In a lunch meeting at the White House in the early 1900s, President Theodore Roosevelt is quoted as saying to General William Booth, "There is no more effective method of evangelizing a people than with a brass band."

Founded as a musical transplant from the British brass band tradition, the Chicago Staff Band has been doing just that for 100 years: evangelizing people. But how has the tradition continued? What has kept the motive and message intact? Looking over the list of bandmembers for just the past 50 years, you will find many families that have shared in this legacy of music.

In 1958, when Bandmaster Cy Everitt was conducting the CSB, he could not have known that 30 years later his grandson, Randall Everitt Cox, would be playing solo cornet, or 50 fifty years later his great-grandson, Kory Everitt Strand, would be the soprano cornet player.

When Colonel John Paton was appointed to the Chicago Staff Band, it was still an all-male ensemble. Little did he know that in 1976, his only child, a daughter, would break the gender barrier and be the band's first woman instrumentalist. Peggy Paton Thomas would later be joined in the band by her son, Shaun Thomas.

Commissioner Harold Shoults also enjoyed sharing the experience of the Chicago Staff Band with his two sons, Gerry and Ron. Later, four of his grandchildren, Kevin Polsley, Keri Polsley, Erin Jones and Kristin Caddy, would also have the privilege of being a part of the band's special ministry.

While this kind of legacy was never the intent of the CSB, it has been a positive aspect for many families. Ev Jordan was 16 years old when he took on the responsibility as doorman during CSB rehearsals.

"I sat by the locked door at the old Territorial Headquarters on Tuesday nights to let the bandmembers in for rehearsals. My dad, Major Everett Jordan, was in the band, and I enjoyed being a part of the fellowship, even as a doorman. Later my sister, Joy, and I both joined the band, and it was a special time for all three of us," said Ev.

Robyn Winters, whose name was just added to the band roster this past season, recalls hearing her dad, Dr. David Winters, talk about his time playing in the CSB.

"I knew the ministry the band shared was unique, and I wished I could be a part of that. I only wish now that my dad could be in the band with me," said Robyn.

The mentoring and training process of parent to child has certainly played an important role in the tradition of brass banding being passed from generation to generation, but the participation of first generation bandsmen, some even first generation Salvationists, has added its own benefits.

Ben Kinzie, who plays solo cornet, is a first generation Salvationist. As a music teacher in a public school system, Ben offers new insight and perspective. His excitement for Army music, his passion for excellence, and his desire for clarity in the message are paramount in his participation.

While not a first generation Salvationist, Alberto Rapley is the first member of his family to play in the CSB. Born in Panama and growing up the son of Salvation Army missionary parents in Panama and the Caribbean, Alberto's introduction to music came at an early age.

"I was taught to play cornet by my father so I could assist with the worship ministry in our corps," said Alberto. "When I moved to Chicago and first heard the CSB, I knew I wanted to be a part of it. I've found the most rewarding part of my involvement is the ministry and worship aspect of the band. My life experiences have given me unique opportunities to share the Gospel on various levels with people I meet while traveling with the CSB."