TORRANCE TRIBUNE June 9, 2016 Page 7 TerriAnn in Torrance Leader of the Salvation Army Band in Torrance Story and Photos by TerriAnn Ferren Most of us know about the Salvation Army. We see their red kettles at Christmastime and know about their collection of gently used items for their stores, helping those in need, but did you know that the Salvation Army in Torrance has opened a music and dance school, named Crescendo? Located at 4223 Emerald Street, I have driven by the facility many times, watching the construction of the new buildings these past few months, and decided to speak with the Music Director, Garry Lawrence. Although the main church facility continues with the final stages of construction, the Crescendo Music and Dance School is up and running. I parked in the upper lot of the Salvation Army on Emerald Street and made my way down the stairs into the music and dance school, where a smiling Garry Lawrence greeted me. As we walked toward his office, I saw the music rooms on either side of the hallway, and a dance studio at the west end. Speaking with Garry, I found out he was born in Bournemouth, England, and refers to himself as a ‘livelong Salvationist’. “I am third generation Salvationist, so my mum and dad, and his dad before him. And I have three sons, and two of them are fourth generation. James, Barnie, and George,” said Garry in his dulcet, distinctly English accent. How did Garry Lawrence make his way ‘across the pond’ to Torrance? Six years ago, he was part of a ‘south of England youth band’ that participated in the Rose Parade in Pasadena. “So my group did the Rose Parade. [Garry has marched in three Rose Parades; 2014, 2015, and 2016.] As a result of that, I was invited the following year to come out and be the guest at the Divisional Music Camps. As a result of that - a position was offered me to start this great opportunity here,” said Garry. Everything seemed to fall into place for Garry and his wife of thirty-five years, Julie, so they moved from Bournemouth, England to Torrance, California. “I’m not a young man - lots of people come out here early in their Guitar room. Grand Piano for piano lessons. life but we sort of have this big adventure,” added Garry. Julie works alongside Garry, in charge of the administrative duties at the school. Building a music program from the ground up demands experience and knowledge, and Garry has both. Garry is a lifelong Salvationist, a fine musician in his own right, and was bandmaster at his home corps for five and a half years, (playing the clarinet and the flugelhorn) plus Garry has been a businessman all his life (owning a jewelry import business). These three ingredients blended together, Garry the perfect choice for Crescendo. He explained, “Once I got rid of my company, I was working 50 percent for the Salvation Army, my home corps. We had an operation for homeless, drug abusers, recovering alcoholics, prostitution. So, on a daily basis that is what I was doing, which was fantastic. The other 50 percent of my time, I was a support worker for special needs for people with Asperger’s and Autism. So, from being a businessman to doing that - was totally different. The salary went down but the job satisfaction went up a million per cent.” It was his business acumen, musical talent, and working with the people, in combination with his huge heart for others, that brought Garry Lawrence into our community, leading Crescendo. Garry and Julie live in Torrance and are enjoying the South Bay. “We live here, we worship here, we work here…and the beach is only ten minutes away. We have been here three years,” said Garry. Crescendo Music and Dance facility is running in spite of the construction at the site. The facility is operational and, “When we do have the full facility, it will be fantastic,” said Garry. Instructors at Crescendo will teach whatever you want to learn. For example, if you have always wanted to play the piano but never had time to take lessons, the school will accommodate you. Garry told me about one student, age 78, who used to play the piano and decided he would ‘polish up’ his skills. Want to learn the flute? No problem. Drums? No problem. Any and all instruments can be taught at the school. “I actually have a database of teachers in place ready, so if someone wants to learn, maybe not the bagpipes, but if they wanted a string class, we have the capability,” added Garry. Singing and dancing are offered in addition to music lessons. Getting ready for America’s Got Talent? Head on down to the Salvation Army Crescendo Music and Dance School. They have a vocal coach who teaches students singing. The dance program, headed by a ballerina, runs on Saturdays, offering three levels (ages) of dance. If you want to check out the school, they offer one free lesson to anyone interested in signing up for classes. The school operates on school semesters, but will offer a summer program. “It is very important with the kids that they like the teacher. If they don’t like the teacher, (we’ve all been there), they won’t work for them. That is important. I am very, very blessed here with out teachers. It’s a great team. We have a lot of fun but when they are working, they’re working. So have a trial lesson,” added Garry. Interested? Simply call Garry at 310-542-9171 or email garry. lawrence@usw.salvationarmy.org. “We all know the benefits of a musical education and there are so many papers to say it supports social skills, improving math, generally everything. Our claim is, we don’t want any kid denied a music education because they can’t afford it, so we are also endeavoring to find the funds to meet that need. We’ve got the facility, we’ve got the staff. Funding is another issue,” said Garry. Garry has traveled the world with his music and the Salvation Army Band. A Band Master (or Band Director) is responsible for the music. “If you perceive a Salvation Army Band as a portable church organ… the function of a Salvation Army Band is to provide music for the services at your own church, but because we can get out, part would go to the hospital, part would go to the old folks home - they can’t come to church, so we took church to them,” said Garry. He explained the band is not a concert band, but predominantly a religious tool, used to evangelize. “For the school to have a brass band, a community band, a community choir, therapy lesson…anything and everything we can do to attract people here and make them feel wanted - through music. That is my aim,” added Garry. My visit to the Torrance Salvation Army Crescendo Music and Dance facility was more than eye opening. Who knew a stateof the-art music school, complete with a recording studio, existed in the middle of Torrance, open to everyone? It is truly amazing. Check it out. • “For the school to have a brass band, a community band, a community choir, therapy lesson…anything and everything we can do to attract people here and make them feel wanted - through music. That is my aim.” Follow Us on Twitter @heraldpub Like Us on Facebook School Music and Band Director Garry Lawrence.
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