Divisional Music Director

DAVID DELANEY

David received the blessing of being called into the ministry of The Salvation Army in August of 2008 as the Assistant Divisional Music Director of the National Capital & Virginia Division. It was in that role he received the honor and great blessing to serve with, and learn from, the humble Hero of The Faith, James B. Anderson. It was with his dad, Major Dan Delaney, that David first learned to play the cornet at the age of eight. The rest is history with David’s musical and spiritual education fed into him through The Salvation Army and the many Salvationists musicians who have been Jesus to his life. David received his Bachelors in Music Education from Southeastern Louisiana University while learning the art of the trumpet with Dr. Bryan DePoy.  He later received a Master’s degree in Music Performance (Trumpet) from The University of Maryland College Park while studying with the inspirational Chris Gekker. He currently serves alongside an incredible team as the Divisional Music Director of the Potomac Division. He married far above his station by snatching up a beauty in Danielle at the greatest place on Earth, Camp Happyland. A son of the regiment, David is a fourth generation Salvationist and is proudly working on the fifth generation with his wild and wacky kids Dannie, Drew, and Dylan. To know and accept Jesus as Lord and Savior of your life is his greatest desire for YOU.

The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm. - Exodus 14:4

Assistant Divisional Music Director

DAVID MERSIOVSKY

David “Merz” is the newest member of the Divisional Music Department, but has been actively serving within the Potomac (and former National Capital & Virginia) Division since 2007, when he first began teaching at Camp Happyland’s Music Conservatory and saw the way God worked in the campers' lives. Since then, he’s also been on staff in Fredericksburg, VA where he helped establish the Salvation Army’s music program in that area. He earned his Bachelor’s in Music Education while studying trumpet at James Madison University. Merz’s favorite part of the job is combining his passions for (1) working with young people, (2) brass music, and (3) loading/unloading gear. Some of his hobbies include camping, hiking, and paddling down the beautiful Rappahannock River.

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. - Romans 12:21

Divisional Music Education Director

DR. STEVE KELLNER

The son of Salvation Army officer parents, Steve received nearly all of his early musical training in Salvation Army brass bands, including a stint in the National Capital Band as a teenager. He has served as principal euphonium and soloist with several SA brass bands and performed on numerous brass band recordings. In addition to leading the National Capital Band, Steve works for the Salvation Army’s Potomac Division as an assistant divisional music director. Steve retired in October 2004 after a 25-year career in military bands, including eleven years as principal euphonium of the U.S. Marine Band (The President’s Own) in Washington, D.C. Steve holds a bachelor’s degree (cum laude) from the University of Maryland, and master’s and doctoral degrees from The Catholic University of America, all in trombone performance.  He currently serves on the adjunct faculty of the University of Maryland and The Peabody Conservatory, and is music director of The Dominion Brass, a professional symphonic brass ensemble. In addition to his conducting and playing activities, Steve is a prolific composer of brass band music, having published pieces in the Salvation Army’s General Series, Triumph Series, American Festival Series, American Band Journal, Southern Series, and American Instrumental Ensemble Series. Steve resides in Annapolis, Maryland with his wife of 40 years, Janine, and is the proud father of Jacqui, Paul, and Jessi, and doting grandfather of Avery, Owen, Everett, Harper, Sadie, June and Dean. 

Divisional Music & Arts Specialist

KEVIN DOWNING

Adopted from birth, Kevin grew up in the DMV region. His parents were lifelong Salvationists and musicians who fostered an interest in music from a young age. And in 4th grade, he started playing trombone in order to “be like [his] grandpa.” He eventually joined the National Capital Band at the age of 13. He attended and completed a B.M. in performance at The University of Maryland, College Park as part of the studios of Christopher Dudley and Barry Hearn. Throughout college, Kevin was on call for numerous gigs in the area including religious services, big bands, and local orchestras. He officially joined the Potomac music & arts team in late 2018. Along with performing and teaching, Kevin also writes music for brass band. He has a strong love for video games and their soundtracks, milkshakes, and animals.

Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. - Romans 12:16