Inspection time for The Band and Bugles of The Rifles

Emma Peacock

My name is Emma Peacock, I’m an Army musician and I play flute and piccolo in The Band and Bugles of The Rifles. I have been here two years, after completing Phase 1 training at ATR Pirbright and Phase 2 at The Royal Military School of Music, Kneller Hall.

 

Recruiting showcase

It has been quite a quiet time for the band recently so this has given us a lot of time to focus on individual music practice and lots of ensemble and sectional rehearsals, and to catch up with various administration tasks required to run a band.  My admin role is as recruiting assistant and we’ve managed to complete a lot of work recently.  We started off with a recruiting drive at ‘The Platform’ in Swindon.  Swindon Music Services were running a day of performance with many bands coming and showcasing their talent.  We set up a Band and Bugles stand and I spent the day in Ceremonial uniform speaking to many young musicians about The Corps of Army Music.  We managed to generate a lot of interest in Army Music.  It was also an enjoyable day for me as I spent it listening to some very talented youth music groups.

Additionally, we ran an Insight Day for 3 musicians who were interested in joining the British Army.  After picking them up from the train station and some introductions they joined us for a full band rehearsal.  They showed great ability and potential for joining the Corps.  After lunch we gave them a tour of camp to show them the sort of environment they might train, live and work in.  They were very surprised to see how nice the accommodation was and it helped break some common misconceptions about Army life.  That afternoon Musician Wood and myself gave a short recruiting presentation and then we held a question and answer session. Later on that day, one of the Insight Day participants even got up and played in front of all the Corps trainees during performance experience training.  All in all, it was a very good day and I think those who attended got a lot out of it, as well as enjoying themselves.

Perfecting the display

 

Group photo with Gen Sir Nick Parker

We’ve also had two very big inspections recently.  The first was the Colonel Commandant’s Annual Inspection.  This is a big deal for us, with General Sir Nick Parker taking the inspection, so a lot of time had gone into perfecting the marching band display.  To announce his arrival the massed Bugle Platoon and two Bugle courses played a fanfare, and after this was a group photo, followed by the presentation of the new Sounding Retreat.

As usual he enjoyed it but had a few comments to make and changes had to be done.  After this was the Bugle Competition.  The buglers had been tested already that morning on drill and turnout and the top ten were then picked to move on to play a bugle call, The Last Post and then Mechanised Infantry.  From this the top buglers were picked.  In first place came Lance Corporal G Merchant, in second was Rifleman R Loudon, and in third was Rifleman A Creighton.  Well done to all who took part!

Band and Bugles of The Rifles

Gangnam Style!

A week later was The Corps of Army Music inspection, which meant we were on the drill square again to present the new Sounding Retreat.  After this we were in the practice room for a new part of the inspection. For this the Principle Director of Music sat in a rehearsal to watch the development of a piece from sight reading to performance.  Both the Director of Music, Major Lawrence Sale, and Assistant Director of Music, Lieutenant Lauren Petriz-Watts, conducted a piece and they seemed to run smoothly enough, with the final results being very good.

We have supported a number of Pass Off Parades of late in Winchester and supplied musical support  for a boxing night at The Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst.  The evening went very smoothly, with some very good bouts.  In between the first and second half we played some background music.  This included ‘Gangnam Style’!

Recently we travelled to sunny Exeter in Devon to play for a Homecoming Parade.  For us it was a little strange as it was a heavy paced march, so we hadn’t taken any buglers.  Consequently, the coach journey down was very quiet! There was a good crowd for the parade and then we were welcomed to the gathering afterwards where the town mayor spoke to a few members of the band.

A couple of days later we headed down to The Royal Military School of Music in Twickenham to be duty band for a few days.  This involved us being the band for student bandmasters to practice conducting with.  This is always a good, but challenging, experience as the student bandmasters are learning and the music is usually new to us!  A few members of the band also helped out the phase 2 trainees with their repertoire band and marching band.

Having recently been issued our new General Service Respirator (GSR) it was time to try them out.  Once we put them together and checked that the vacuum was sealed we went over the drills.  The new unit seems really good, however most of the members of the Band and Bugles struggled to get them on in time, especially while wearing the issued gloves.  When the practice was over it was time to do the real thing in the Respirator Testing Facility.  This is a glorified shed which fills up with CS gas! If we complete the drills correctly we don’t feel the effects of the gas, however, do something wrong and you come out with very tingly skin, eyes watering and snot running down your face!  Luckily the Band and Bugles all performed up to scratch and came out with no harm done.

 

Find out more about Army music on the Corps of Army Music website

Read more of Musician Peacock’s blogs here

Short term training for Ethiopian National Defence Force band

Captain Frost

Captain E Frost, Director of Music, The Band of The Parachute Regiment has just returned from a three week trip with a Short Term Training Team to train the Ethiopian National Defence Force Band.

Ethio-Jazz

Preparations for a Short Term Training Team (STTT) to assist the Ethiopian National Defence Force (ENDF) Band began in the middle of December 2012, when a request was received from the Defence Attaché in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, for the Corps of Army Music to provide a team.  I was tasked with commanding the team that was to include two other members of The Band of The Parachute Regiment (PARA Band) and one member of a TA Band.

The Corps of Army Music had previously provided three other teams to assist the ENDF Band between 2007 and 2011 so the task for the latest team was to build upon the training already delivered.  Liaison with the Defence Attaché established that the ENDF wanted to concentrate on developing their small ensembles, along with anything new that the STTT could bring to them.  The dates were set for a three-week period in February and March 2013 and the British Embassy in Addis Ababa agreed to cover all necessary administration.  All that remained was for me to choose the team.

The first task was to locate a member of a TA Band who had the necessary instructional skills and who was able to attend during the dates set.  After a request to all TA Bands a number of candidates were identified and after much deliberation Sgt Innes, from the Highland Band of The Royal Regiment of Scotland (SCOTS (H) Band), was chosen to be the woodwind instructor.  Drum Major (DMaj) Ryall and Cpl Kilcoyne, both from the PARA Band, were chosen as the brass and percussion instructors respectively.  Additionally, Sgt Innes would assist the ENDF with their understanding of Jazz and Pop music, particularly in relation to their own Ethio-Jazz, while DMaj Ryall would assist with the ENDF Band’s own Drum Majors, Majorettes and Marching Band drill and deportment. Cpl Kilcoyne would be assisting with instrument/equipment care and maintenance as well as IT hardware and software.  My role would be to command the team while teaching general musicianship to the ENDF Band members as well as relevant musical, organisational and command and leadership skills to their officers.

After a long flight the team arrived at Bole International Airport and after negotiating a tricky situation whereby Customs officials wanted to impound Sgt Innes’ saxophone – amid ‘helpful’ comments by other team members relating to whether the officials were music lovers or had heard Sgt Innes before – we were met by our liaison officers from the British Embassy.  We were then escorted to the Intercontinental Hotel, which was to be our home for the next three weeks, and then allowed to recuperate from the journey and adjust to the high temperatures in Ethiopia at this time of year.

Golf among the giant tortoises

Work with the ENDF Band started the very next day and the first two days of training involved meeting with the band’s chain of command, establishing the training required, observing the band in action, and devising a suitable training programme for the entire period.  It was immediately clear that in addition to small ensemble work time would need to be spent with the Marching Band as, like British military bands, this is the ensemble that performs most regularly.  Nonetheless, as the team had been asked to deliver something new as well it was decided that we would concentrate effort on producing a Corps of Drums display as it was felt that this could be a good focus for the band.  Equally, building upon the musicians’ understanding of Pop and Jazz music, a Big Band was formed from the best players available within the trumpet, trombone and saxophone sections.

Members of Ethiopian National Defence Force Band receive training from Capt E Frost.

Week one also included Music Appreciation lessons, delivered by me, on: western music and the components consistent in military music; Marches, their structure and key features; and an introduction to Big Band music and Dance Bands.  Time was also spent with the ENDF Band’s officers on conducting and rehearsal technique, band management, instruction in the use of Sibelius® software (hardware and software for this already provided by the British Embassy) and an examination of military bands from around the world and how they typify their respective nations.  Week one then culminated in an opportunity for the team to enjoy the facilities at the British Embassy compound, where members enjoyed a round of golf among the giant tortoises that roam the estate.

Learning marching band drill and deportment with Drum Major Ryall.

Cocktail Jazz and Frank Sinatra classics

Week two continued the training and included a focus on equipment care and maintenance.  This also allowed the team to advise British Embassy staff regarding equipment that could be procured on behalf of the Ethiopians.  It was also established that the training would culminate in a performance to the General in charge of the ENDF Band’s area of responsibility.  As the British Embassy Defence Attaché wasn’t going to be able to attend this performance he attended a ‘halfway’ performance to view progress and to understandably check that the training was providing value for money.  The team then formed a small jazz combo that performed at a families’ function at the British Embassy at the end of this week.  It was billed as Cocktail Jazz and was fronted by Sgt Innes with some top class improvisation, as this is an area he regularly performs in during his civilian role as a ‘gigging’ musician in Edinburgh.  Sgt Innes then finished the evening with a set of Frank Sinatra vocal items to iPod backing tracks.  This proved a big hit with all attendees, young and old, and saw much dancing and requests for favourite Sinatra classics.  Equally, the Embassy hosted a number of visitors from other nations that night and a group of Americans were particularly impressed to be visiting “…a British pub in an Embassy in Ethiopia, to hear a Scotsman from the British Army sing Sinatra – really well”!

Sgt Innes giving saxophone lessons.

The last week saw the training focus towards the final performance.  The Corps of Drums honed their display under the tutelage of DMaj Ryall (who had previously served in the RLC Corps of Drums) and Cpl Kilcoyne.  Simultaneously, the Big Band were put through their paces by Sgt Innes and myself, and we also introduced them to some simple showmanship to make their final performance all the more impressive.  The final day’s performance to the General included: a new Marching Band display, complete with manoeuvres simple yet effective enough for a 90-piece band to complete; new static performance works; a Corps of Drums display that included ‘sticking’ in the style of the Royal Marines Band Service; a performance by a Saxophone Quartet, ready for background music at function; and the much anticipated inaugural performance by the Big Band.  The latter was enjoyed by all attending – particularly due to some choreographed moves to the strains of Gershwin’s classic Strike Up The Band – and it was evidently enjoyed by the General who promptly ‘High Fived’ me at the end of the performance!  The band and the team then said our farewells in a traditional Ethiopian candle lighting ceremony and over a traditional lunch of national dishes.

The STTT thoroughly enjoyed working with the ENDF Band and it was heartening to see how much progress could be made in such a short space of time.  The Ethiopians were humble, respectful, attentive and appreciative of all training and this made every day with them a genuine pleasure.  The team also got the opportunity to visit some of the area’s cultural sites and restaurants, while also building a sun tan that looked out of place once the team returned to near 0°C temperatures at London Heathrow.

It is hoped that future teams from CAMUS will be able to assist the ENDF Band and that, with the help of the British Embassy in Addis Ababa, the relationship between the two organisations will go from strength to strength.

The bruises to prove it

Emma Peacock

My name is Emma Peacock, I’m an Army musician and I play flute and piccolo in The Band and Bugles of The Rifles. I have been here a year and a half now, after completing Phase 1 training at ATR Pirbright and Phase 2 at The Royal Military School of Music, Kneller Hall.

Recording the CD

Finally, after about twenty hours of recording, The Band and Bugles of The Rifles new CD was completed!  Over a weekend The Salamanca Band and Bugles of The Rifles and The Waterloo Band and Bugles of The Rifles joined our regular band to record some of the highlights from last year’s Swift and Bold concert held in The Royal Albert Hall.  This took a lot of time but seemed to go well and hopefully the CD will be out for purchase later in the year.

The massed band preparing and warming up for the recording.

The next week we had some visitors to the band.  These were six 14-18 year olds who were on a ‘Look at Life’ course with us.  We showed them many aspects of band life, including a few full band sessions and a fitness session with Corporal Jessup.   We even managed to squeeze in a field craft session, taken by one of our bugle platoon.  They plastered their faces with cam cream and enjoyed the delights of a ration pack!  During the evenings we showed them the social side of band life.  One night this meant going bowling and another night Musician Wood and Musician Dwyer organised a very entertaining quiz.  Nevertheless, we still had to show them what the job entails, so took them on the road with us to Davis Street, London, for our annual Kings Royal Rifle Corps concert.  As always, this concert was really well received and the audience seemed interested to meet the next generation of musicians in the Corps of Army Music.

The day after the ‘Look at Life’ left us we all boarded minibuses.  However, for once we didn’t mind.  We were starting the long journey to Bavaria for adventurous training on Exercise Tiger Swift.  The trip started well, with our minibus driver, who shall remain nameless, stalling.  And, as per last year, we got lost again and this resulted in a lot of banter coming across the radio.  After eight hours on the road we stopped off overnight at Elmpt.  By that time our group were relieved to get out of the minibus as we’d had enough of Lance Corporal Barratt and Musician Wood singing!

Once we had arrived at the slopes we were assessed and separated into groups.  Those who had not skied before were left to learn how to put their skis on while the rest of us headed up the slope for some fun.  The first day went well with not too many falls; however our instructor, Tomo, liked doing jumps so I did manage to spend a little time face down in the snow!  We were staying in a lovely lodge in Ortwanger and in the evenings everyone met up for drinks in the little bar to catch up on the day’s activities.

Ski touring

The next day we returned to a slope that we tried last year.  I hadn’t had a very good experience there previously so was quite nervous, however after a couple of runs down felt a lot happier and like I had conquered a fear!  Our instructor decided that along with jumps, we would all ski on one leg.  This proved difficult as I have no centre of balance, however by the end of the week I could manage a few seconds.  Not only did we ski in Germany, but we made it across the border to Austria.  This was a lovely area with some beautiful scenery.  I was really pleased to be the only one in my group to get over a really bumpy area and make a jump!

On the first night of the trip Corporal Jessup’s red PTI belt had gone missing and throughout the week it seemed to appear everywhere on the slopes.  All groups (even his!) had it at some point.  He was starting to get suspicious of everyone and everywhere by the end of the week and when we all went out for dinner one evening after skiing he was even suspicious of the waitress.

The following day a large group went for a day’s ski touring.  This is the equivalent of walking up hill in skis.  I did this last year and was quite happy to not have to do it again this time around as I much prefer to go downhill.  When they came back they all seemed to have enjoyed themselves, yet a few were very relieved that it was over.  That evening Musn Dwyer and Musn Howes did a great quiz in the bar.  I actually learnt a few things, including that an octopus has three hearts!

The last day of skiing was upon us and we were all determined to make the most of the day. When we got to the top of the gondola however, we couldn’t see a thing as the clouds were so low.  This resulted in us getting a little lost and heading down a black slope with very little vision.  Thankfully we all made it down safe, despite a few people falling over and sliding down the length of slope on their bums!

Exercise Tiger Swift group photo.

With skiing now over the majority of the band and bugles now hold their SF2 qualification and are thoroughly exhausted!  While most of the unit were away skiing some decided not to go overseas and went to Wales where they did rock climbing, mountain biking, horse riding, go karting and kayaking.  Apparently they had good fun and the highlight of the trip was watching one of the Lance Corporals trying to get on to a horse which was much bigger than her while she couldn’t stop giggling!  Now we’ve returned to the unit we’re back to everyday life, but with a little more of an adventurous streak, and the bruises to prove it.

Musician Emma Peacock wrapped around a tree!

Army band tours the USA coast to coast – part one

Band of the Scots Guards performing in the USA

Lance Corporal Rob Howe

Lance Corporal Rob Howe is a Percussionist in the Band of the Scots Guards and is currently touring the United States of America and Canada.

Pipes, Drums and Dancers

Ever since I joined the Band of the Scots Guards, I knew there was a opportunity to tour the USA and it was something I had been looking forward to for some time.

Since arriving at the band, I have seen three other guards bands complete the tour; Welsh Guards (2006), Coldstream Guards (2008) and Irish Guards (2010).

Before we even arrived at the airport, months of hard work had gone into organising the tour. Certain jobs were delegated to various members of the band by our previous Director of Music and the Band Sergeant Major. I was given the responsibility of media and photography, which I have a keen interest in.

Joining us on this tour are the Pipes, Drums and Dancers of the Black Watch, 3rd Battalion Royal Regiment of Scotland under the leadership of Pipe Major Richard Grisdale. Interestingly, on our last tour to the USA in 1998, the Black Watch also provided the pipe band. They are a young and relatively inexperienced ensemble and have risen to the occasion superbly, being one of the most professional pipe bands we have worked with recently.

On Wednesday 9th January, the band flew to New York and then travelled by coach to Philadelphia. We stayed in a magnificent hotel in the middle of Philadelphia and were looked after very well. Musicians Dave Cook and Paul Smith really splashed out, spending $45 on breakfast in bed!

Standing ovation

The next day was spent rehearsing our show as it had been some time since we had rehearsed it with the pipes and drums. It also gave Major Vernon Yates, our new Director of Music the opportunity to put the final touches on the musical aspects of the show. This took up most of the day, but some managed to squeeze in a Philly Cheesesteak in the evening!

Friday morning was spent sightseeing by most of the band, visiting the Liberty Bell and running up the steps that feature in the movie ‘Rocky.’ Some found this easier to do than others!

The band had its first show that evening, performing at the Kimmel Center in Philadelphia. The afternoon consisted of a final rehearsal in the venue, kit cleaning and finished with a lovely buffet that had been put on for us. It took a while to get used to the chocolate chip cookies with rock salt though.

The show started at 8pm and we played to a packed out audience. One of the highlights of the night was playing ‘Amazing Grace’ with the pipes and at the end of the evening, we received a standing ovation. ‘Amazing Grace’ was written especially for this tour and features Dear Lord and Father of Mankind, Last Post and its American equivalent Taps.

In the first 10 days of the tour we travelled over 1,000 miles, performing shows in Philadelphia, Greenvale, Easton, Rockville, Gettysburg, York, Union and New Brunswick, stretching across four states. We received standing ovations in all shows and the reception from the audiences has been tremendous.

The band had the opportunity to visit New York City on our first day off. We managed to fit in most of the tourist attractions, including the Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty and Times Square to name a few. The Band also visited the 9/11 Memorial at Ground Zero. This was a very moving experience and our tour guide reminded us what happened on that day almost 12 years ago.

Memorial

Musicians get to do some sightseeing.

We were also given a coach tour of Washington DC by our driver, Gabe. We visited many memorials and attractions, including the White House, Martin Luther King Memorial and the Marine Corps War Memorial.

At every show members of the band have been fundraising for the Scots Guards Colonel’s Fund. Charity wrist bands are a 1st battalion Scots Guards driven fundraiser. Proceeds will entirely go to assisting wounded guardsmen and their families. In the first 7 shows, we have raised around $7000, which is a great start.

The 1st Battalion, Scots Guards are currently serving on operations in Afghanistan and the Regimental Band wishes them a good tour and safe return.

In the coming weeks we are travelling to Canada, the Mid West and the Deep South. So far the tour is going really well and we look forward to performing our show and promoting the United Kingdom as well as the British Army across the USA and Canada.

Scarlet and Gold of London town

Massed Bands of The Household Division perform the Scarlet and Gold concert at Central Hall, Westminster.

Musn Batai is a musician in the Band of the Irish Guards. During a normal working day he performs on the oboe and may play at state and ceremonial events across the capital and around the world.

Ride of the Valkyries

After a serious week of preparation for the Scarlet and Gold concerts, the Massed Bands of The Household Division, part of the Corps of Army Music, gave fantastic performances on the 22nd and 23rd of November at Central Hall, Westminster, with a versatile programme. Great soloists and breathtaking ensemble work from all the members of the band delighted the audiences.

I felt very privileged to sit in the band as the principal oboe and had a great pleasure to be part of this musical spectacular. The concert started with the National anthem followed by Wagner’s The Ride of the Valkyries, with the Fanfare players on the balcony, decorating the venue and filling the hall with their glorious sound. The opening was truly powerful and instantly gave an insight as to what the audience was to expect from the rest of the concert.

Following Gounod’s March Militaire we played a piece, which was in my opinion one of the highlights of the evening - Alfred Reid’s Armenian Dances which were originally composed for a concert band and there are truly challenging moments for all the instrumental parts; in particular woodwinds. The Band played extremely well and demonstrated its excellent skills.

The other highlight was the world-renowned film music from Spielberg’s Oscar winning drama Schindler’s List. I would like to mention Lance Corporal Rebecca White who played the solo violin with a superb taste and fantastic musicality. My part was not particularly busy in the piece so I had a chance to glance at the audience and notice that they were clearly ‘blown away’ by the unity of the ensemble and the soloist’s sensitivity. It was a real gem in our programme.

Massed Bands of The Household Division perform the Scarlet and Gold concert at Central Hall, Westminster.

Star Wars

The show had a sudden change after the solemn melody as the Corps of Drums, 2^nd Battalion, The Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment marched on. They made a spectacular show with use of ultraviolet lights while using fluorescent yellow drumsticks as the venue’s lights were switched off. The following marches made everyone stomp their feet and enjoy the traditional military music. I heard people whistle or hum the well known marches even when we went out for the interval. Upon return the Band performed Star Wars by John Williams. This piece also received support from the fanfares and the lightning display which again made this musical event more effective. It almost felt like the moments from the film, ‘Star Wars’ were brought into the auditorium.

The pipes are always loved, it was not different this evening either. The well known tunes played by the Pipes and Drums of The London Regiment, were very well received and set the mood to a very light hearted overture from the MGM Classic film ‘The Wizard of Oz’.

Massed Bands of The Household Division perform the Scarlet and Gold concert at Central Hall, Westminster.

Beautiful marches

The film music led us to the Guards Big Band’s performance of three pieces. They were led by Colour Sergeant  Jason Libby. I must admit this was the first time in my life I wished I could play a brass instrument or saxophone and be part of this ensemble. The superior playing was breathtaking. The members of the ensemble were completely unified and clearly had a great time performing. Their enthusiasm made everyone feel part of their show. Third piece, A Foggy Day in London also featured a soloist/singer, Lance Sergeant James Scott.

After the magnificent performance of the Big Band, the concert reached its finale which consisted of pieces such as Bizet’s Farandole, Handel’s See the Conquering Hero Comes and a very effective arrangement by Lieutenant Colonel Duncan Beat. The arrangement was a combination of Will Ye No Come Back Again and Auld Lang Syne, with the bugle call Last Post.

The audience seemed to love the show and I have no doubt that they will return eagerly in the future to this unique musical spectacle. I really hope that I shall be in the band again to take a part in this great event, as ‘Scarlet and Gold’ is one of the rare opportunities for the members of the band to engage with the public in the concert ambiance and share the beautiful marches and versatile music from all around the world.

Massed Bands of The Household Division perform the Scarlet and Gold concert at Central Hall, Westminster.

Sinfonietta – sound of strings

Musn Wright

Musn Wright is a Musician in the Royal Artillery Band, part of the Corps of Army Music. As a violinist he is given the opportunity to perform with a small orchestra namely the Corps of Army Music Sinfonietta. During the normal working day he will perform on a wind instrument at key ceremonial events and in support of the Army worldwide.

One-size-fits-all, cream of the crop ensemble

An unusually cold autumn morning set me up perfectly for rummaging through my wardrobe for a different hat. As an Army musician, I’m sure many have seen the plethora of different head gear that adorn the tunics; from bearskins to busbies and mirror-like brass to the humble beret. But few will be so familiar with the metaphorical cap that many of us sit under throughout the year – that of trained orchestral musicians.

Granted, the image of a macho soldier lending their hand to the subtleties of a violin or cello, are not the first to spring to mind when one thinks of  ”jobs available in the army”. However, our country’s orchestral heritage can be traced directly back to this. The first official orchestra in Great Britain was that of the Royal Artillery Band in Woolwich, who as a unit, very proudly celebrated their 250th anniversary in October this year.

Other small string groups can also still be seen, made up from musicians of both mounted and Foot Guard Regiments of the Household Division.

So back to this cold autumn morning. What we have is musicians from the Royal Artillery Band and the seven bands of the Household Division descending upon the Royal Military School of Music in Twickenham, for a one-size-fits-all, cream of the crop ensemble. Known as the ‘CAMUS sinfonietta’, its anticipated annual occurrence and careful selection of players offer it up as a very distinct jewel in the crown of military music. And the extra sparkle comes in the form of the finest woodwind and brass players, trawled from all corners and cupboards of the corps of army music. Indeed this year, as in some previous, we have the pleasure of some guest players from the RAF.

Our first rehearsal was the usual mixture of emotions. A meet and greet of those that have seen each other recently and those who, as in any working environment, may be grateful that they haven’t. But tensions over who spilt whose coffee last year soon subside as we recalibrate ourselves for the task in hand. And this year it’s quite a task, yet with even less preparation time than last, owing to such a busy month for bands. After several hours playing I feel much more relaxed into the larger string section than normal, and by the sound of the rest of the orchestra it promises to an exciting program of music to get stuck into and bring some passion and energy to both venues in the concert series.

HRH The Countess of Wessex meets LCpl Shellard clarinet soloist

The two venues for this years CAMUS  Sinfonietta concerts were the Newbury Arts Centre and the prestigious Menuhin Hall at Cobham.

The audiences at both venues were a mix of music lovers, military top brass and even royalty at the Menuhin Hall. Yes we had the privilege of our Colonel in Chief , HRH the Countess of Wessex in attendance. Nothing like a spot of royalty to ratchet up the pressure and encourage the best possible performance.

So to the music…

The woodwind section of the Sinfonietta

Our opening piece was an overture by the lesser known Rosenberg. And quite an opener it was, possibly an eye-opener for those less familiar with 20th century composers of his ilk. It’s a sort of marmite music with not much between loving or hating it. I’d say the audience were split on both nights. No matter the stance taken on the style of music, there would have been no doubt as to the ferocity and commitment it was delivered with. The conductor, Lt Col Meldrum, could easily have been mistaken for an evil wizard as he tried desperately to conjure every ounce of the composer’s intent from the bold phrases and the gut-wrenching harmonies. Well that was my take on it. A passer by or those less familiar with the concert hall might have thought Paul Daniels had just pulled an orchestra out of a hat. However, I suppose unless you’re a musician it would be difficult to grasp the effect a conductor can have on an orchestra.

Alongside the great variety of musical observations to be had, there was plenty on show for the non-musical military contingent who seemed equally transfixed by the performance.

For example, the discipline and timing involved in synchronising the bowing and rhythms of a well-oiled orchestra could match the prowess of a top class drill team or air display without a second thought. Likewise, the hawk-eyed observation and self control required in those pin-drop moments that see a full string section playing together quieter than a whisper, wouldn’t be out of place in an ambush or reconnaissance role.

LCpl Shellard performs at Arlington Arts Centre Newbury with the Sinfonietta

I’d say my two favourite works of the program were ‘ Banks of Green Willow’ and Gordon Jacob’s  ’Mini Concerto for Clarinet and Strings’. In the latter we had the pleasure of LCpl Alan Shellard from the Band of the Grenadier Guards as a soloist.

The ‘Banks of Green Willow’ by Butterworth offered a welcome respite from some of the more jarring chords found in the first two works. Its flowing folk-based melodies, painted with expert writing, would certainly have warmed the audience on such a cold evening. Notable colours oozed from the orchestra in the form of Lance Corporal Chris Spencer’s opening clarinet motif, Lance Corporal Rebecca White’s stirring solo violin moments and Warrant Officer Class 1 Guy Bennet’s harp contributions. I did think ‘fair play’ on his behalf as most sergeant majors wouldn’t admit to knowing what a harp was, never mind strumming their own in public.

The response from the audience as the energy in the hall wound up to an impressive, if slightly sweaty, finish of Bizet’s 1st Symphony was most encouraging. So presuming they were as generous to the Soldiers Charity ABF (whom the concerts were in aid of) as they were with their applause, the entire project will have have been of great worth. It’s certainly one I would gladly take part in again.

Public events featuring the bands of the Corps of Army Music

Medals, international rugby and mud glorious mud

emma peacock

Follow Musician Emma Peacock who plays flute and piccolo in The Band and Bugles of The Rifles. She has been in the band for two years, having completing Phase 1 training at ATR Pirbright and Phase 2 at The Royal Military School of Music, Kneller Hall.

All you can eat

After a week off to recover from the “Swift and Bold” concert in The Royal Albert Hall (see my last blog for all the details), we were back on the coach for over eight hours up to Edinburgh.  We were visiting 3 Rifles for their Homecoming Parade, Freedom Parade and Medals Parade.  The first night we went out to celebrate a promotion and a birthday.  It was a very good night!  Luckily the next morning was off and we didn’t have anything on until a Medals Parade rehearsal that afternoon.  The rehearsal went well, but it was absolutely freezing.  This was to be a common reoccurrence while in Edinburgh.

That night we were back in the city, having an all you can eat Chinese buffet and going to a salsa bar.  But it couldn’t be a late night as the next day was the Homecoming Parade.  This involved a march down a big hill to a local church next to a picturesque river.  The brass group played for the church service and then it was time to march back up the hill.  That afternoon was another Medals Parade rehearsal.  It took hours to warm up after it.

The troops marching down the Royal Mile.

The next day was the big event.  It was families’ day for 3 Rifles and the day started with a march down the Royal Mile in Edinburgh city centre, giving the battalion the Freedom of the city.  This was then followed by the well-rehearsed Medals Parade back on camp.  There was just enough time after the parade for us to get some lunch and experience the atmosphere of the families’ day before we were back on the coach and travelling back down to what felt like the tropical climate of Winchester.

Battle PT

I am part of the Woodwind Quintet and on 15 November we went to play for the RAPTC (Royal Army Physical Training Corps) Officers’ Mess Dinner Night in Aldershot.  I was really looking forward to the PTIs doing handstands during their regimental march, as this was what people had promised would happen, but I was disappointed as all they did was sing along!

Saturday 17 November was a big engagement for us as we were playing at Twickenham Stadium for the rugby game between England and Fiji. There were 82000 people in the stands and it was an amazing feeling when they were singing along to us playing the National Anthem, the noise is unbelievable and an amazing experience.

The Band and Bugles of The Rifles and The Rifles Fijian Choir on the ground at Twickenham stadium.

This last week we’ve been in our barracks  and Corporal Jessup, our band Physical training instructor, organised a session of battle PT.  There was a lot of mud, a little blood, some ripped combats and some very sore bodies the next day.

Musician Hughes is currently doing her BTEC in Music for The Uniformed Public Services and so as part of this she helped oversee a teambuilding afternoon which involved command tasks and activities.  This was great fun and had us running all over camp

Marching to the sound of music

 

Emma Peacock

Musician Emma Peacock plays flute and piccolo in The Band and Bugles of The Rifles. She has been in the band for a year and a half, having completing Phase 1 training at ATR Pirbright and Phase 2 at The Royal Military School of Music, Kneller Hall.

After returning from Germany it was a quick turnaround as we were off to the home of military music, Kneller Hall. We were there to do the Slow March Competition for a new Corps slow march. We spent the morning practising. It took a bit of time for us, a light paced band, to get used to slow marching again. There was a lot of wobbling but we got there eventually.

The winning march was composed by Warrant Officer Class One (Bandmaster) Greg Machin who currently works at HQ Army Music at Kneller Hall. We also had four boys join us for ‘Insight Course’ work experience, to see if they wanted to join the Corps of Army Music. They did everything we did, from playing in full band to a fun yet intense PT session. They also got to look around the Kneller Hall museum and get instrumental lessons from the professors.

It never rains on the Parade!

On the Wednesday night the Army Big Band were performing inside camp, a big event open to civilians. They had been practising all week; however it looked like it was going to rain on the open air concert. We were told that the wet weather plan was that The Band of The Rifles was to go out and play as we didn’t have electrics to get wet! Luckily the rain clouds stayed away and the concert went ahead. Our woodwind quintet played on the commandant’s lawn to entertain pre-concert and then the Army Big Band wowed for the rest of the night.

While we were in London we played at the Royal Hospital Chelsea for an annual engagement for Rifles officers. As we were doing the Sounding Retreat we could see the pensioners looking out of their windows and coming down to the garden to enjoy the display.

The next day we returned to Winchester barracks and performed at a TA Pass Off Parade. It was the last day the ‘Insight Course’ students were with us and so they joined us on the parade. They coped very well but looked very confused as the heavens opened on us and we didn’t move. I don’t think they were expecting us to stay out in the rain and finish the parade!

And the Band played on…

On Sunday we travelled to Aldershot to play at the Army Catering Corps church service. It was a nice service and was concluded with a short march. We did the same again the following week for the Royal Army Service Corps/Royal Corps of Transport Associations. Both of these were marched at heavy pace, something we’re not to use to doing!

Between the 2 jobs we travelled to the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire the first day at the National Memorial Arboretum was brilliant sunshine as we played for a memorial service. HRH The Prince of Wales, Prince Charles, was attending, he socialised with the guests in a marquee where we were playing. He even came over to speak to the band! The next day we did another memorial service. This day was not so nice, with the ground boggy and the rain still falling. Unfortunately for the brass players they had to go out in it, but for us woodwind players we couldn’t as it would have ruined our instruments!

Some of The Massed Band and Bugles of The Rifles.

Back in Winchester it was The Royal Green Jackets association weekend and we did a short remembrance service for them, followed by a march around. It’s nice to see how proud the men are of their former regiments, and also of their new amalgamated regiment, The Rifles. After this we performed a Sounding Retreat.

The Cheltenham College Cricket Festival was our next engagement. Unfortunately this was a wash out, but we still played for guests in the Army Benevolent Fund VIP marquee. The Bandmaster was conducting this and had the audience laughing along to his bad jokes!

Freedom of Salamanca

The brass group have been away in Salamanca, Spain. They were there with a few buglers to play for the Freedom of Salamanca. Apparently they worked hard, but the rest of the Band and Bugles, left in wet and cold England, might dispute this!

The Saturday after Royal Green Jackets weekend we played for the ATR(W) Officers’ Mess Summer Party. It was marching band but as we didn’t have a lot of room so we played mainly statics. The Officers and their guests seemed to really enjoy the comical version of ‘The Huntsman’, played by Lance Corporal Duncombe, Musician Marsden and Musician May. They used a variety of instruments, including post horns, a watering can and a toilet!

Royal Albert Hall

This week we’ve been doing rehearsals in preparation for our Swift and Bold concert in the Royal Albert Hall on the 18^th October. This is a big event celebrating 200 years of Rifles history and supporting Care for Casualties, a Rifles appeal helping injured soldiers, their families and the families of the fallen. There will be nearly 300 musicians including: our band; two TA Rifles bands; two cadet bands; the Pipes of the Brigade of Gurkhas; the Rifles’ Fijian Choir; and the famous tenor, Wynne Evans. The night will be hosted by ex-war correspondent, Alistair Stewart. This week we’ve only had the two TA bands and the Pipes to rehearse with, however it’s been very productive. Our big finale piece is ‘Peninsula’, composed by Ian McElligott, a former Director of Music of The Light Division and we’ve been luckily enough to have him take a rehearsal. He got into all the little details of the piece and it’s improved dramatically.

The trombone section with Musician Bowden on bass trombone.

Our last job before leave was a ‘Pass Off’ Parade at Army Training Centre Pirbright.  This was an early morning start for us and then a rehearsal once we got there. The parade went really well and we got a good cheer at the end from the families and friends.

Music for the Troops – Corps of Army Music

WO1 Shane O Neill

Warrant Officer Class One Shane O’Neill is the Bandmaster of the REME Band. He started his career in the Corps of Army Music with the Band of the Grenadier Guards before completing the 3 year Bandmaster at the Royal Military School of Music, Kneller Hall, Earlier this year Shane was attached to the RE Band on their operational commitment to supply music for Troops in Afghanistan over the Diamond Jubilee celebrations period.

Day 1 (24 May 12) – and the Band took off…

Despite knowing the tour was to be just over three weeks much of what was learnt on pre-op training and seen through the public media weighed heavily on my mind as my wife dropped me to Brize-Norton at 2230hrs.  Here I was to meet with the Band of the Royal Corps of Engineers and await our flight to Afghanistan.

Day 2 (25 May 12)

‘Ready for Take-Off’

At 0600hrs we boarded the flight and took off on time at 0640hrs, good old RAF. I was allowed to sit in the cockpit as we flew over Crete and headed to Cyprus where the plane would land to refuel.  After a two hour wait we re-boarded and began the final leg of our outward bound journey. Sleep on the flight was elusive and I had only managed four hours in the last 36.  The first real feeling of nerves came as the pilot announced that our final approach into Camp Bastion would be in total darkness and that we should wear our body armour.  I can assure you that every single passenger felt uneasy as we descended, safely, and touched the ground at CampBastion.  There we were greeted by Captain Matthews and Staff Sergeant Holt who had travelled several days earlier to prepare for the bands arrival.  Phone cards were issued, bags collected and we were shown to our quarters, D block, Area 8, Bastion 1.

A quick explore led me to the phone cabins and I phoned home before falling into my sleeping bag at 0200hrs local time.

Day 3 (26 May 12) – a different noise and atmosphere 

I was not prepared for the noise around the tent area during the night.  To combat the heat generators rattled endlessly through the night and much helicopter activity ensured that not much more than an hour’s sleep was had by many.

Normally any troops who arrived at CampBastion would have a Day to acclimatise but due to the bands tight schedule we needed to attend RSOI immediately.  With the severe lack of sleep and the 36 degree heat we attended an intense day of classroom lectures and briefs.  There was a fun, if sobering, end to the day with a trip in the Mastiff simulator where, with full Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) we were buckled in and turned upside down.  This was to simulate the vehicle rolling over after an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) was detonated nearby.  The object of this exercise was to safely unbuckle and exit the vehicle as quickly as possible.

Op Minimise has been initiated since lunchtime which was another dose of reality for band members.  This is normally put in place when casualties are transported in to the camp from more forward positions that don’t have the larger medical facilities.

The band was very pleased to roll into bed in the evening and did their best to sleep before another very hot day of training and lectures.

Day 4 (27 May 12)

Another 0430hrs start to the day but with about four hours sleep so feeling much less tired.  After a light breakfast we fully kitted up and went on a 2.4km acclimatising walk to the ranges where we would check our weapons were zeroed and that they functioned correctly.  Even at that early time in the morning it was uncomfortably hot and that short distance was not as easy as you might think.

After this we were directed to different stands and received a detailed lecture on topics such as the Law of Armed Conflict, Battlefield First Aid and a history of Afghanistan.  The temperature was 38 degrees and several small sandstorms blew through the ranges area making it another stark reminder of where we were and what members of the British Army were working in day after day.

Captain Matthews introduced the Band Sergeant Major and me to Sergeant Kerr who was to be the band liaison while we were in theatre.  A schedule for the next 2 weeks was agreed. The Air Con has packed in again in the living quarters and its reading 29 degrees.  This will make for an uncomfortable night.

Day 5 (28 May 12) – Upping the tempo

Another better night’s sleep, at least 4 hours!  With some of our commitments involving transport outside the wire another reality check was had with a trip to the QMs in order to sign out more specialist kit:  Two large plates; to be fitted front and rear of the OSPREY (body armour), a Med Pack with a morphine injector pen, bandages and a tourniquet.  We were also required to sign out 150 rounds, one magazine to be fitted to the weapon at all times and the rest to be carried should we travel outside the main camp.  It was time for all band members to up their game as having a loaded weapon upon your person was slightly unfamiliar territory.  I must admit it was strange going to the cookhouse, the showers and even the toilet with your rifle ready to fire.

The Band

In the afternoon the band set up in the chapel, which was just a large tent with whatever metal was available fashioned expertly to replicate the cross.  Here we rehearsed all the music that we would need as a full band while Capt. Matthews took part in a live radio interview for BFBS (British Forces Broadcasting Service).  I had arranged the very popular Afghanistan dance “The Attan” for the band and was hoping to perform it at an event coming up with some high ranking Afghanistan dignitaries present.

It was the hottest day of the year so far in Camp Bastion, 40 degrees, and the heat in the chapel was oppressive with the band struggling to cope and the simple task of tuning became very difficult indeed.  The Band of The Royal Engineers were however more than up to the task and by the end of the practice it had all settled and a good sound was being produced.

Hitting the right notes

Day 6 (29 May 12) - a sour note

Top Brass

0630hrs and disappointing news as Sergeant Kerr (band liaison) informed us that our first trip was cancelled.  This was due to uncertainty with the return helicopter flights and we couldn’t risk not being available to travel to Kabul for one of the flagship jobs, a Diamond Jubilee celebration at the British Embassy.  To be honest we were all a little disappointed but that is the nature of things and the demand for transport is immense in this environment.

The brass group took the opportunity to get together and look through the large pad of music that would be required over the next three weeks.  This group had been booked to play in cookhouses, coffee areas and some of the smaller bases in the Helmand Province.

Day 7 (30 May 12)

We managed to get some much needed washing done and give some thought to repacking as we need to vacate the transit accommodation before our onward trip to Kabul.

After lunch the pop group “Funky Monkey’s” headed over to the Royal Engineers EOD Camp and gave them a great concert. The troops really got involved and were delighted to have live entertainment to take their minds of their day to day roles. The band felt that they had made difference and went to bed that evening feeling proud.

Day 8 (31 May 12) – a suitable note was struck

The air con packed up again so another extremely warm and restless night.  The brass group headed to the DEFAC (cookhouse) in Bastion 3 where they would take part in the “Big Lunch” to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

At 1400hrs the full band loaded the truck and headed to Tombstone.  It is from this camp that members of the Afghanistan Defence and Police Force are trained.  We performed as a static band on a bandstand and my arrangement of the Afghan national dance (The Attan) went down very well with senior Afghan Generals.

Day 9 (1 June 12) – and the Band played on..

‘and The Band played on’

Reported to bus at 0600hrs and headed to the airfield.  There was a familiar feeling of “hurry up and wait” as several flights had been diverted elsewhere.  Eventually we were packed into a C17, in full PPE, for a 2 hour flight to Kabul.

I managed to locate Lance Corporal McLauchlin, a CAMUS musician on a 6 month tour as a driver.  She was very well and spoke to us of day to day life as a driver in the Kabul area.

It was the J2 brief at the airport that once again reminded the band how dangerous things can get!  We were loaded into several heavily armoured Ridgebacks and minibuses and, safely, made the 20 minute trip to Camp Souter.  There was, however, one heart stopping moment when the convoy screeched to a halt and the top cover started to shout.

Strange to be marching through a field with rugby players warming up

Musician Emma Peacock.

Musician Emma Peacock plays flute and piccolo in The Band and Bugles of The Rifles. She has been in the band for a year and a half, having completing Phase 1 training at ATR Pirbright and Phase 2 at The Royal Military School of Music, Kneller Hall.

A strange sight!

We’re now back off leave and have been flung straight back into work. Our first day we did a Pass Off Parade at ATFC Winchester. The rehearsals went well, with the troop commanders dressing up and keeping the troops entertained! However, on the real parade they weren’t quite so daring and wore their uniforms. There were four troops passing out and we played many pieces to keep the family and friends entertained during the inspection, including the old favourite “Sir John Moore” and the slightly more modern “Haven’t Met You Yet”.

That Sunday we travelled down to Ash Ranges in Pirbright for a TA shooting competition. When we arrived the soldiers were waiting for the appearance of the targets and then running to the firing points and throwing themselves to the ground to shoot. After they’d finished shooting we played some incidental music to pass the time while points were being counted. Playing the piccolo was hard work due to the amount of wind. Every time I tried to play a note the wind blew and counteracted my efforts! We then marched with the winners being carried on chairs. A strange sight, but tradition!

In our first week back we only spent one day in the band block. During this time we had a lot of admin to catch up on and full band to do. This was then put to the test when the new Commanding Officer of our camp, Lt Col N A P Wright MBE Scots, came for a visit that afternoon and we played “Malaguena”.

Happy families

On Wednesday we played for the Army Rugby Union finals in Aldershot. It was quite strange to be doing marching band through a field with the rugby players still doing their warm-ups around us! That evening we had the Band Serjeant Major’s leaving do. After 27 years in the army he’s leaving us and going on to do bigger and better things. This, of course, meant we had to give him a good send off with a few surprise guests, some embarrassing stories and gifts!

The following day, with a few people nursing hangovers, we got on the coach and travelled to ATR Bassingbourn for a Pass Off Parade the next morning. The accommodation left a lot to be desired, but it was only for one night! The next morning we had the rehearsal, and not to be outdone, the troop commanders dressed up here as well! The parade itself went without a hitch and there were many happy families watching their loved ones. As this was the BSM’s last job we had to play a joke on him and started playing a piece we knew he didn’t have! He saw the funny side and did very well in making up a part to fit.

The Band and Bugles marching around to entertain the troops and their families.

This week we’ve been catching up on admin tasks as the brass quintet have flown off to Saudi Arabia. While they’re away we’re back on the task of re-cataloguing the library. This mammoth job has lasted a while but we’re almost there!!! We’ve also had a lad join us on work experience for a Look at Life course. This means he gets to experience exactly what a military musician does to see if he wants the job! He’s experienced a full band session, a brass 10 piece rehearsal (with a bassoon and saxophone filling in parts) and a very competitive game of basketball. Hopefully it’s been a useful experience for him and we’ll be seeing him in a few years’ time passing out of his phase 2 training and joining a band himself!