. "Music brings people together in a unique way...everyone loves music!" he said.
"I have always believed that providing children and young people the opportunity to learn an instrument or sing in an ensemble will pay dividends for a lifetime."
Churches are encouraged to bring their youth groups to enjoy this special presentation.
Concertgoers will be invited to sing along, with words to six hymns provided in a program flyer: "How Great Thou Art!," "Give Thanks," "Lord of Creation," "To God be the Glory," "Holy, Holy, Holy," and "Praise My Soul the King of Heaven."
The Conservatory Praise Concert and Worship Service, from 1 to 3 p.m., will kick off with a March of Witness at 12:30 p.m. from the Army's office at 305 N. Lafayette St. to the pavilion at 126 W. Marion St.
This event is free and open to everyone.
For additional information, call 704-482-0375. Online: salvationarmycarolinas.org/Shelby. The Salvation Army is a United Way agency.

Pictured: Nathan Cole, divisional music and arts director for The Salvation Army, leads rehearsal with music conservatory students at Camp Walter Johnson in Denton, N.C. These and other participants, about 65 total, will present a concert June 30, 2019 at Shelby City Pavilion.
Photo by Shelley Henderson

Submitted by Cassie E. Herndon