International Staff Songsters

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. 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. == History ==

1897–1928 The ISS was formally established in March 1897 by an official minute issued by Bramwell Booth, the Salvation Army's Chief of the Staff. Although the group had been functioning unofficially since 1892, this marked its official recognition as the Salvation Army's first authorised choir, preceding the formation of the first local songster brigade in Penge by a year. Prior to this, several unofficial Salvation Army choirs had already begun to emerge across England and Scotland in the early 1890s. and the chief of the accounts department, Herbert Jackson, was appointed the first leader. Undertaking 'campaigns' on weeknights and every third weekend, The ISS also attracted the attention of high-profile music critics, including George Bernard Shaw. In 1922, Jackson was succeeded by his deputy, Railton Howard, before the group was abruptly disbanded in 1928 due to "members' conflict of duties" with their headquarters roles. who appointed Norman Bearcroft as the founding leader of the relaunched group. Although membership was no longer confined to International Headquarters staff, the original name was retained. 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.An inaugural concert took place at the Fairfield Halls, Croydon on 8th March 1980, following which Norman Bearcroft led the ISS for 12 years. The group has subsequently had a further four leaders: Len Ballantine (1992–1998), Peter Ayling (1998–2001), Andrew Blyth (2001–2003), and Dorothy Nancekievill (2003–present). The ISS has performed at the Royal Albert Hall more than 60 times and remains a perennial performer at the Hall for Celebrating Christmas with the Salvation Army, which is frequently broadcast on BBC Radio. In 2020, the 40th anniversary of the current ISS was marked by a concert with the London Mozart Players hosted by Welsh broadcaster Aled Jones == Discography ==

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. Most of the group's recordings are produced and distributed by SP&S, 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. == 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. 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: == References ==