The International Staff Songsters (ISS) is the principal choir of the Salvation Army.[1][2] Based in London, UK, the group performs Christian choral music in concerts,[3] worship services and television[4] and radio[5][6][7] broadcasts, and has recorded more than 50 albums since its inauguration.[8][9]
The ISS is a mixed-voice (SATB) choir of approximately 30 singers, typically accompanied by a pianist, bassist, and percussionist. The ISS describes its purpose as to support the work of the Salvation Army and to communicate the organisation's Christian beliefs through its music, often by performing works with lyrics quoting or paraphrasing scripture.[16] The ISS website states:
We believe passionately in the power of music and singing to share God’s love and to bring people and communities together. [...] Wherever we go, we strive to introduce people to Jesus and His power to change lives. [...] We also enjoy meeting and sharing with local singers when we lead vocal workshops in a variety of community settings.[22]
In addition to a musical director, the ISS is led by an Executive Officer; an ordained Salvation Army Officer who serves as the spiritual and pastoral leader of the group.[23]
History
1897–1928
The ISS was originally established by an official minute issued by the Salvation Army's Chief of the Staff, Bramwell Booth, in March 1897.[24] The group was composed of employees of the organisation's International Headquarters (IHQ) in London[25][26] and the chief of the accounts department, Herbert Jackson, was appointed the first leader of the songsters.[27] By 1912, it was reported that the ISS had travelled 25,000 miles and sung to audiences totalling more than 1,000,000 people.[28] The ISS also attracted the attention of high-profile music critics, including George Bernard Shaw.[29] In 1922, Jackson was succeeded by his deputy, Railton Howard, before the group was disbanded in 1928 due to "members' conflict of duties".[24]
1980–present
After a 52-year hiatus, the group was re-formed in March 1980 by General Arnold Brown[30] who appointed Norman Bearcroft as the founding leader of the relaunched group,[31][32] with membership no longer confined to headquarters employees. On the decision to re-form the group, General Brown commented:
All aspects of the proposal were carefully weighed by Army leaders before the decision was taken. Many recall the effectiveness of earlier, similar groups, and the necessity for another such music section has been seen for some years [...] The purpose will be the same as that of every musical aggregation throughout the Army world – the proclaiming of the message of salvation. It is hoped that the brigade will do it in such a way as to merit the emulation of songsters everywhere.[33]
An inaugural concert took place at the Fairfield Halls, Croydon on 8th March 1980,[34] following which Norman Bearcroft led the ISS for 10 years. The group has subsequently had a further four leaders: Len Ballantine (1990–1998), Peter Ayling (1998–2001), Andrew Blyth (2001–2003), and Dorothy Nancekievill (2003–present).
The ISS has released a number of recordings, including some collaborations with notable brass bands, including the International Staff Band, Household Troops Band and Cory Band.[9][36] Most of the group's recordings are produced and distributed by SP&S,[37] although compilation albums featuring the music of the ISS have also been produced by Metro and Hallmark Records. In 1988, the ISS performed much of the soundtrack of the Anglia Television series Marching as to War with Roy Castle.[38]
Date
Leader
Discography
1897–1922
Herbert Jackson
–
1922–1928
Railton Howard
–
1980–1990
Norman Bearcroft
Introducing... the International Staff Songsters (1980)
So This Is It...My Day For Living (1981)
All God's Creatures Sing (1983)
Be Of Good Cheer (1985)
On Reflection (1986)
Christmas Greetings (1987)
The Spirit of the Army (1988)
The International Staff Songsters of The Salvation Army (1988)
Alleluia (1989)
Unto the Lord (1991)
The Power and the Glory (1991)
1990–1998
Len Ballantine
Let It Shine (1993)
Moment By Moment (1994)
Sing for Joy (1995)
Let The Morning Bring... (1996)
Sing Noel (1997)
If... Then (1998)
1998–2001
Peter Ayling
Distant Shores (1999)
In The Army (2000)
2001–2003
Andrew Blyth
In This Quiet Moment (2002)
Until The End Of Time (2002)
Total Praise! (2003)
2003–present
Dorothy Nancekievill
Rest (2003)
A Greater Wonder (2004)
The Gift (2005)
Grace Alone (2005)
Freedom (2006)
Praise His Name (2007)
Introit (2008)
Know My Heart (2009)
Heart Songs (2010)
The Power (2011)
In The Name of the Lord (2012)
Heart Songs Volume II (2013)
Sing to the Lord – 20th Anniversary (2013)
Good News! (2014)
A Choral Symphony (2015)
My Lord Has Come (2016)
Compelled by Love (2016)
Anastasis (2017)
A Gowans Legacy (2018)
When Love was Born (2018)
A Gowans Legacy VolumeII (2019)
Rejoice in the Lord and Sing! (2020)
Symphony (2020)
Blessings (2022)
Lord, You are the Song (2023)
Alpha & Omega (2024)
Associated groups
Founded in 1891, the International Staff Band (ISB) is the premier brass band of the Salvation Army. Also based in London, the ISB regularly performs with the ISS at Salvation Army events in the UK.
Between 1960 and 1968, a Salvation Army female vocal group called the National Songsters operated in London.[39]
The ISS has served as a model for the establishment of other 'Staff Songsters' which fulfil a similar function to the ISS and represent the Salvation Army in various countries, territories, and cities around the world:
^Blyth, Andrew James (2015). Music practice within The Salvation Army its History, Significance and Relevance in the 21st Century. Salford: University of Salford.
