| The Salvation Army is known for its brass bands the world over. What most do not know, however, is that the organization is unique in the fact that it offers free music lessons (and often times the free use of an instrument) to children involved in the music programs. The Salvation Army brass bands involve children of all ages and skill levels. Brass bands, however, are not the limit of the Army's musical expression to God. In addition to brass bands, they also provide choirs for all ages and timbrel (more commonly known as tambourines) brigades. Some Salvation Army churches may also have string bands and/or Praise and Worship Bands. These groups incorporate contemporary Christian music into the worship service using vocalists, piano, guitars and drums with assistance being provide by the occasional wind. A unique aspect of Salvation Army music in the Maryland and West Virginia is the Music Conservatory program. This is a concentrated four to five week Christian residential camping program for young people to learn more about various aspects of music. The program includes daily instruction in their instrument of choice, vocal lesson, piano lessons as well as an elective which may include classes in Hand bells, Guitar, Timbrel, Recorder, Conducting and Drama. |