The Full Story
About "Angel Band"
Angel Band is a new nonprofit organization started by 16-year-old Mason Oliver and his parents, George and Dare Oliver. Our mission is to cheer those who are sick by connecting them with volunteer musicians in the New Bern community.
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After years of performing as a family band, we have come to realize that - like us - most musicians just love sharing their gifts with those who enjoy hearing it. We feel like this tight-knit group of talented people would volunteer their time and talents with those who need to hear it as well. Whether it's needed to lift spirits, distract patients from what they're going through, or just to bring a smile, we're here to help! Nursing homes, hospice care, private homes, hospitals, adult and children's group homes, shut-ins...if you know someone who needs a little cheer, we'll work to find the right person or small band to send your way at no cost.
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The name 'Angel Band' was inspired by two things. It echoes the nationally-known "Angel Flight" nonprofit's mission. Their volunteer pilots fly people in medical need to a place that can provide appropriate health care. Musicians throughout New Bern will be our angels, taking the gift of song to those in a medical crisis.
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Angel Band is also the name of a gospel song our family band, Strung Together, played for many years. We always love singing the song, and it seems to fit this mission perfectly. See the lyrics of that song (right). The song was first published in 1860 (composed by William Bradbury and written by Jefferson Hascall).
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More info will be coming soon. We will be setting up a calendar with each musician's availability so we can start booking sessions. Please bear with us as we get started. If you have any questions, please contact George (george@olivercheek.com) or Dare (doliver@suddenlink.net).
George, Mason, and Dare Oliver
Click on the Play button to hear Strung Together perform "Angel Band."
ANGEL BAND
My latest sun is sinking fast,
my race is nearly run;
my strongest trials now are past,
my triumph is begun.
Refrain:
O come, angel band,
come and around me stand;
O bear me away on your snowy wings
to my immortal home.
O bear me away on your snowy wings
to my immortal home.
O bear my longing heart to him
Who bled and died for me.
Whose blood now cleanses from all sins
and gives me victory.
[Refrain]
I’ve almost reached my heav’nly home,
my spirit loudly sings;
your holy ones, behold, they come!
I hear the noise of wings. [Refrain]
O bear my longing heart to him
who bled and died for me;
whose love now covers all my sin,
and gives me victory. [Refrain]
Mission
We use music to help people feel better when they need it most — people dealing with a medical crisis. We do this by connecting volunteer musicians with people in the New Bern area.
Vision
We want to make our service well-known in our community, and accessible to all people. We will do this by developing a large network of volunteer musicians who are available when they are needed.
Core Values
Respect
Kindness
Compassion
Empathy
Professionalism
Punctuality
