ISSN2050-4926 INTERNATIONAL MILITARY MUSIC SOCIETY (FOUNDER) BRANCH JournalJournalJournal

No. 122 WINTER 2019

INTERNATIONAL MILITARY MUSIC SOCIETY UNITED KINGDOM (FOUNDER) BRANCH Founder President: Lt-Col Sir Vivian Dunn KCVO, OBE (1908-1995) Branch President: Major (Rtd.) Roger Swift Honorary Vice-Presidents: Miss Eileen Pearson, Mr Pat Higgins, Mr Philip Mather

INTERNATIONAL VICE-PRESIDENT: CHAIRMAN’S CALL Major (Rtd.) Roger Swift It was very good to see once again School of Music, Kneller Hall. 2019 CHAIRMAN: regular military bands taking a has been demanding for the Corps with Jim Davies, Amberstone, Pyrford Road, prominent role in the Festival of the keenly anticipated restructure of Pyrford GU22 8UP Remembrance at the Army bands reported elsewhere in this Tel: 01932 355135 on Saturday 9 November and at the issue. We wish the newly-formed E-mail: [email protected] Cenotaph service from Whitehall the bands success while regretting the HON. SECRETARY: following morning, the music for both demise of famous bands such as that of Alan Purdie, 5 Hemming Close, events conducted by - the . It is also Hampton, Middlesex TW12 2JD Tel: 020 8941 1416 (Monday to Friday Colonel Darren Wolfendale CAMUS. appropriate to record the appointments between 1000 and 1600) These bands’ presence at these national of newly-promoted Lieutenant- E-mail: [email protected] events always enhance the dignity, Colonels David Barringer MBE and HON. TREASURER solemnity and, yes, enjoyment to Simon Haw MBE as respectively & MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY: young and old alike. Principal Director of Music (Army) Guy Morris, 32 Claremont Avenue, The Lord Mayor’s Show, said to be one and Commanding Officer Household Hersham KT12 4NS of the world’s largest unrehearsed Division Bands; both are longstanding Tel: 0870 904 6453 parades, wound through the streets of friends of this Branch and we wish E-mail: [email protected] on 9 November where state them well in their new roles. We are JOURNAL EDITOR: bands were joined by a variety of other grateful to their predecessors, Colonels Mike Boxall, 38 Hortensia House, musical ensembles including bands of Roberts and Wolfendale, for their Hortensia Road, London SW10 0QP support and encouragement. E- mail: various sizes and accomplishment. For [email protected] example, it was great to see the While speaking of Principal Directors numerous Christ’s Hospital band in of Music, we send best wishes for a COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Charles Gray, Brian Hill, Rodney Illsley, their traditional cassocks playing speedy recovery to Lieutenant-Colonel Martin West, and Ron Shooter (co-opted) Sussex by the Sea . However, I’m Jon Ridley RM who has been unwell; ADVISORY PANEL: always impressed by the tender ages of Lieutenant-Colonel Jason Burcham John Curtis, Colin Dean, Lt.-Col. (Rtd.) some of the young musicians taking RM deputised for him at the Graham Jones MBE, Philip Mather, part; having marched in the parade Remembrance events. Major (Rtd.) Richard Powell & Major some years ago (carrying a BBb bass!) On behalf of my committee may I wish (Rtd.) Gordon Turner MBE I can appreciate the effort and you a peaceful and enjoyable REGIONAL ORGANISER commitment shown each year by the Christmas and a happy and musical North East & Cumbria: Ivor Shirley, musicians of all ages, not forgetting the New Year. We look forward to 9 Hurst Grove, Darlington DL1 4NX hours of work on the part of welcoming you to the Annual General WEBMASTER: bandmasters, instructors and trainers. Meeting at Kneller Hall on Saturday Ron Rose, Flat 4, Kingsholm House, As we know all too well, 2020 will be 7 March which, sadly, will be our 7 Twickenham Close, Swindon SN3 3FF a year of great change for the Corps of penultimate gathering at Kneller Hall. E-mail: [email protected] Army Music with the closure during Jim Davies Website: www.imms-uk.org.uk the summer of The Royal Military

Follow us on Facebook The IMMS UK Branch Journal is published four times a year. The closing dates for copy for 2020 are 28 th February, 29 th May, 28 th August and 13 th November. Contributions for the Journal from members are always welcome. The annual membership subscription, due on FRONT COVER: 1st January, is £25 of which the UK Branch retains £8 to help finance local activities. Captain Tom Crane RM conducts the Members receive in addition to the UK Branch Journal three editions each year of Band Band of H M Royal Marines International, which is sent to all members worldwide. Further details about the Society and Collingwood during one of the hymns its activities are available from the UK Branch Secretary. Enquiries and correspondence on Merchant Navy Day, Sunday about the Society’s meetings should be addressed to the Branch Secretary and not to Kneller th 8 September 2019, at Trinity Square Hall. The contents of the UK Branch Journal are copyright and no part of it may be Gardens, London. reproduced without permission. Opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of (Photo: Mike Boxall ) the President, the UK Branch Committee or the Society’s membership as a whole.

2 IMMS UK (Founder) Branch Journal – Winter 2019 BRANCH SECRETARY’S NOTES

Branch meetings 2020 and any items received after Huw was selected for a commission that date will be disregarded . in 2010 which was challenging as he Members at the AGM also confirm was the only musician on the course. Officers' appointments and elect On completion he was appointed to members as necessary to serve on the the Band of Commando Training Branch committee. The Officers and Centre. Our thanks go to Huw for a Committee, correct as at most entertaining address. 1st December, are shown on page 2 of Meetings in 2020 this Journal. Dates for meetings next year have Our rules provide for a Committee of been confirmed by your Committee six elected members. Messrs Charles as: Gray and Rodney Illsley will have completed their current term at the • Saturday 21st March (AGM AGM and both are eligible to stand followed by a guest speaker) for re-election. • Saturday 20th June • Saturday 19th September There are two further vacancies and • Saturday 5th December nominations are invited from As an experiment, and in order to members who wish to serve on the assist members outside the M25 to With the kind permission of Colonel committee for the next three-year attend meetings, I have written to the Victoria Reid OBE Commandant of term. National Memorial Arboretum in the Royal Military School of Music, Nominations must be proposed and Staffordshire to ask them to allow us our next few meetings will continue seconded by branch members and to meet in September. to take place at Kneller Hall. must also be signed by the nominee, Twickenham, TW2 7DU. proposer and seconder. All I am still waiting to hear from the nominations must be sent to me by NMA as to whether they can All members intending to attend post and must be received by accommodate us on that date. Further quarterly meetings must notify me 31 st January . Nominations received details will be sent to members as they in advance of their intention to after that date will be disregarded. become available. attend. If you are travelling by public September meeting Alan G Purdie transport please confirm this and if The speaker at our September Branch Secretary arriving by car please include details meeting was Major Huw Williams, of your car registration. This will currently Director of Music A Reader Writes assist the personnel in the (Training) at the Royal Marines Long-term member Terry Hissey has Guardroom. If you arrive without School of Music. written with a couple of queries on informing me then entry may be musicians’ ranks. He notes that, until refused. Additionally all members the formation of CAMUS, we had must carry their IMMS membership Musicians in Staff and State bands cards as proof of identity. Lost cards and Bandsmen/Bandswomen in Line can be replaced by the Membership bands. Secretary on request. Terry is interested to know if this ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING carried over to the TA, i.e. was a member of a or Notice is given that the Annual Royal Artillery TA band also a General Meeting of the International Musician, not a Bandsman/ Military Music Society United Bandswoman? Kingdom (Founder) Branch will take Branch President Major (Rtd.) Roger He’s also keen to find out whether this place at The Royal Military School of Swift with our speaker at the June Music, Kneller Hall, Twickenham two-name rank distinction always meeting, Major Huw Williams RM. existed. TW2 7DU on Saturday 21st March (Photo: Jim Davies ) If you know the answers to Terry’s 2020 starting at 2.00pm. On the weekend which marked the questions, send him an email at The AGM is the opportunity for 30th anniversary of the tragic events [email protected] As an members to receive reports from the in Deal Huw reflected on a career alternative, email or write to the Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer / which saw him Pass Out of Phase 1 Editor (email and postal addresses on Membership Secretary. There will training in 1996 as the winner of the page 2) and your information will be also be the opportunity for members Prince's Badge before a series of swiftly passed on to Terry. to put questions to the Officers about varied postings which included the affairs of the Branch. Hopefully we can look forward to an service on HMS Illustrious during the interesting article on the subject in a Items for the Agenda must be sent Handover of Hong Kong to the forthcoming UK Journal. to me by no later than 31st January Chinese at the end of 1997. Mike Boxall

IMMS UK (Founder) Branch Journal – Winter 2019 3 IMMSA MISSIONARY INTERNATIONAL REMEMBERED GATHERING 2019

Major James Gerard McColl ARCM, psm near Aldershot, soon moving with them to Hong Kong and We were very sad to learn this year of the death of Major was immensely proud of his association with the Gurkhas. Gerry McColl in December 2017, all the more so as fourteen He was appointed Director of Music, The Life Guards, in months had elapsed before it became known in military music April 1984 and after completing the equitation course, took circles. Gerry was a great ‘character’ and, as a Glaswegian, part in in June 1984, riding alongside his never passed up the opportunity to remind concert audiences former bandmaster, by now Major Brian Keeling, Director of that he came from ‘the capital of the world’! Music of The , no doubt to the great pride He was born on 6 th April 1937 and joined the of them both. band of the 9 th Queen’s Royal Lancers as a He was promoted to Major on 31 st March 1985 trombone player in 1959. The regiment in time for his first Queen’s Birthday Parade. amalgamated the following year to form the Almost all of his time with the Life Guards was 9th /12 th Royal Lancers (Prince of ’s) and spent at Combermere Barracks, Windsor, and Gerry served with them under the bandmaster, unusually, he did not take part in the Major Mr Brian Keeling, with not the slightest inkling General’s Inspection of the Mounted Regiment of what the future held for them. or the Lord Mayor’s Show which at that time He became a Student Bandmaster in March 1968 were undertaken by the band stationed at and was part of the bearer party at the funeral of Knightsbridge. ‘Jiggs’ Jaeger following his I think one of the funniest moments I remember death in 1970. He ended his time at Kneller Hall of Gerry was a concert on the bandstand at as Band Sergeant Major taking, among other Eastbourne when the band played a suite and awards, the Worshipful Company of Musicians some of the more elderly members of the Medal as the Best All-Round Student of the 1970 Major McColl while Director of audience started clapping after the first class. Music, The Life Guards . movement. Gerry turned around, shook his fist (Photo: Colin Dean ) He was appointed Bandmaster of 1 st The Queen’s at them and snarled in his best Glaswegian, “Be Dragoon Guards on 22 nd March 1971, followed in August quiet – we haven’t finished yet!” I’m not sure whether they 1975 with a posting as Bandmaster of the Junior Leaders appreciated his humour! Regiment, . He was commissioned on Gerry was a fine composer with perhaps his most popular 31 st March 1977 into the Royal Green Jackets as Director of work being the trombone trio, Free ‘n Easy , which was Music, The Light Division, based at Winchester and regularly played and recorded by many bands. Other items responsible for overseeing the division’s six bands and two included a trumpet trio, Trumpets on Top , a euphonium solo, depots. During this appointment he was the Senior Director Lazy Lullaby and a feature for bass drum and cymbals of Music for the Edinburgh Military Tattoo 1978 and the wonderfully entitled Boom Ching . Some of his lighter Plymouth Pageant 1980. compositions were written under the name Jerry Mack. On 2 nd December 1978 he was the first serving Director of In more military mode, he wrote three excellent fanfares for Music to be invited to address the International Military cavalry trumpets and band, while his slow march for bugles Music Society at a meeting in the National Army Museum, and band, St. Cross , became popular with the Light Division and he enlightened his audience on his plans for Sounding bands. A quick march, Quickest and Best , took its title from Retreat by the Massed Bands and Bugles of the Light a cry familiar to anyone who has undertaken the and the Brigade of Gurkhas on Cavalry equitation course as the order to mount - without in June the following year. stirrups! The society’s president, Lieutenant Colonel Sir Vivian Dunn, Gerry selected Purcell’s Trumpet Tune and Ayre for the had directed similar ceremonies with the Royal Marines and mounted bands to play at Beating Retreat in 1987 but the date gave Gerry a thorough grilling to ensure he had taken account clashed with a general election and a political party had used of the potential pitfalls (he had) and gave him a good deal of this piece to introduce its propaganda. Fearing it could sway encouragement and advice. Sounding Retreat was a great the election result it was banned, so Gerry wrote his own success, and included Round the Counties , an arrangement by alternative which he referred to as Son of Trumpet Tune and Gerry of songs associated with the ’ recruiting Ayre , written in a similar style of bygone days. Its official title areas, ending with My Old Man Said Follow the Van . One of became Bellona , the Roman goddess of war, and also the the performances took place in pouring rain and, marching name of Gerry’s charger. back along The Mall afterwards soaked to the skin with He directed the Life Guards at the Shrewsbury Flower Show inhibitions lost, when the band reached My Old Man the in August 1989 and also conducted the massed bands finale hundred buglers at their head burst into song – fortissimo – in the arena to conclude the show. His final concert with the creating one of those great unplanned moments. band was at the village hall at Old Windsor, and he retired on He continued life at 140 paces to the minute in his next 4th December 1989, returning to live and teach in the Glasgow appointment as Director of Music to the Band of the Brigade area, as he put it, having completed his missionary work in of Gurkhas (2 nd King Edward VII’s Own Gurkha Rifles) from England! 9th March 1981. He joined the band at Church Crookham, Colin Dean

4 IMMS UK (Founder) Branch Journal – Winter 2019 NOTES FROM CAMUS

This month we bid a fond farewell to Lieutenant Colonel Corps of Signals under the direction of Captain Jeans. Kevin Roberts MBE and welcomed our new Principal • Band Tidworth (Brass Band) Director of Music, Lieutenant Colonel David Barringer MBE. incorporating The , The Band of the Lt Col Barringer was appointed as Director of Music, Royal Corps of Royal Engineers and The Band of the Adjutant Signals in January 2009 where he served until February 2012, General's Corps under the direction of Captain Smith. returning then to HQ on promotion to Major. He attended the Intermediate Command Staff Course at the Defence These changes are about improving Army music and are not Academy in September 2014 and subsequently worked at driven by reduction, therefore there will be no redundancies Army HQ until his appointment as Director of Music, Royal of Army musicians. The aim of these changes is to ensure Regiment of in February 2017. He was appointed as continued high standards and fulfilling career opportunities, Director of Music, in May 2018 and was as well as improving the lives of the musicians within awarded the MBE in the New Year’s Honours list. Lt Colonel CAMUS. Barringer returned to CAMUS HQ in the summer of 2019 to The Corps of Army Music were, as always, heavily involved lead the Transformation Team and took over as Principal in Remembrance weekend with bands from the Household Director of Music (Army) in November, on promotion to Division taking part in the Festival of Remembrance at the Lieutenant Colonel. Royal Albert Hall and the Remembrance Parade at the Over the past few months the Corps of Army Music has been Cenotaph. For the first time in history, there is now a plot at restructured following the implementation of the Military the Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey to Music Optimisation. In order to continue the proud tradition commemorate musicians who have lost their lives whilst of delivering world class military music, a number of bands serving within the British Army. Members of Rendle VC have been co-located. Co-locating 11 of the smaller bands has Troop, who are currently undergoing their Initial Trade increased the flexibility of CAMUS to perform at a huge Training, wrote the names of those who paid the ultimate breadth of events without compromising any of the traditional sacrifice onto the crosses, a fitting tribute to those who have bands that have been performing for many years. The current fallen. structure of the bands within CAMUS is as follows: As the bands prepare for the Christmas season, some • The Band of The under the members of CAMUS have been selected to form Short Term direction of Major Matthews. Training Teams and visit countries such as Ethiopia and • Band of the Guards under the direction of Jordan. This is always a fantastic opportunity for our Major Smith. musicians to engage with military musicians around the • Band of the Coldstream Guards under the direction of world, learn about their culture and perform alongside them Major Norley. to help maintain the high standards of Defence Engagement • Band of the under the direction of Major that we currently hold. Aldridge. • under the direction of Captain Milne. • under the direction of Major Halliday. • The Band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland under the direction of Major Marshall. • The Band of the under the direction of WO1 Porter. • The Band and Bugles of The Rifles under the direction of Captain Teggarty. • The Band of the Brigade of Gurkhas under the direction of Captain O’Neill. The Short Term Training Team with the Ethiopian National • The Countess of Wessex’s String Orchestra under the Defence Force Band. (The Editor is assured that it is not the direction of Captain Marinescu. Team’s laundry that is drying on the line in the background!) • British Army Band Catterick (Brass Band) (Photo: MOD/Crown copyright2019) incorporating The Band of the Royal Armoured Corps, Celebrations of the 25 th anniversary of the Corps of Army The Band of The King's Division and The Band of the Music will continue to inspire those new to CAMUS and Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers provide all musicians with a great sense of belonging and under the direction of Captain Wheeler . achievement. Maintaining the highest of standards as the • British Army Band Colchester incorporating The Band public face of the British Army and for our dedicated of The Parachute Regiment, The Band of the Army Air followers is a great source of encouragement for all members Corps and The Band of The Queen's Division under the of the Corps of Army Music. direction of Captain Simons. Lance Corporal Gail Ronson • British Army Band Sandhurst incorporating The Band CAMUS Media Team of the Royal Logistic Corps and The Band of the Royal

IMMS UK (Founder) Branch Journal – Winter 2019 5 NOTES FROM RAF MUSIC SERVICES

Since summer, the diaries of the Bands of the Royal Air Force were also privileged to undertake a tour of the Bergen-Belsen have been full of exciting and meaningful engagements Concentration Camp which was liberated by the British including a trip ‘down under’. Forces in 1945. On 10 th October, the Band of the Royal Air Force Regiment In July, the Band provided musical support for the graduation travelled to Sydney, to take part in The Royal of Initial Officer Training course No.59 and for the historic Edinburgh Military Tattoo. It was the largest ever production occasion where Command of the Royal Air Force was handed in the Tattoo’s 69 year history featuring over 1500 musicians over from Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Hillier to Air Chief and performers from more than 20 countries. Marshal Mike Wigston outside the front of College Hall, The Band’s Drum Major, Flight Sergeant Simon Carter, said RAFC Cranwell. “I couldn’t be prouder of the musicians of the Band of the In September, Sergeant Isla Cheesebrough was presented RAF Regiment; the quality of their musicianship, drill, dress with a Commandant’s Commendation to recognise her and deportment during our display was first-rate, and they outstanding work in support of RAF Cranwell; notably her remained consummate professionals throughout our time in work with SSAFA, her role as Chair of the Sgts Mess Australia. It’s an absolute privilege to be their Drum Major”. Committee and for her determination in securing much The Band provided musical support for the Lochiel Marching needed funds for the regeneration of the College bandroom. Drill Team and took part in the massed finale with all 1500 performers. John Paul Young OAM, Scottish-born Australian pop star, was front and centre singing his worldwide hit Love is in the Air , finishing a Songs of Australia medley, which also featured Land Down Under, Staying Alive and You’re the Voice. It was a truly honourable experience to be part of the UK contingent, and the unique opportunity to work with so many musicians and performers from all over the world was a true spectacle.

Sergeant Cheesebrough presented with her Commandant’s Commendation. (Photo: MOD/Crown copyright2019) In October, the Band of the RAF College was presented with the Air Commodore Rex Whaite Trophy in recognition of the money they collectively raised for Station and local charities throughout the year. The award was collected on behalf of the Band by Chief Technician Helen Bailey and Sergeant Trish Lofthouse. The band has just returned from an overseas trip to Abu Dhabi where they performed at the Poppy Ball, hosted by the British Embassy, raising vital funds for the Royal British Legion. The Band of the RAF Regiment in front of the purpose-built At the end of October, the Central Band of the Royal Air replica Edinburgh Castle inside the ANZ Stadium. (Photo: MOD/Crown copyright2019 ) Force travelled down to the West Country for a two-day tour. Concerts, under the direction of Squadron Leader Richard Since July the RAF Salon Orchestra has had several tri- Murray, were performed at Exeter Cathedral and the Winter Service collaborations; in Sheffield for the Invictus Games Gardens in Weston-Super-Mare in support of the RAF Music Trials with the Countess of Wessex’s String Orchestra and Charitable Trust. Opening both concerts with the fast and Royal Marines where the headliners were and exhilarating Festive Overture by Shostakovich, audiences Heather Small; in September at the Guards’ Chapel where were then treated to a varied and exciting programme they shared a concert platform with the CWSO and the including Greensleeves, World in Union, John Williams’ epic German Air Force Band (Munster); and in the Royal Albert music to Indiana Jones and of course RAF favourites such as Hall with the CWSO, Royal Marines and the Bands of the The Dambusters March . Household Division accompanying an array of stars including On the 9 th November, the Central Band of the Royal Air Jeff Goldblum, James Blunt and Leona Lewis. Force, Band of the Royal Air Force Regiment and the Royal The orchestra is currently preparing for a truly festive Air Force Salon Orchestra, travelled to the Royal Albert Hall December bringing music to the community at local schools, to provide musical support for the 2019 Royal British Legion libraries, Hillingdon Hospital, and church services at RAF Festival of Remembrance. Northolt and St Clement Danes. Chief Technician N Jordan The Band of the RAF College travelled to Fassberg, Dep MCO HQMS Germany, in June to take part in the historic ceremony (Writing credits to SAC Sarah Smith, SAC Ollie Brooks, marking the 70 th Anniversary of the Berlin Airlift. Members Sergeant Heather Andrews and Sergeant Trish Lofthouse.)

6 IMMS UK (Founder) Branch Journal – Winter 2019 NEWS AND REVIEWS

The Tattoo Band The ever-evolving Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo took on in the Finale, various members of the Stage Band were a further endeavour for its 2019 Tattoo – a stage band made prominent. Fascinatingly, one of the flautists had to learn to up of auditioned civilian musicians. The proposal for the band play and master a Chinese bamboo flute along with its was to be developed as part of the Tattoo’s existing characteristic traditional Chinese musical nuances for a framework alongside the Pipers Trail (a Pipes and Drums prominent contribution to the Chinese act. The Stage Band’s band which draws on musicians from around the world), timpanist enjoyed being a prominent part of the march Hjaltibonhoga (a community fiddle group centred on sequence of the Massed Military Bands and the electric Shetland but also drawing players from a wider arc) and the guitarist, performed the guitar solo from the pop group Tattoo Dance Company (an expert troupe of highland dancers Queen’s The Show Music Go On as one of the main highlights also drawn from around the world). For some years, in the Finale of the show. Lieutenant Colonel Dr Nick Grace (formerly a longstanding For the longer term, the four elements in the Tattoo Principal Director of Music for the Royal Marines Band framework will work increasingly together as part of a vibrant Service) and others, including established composers and and creative musical community to play and perform in arrangers, have suggested the need for a Stage Band to Edinburgh each year and at other events at home and abroad. provide musical continuity and additional depth to the live There are also plans to use the Tattoo’s continuing appeal and performances of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. its charitable giving to reach even more deeply into With creative and communities to encourage young people to take up music and technical advances experience the joy of live performance. moving forward at Perhaps, in an era where Military Bands are being dissolved pace, and with UK and amalgamated, the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo were military music enlightened to use its initiative to augment and supplement resources the esplanade bands with a small civilian Tattoo Band. Is this becoming scarcer the shape of things to come in supplementing Military music and more difficult performances? June Nelson to secure, this Autumn Concerts at Whittle Hall suggestion took The Tattoo Stage Band rehearses. firm root and, in (Photo supplied by June Nelson ) This year’s autumn concerts at Whittle Hall RAF College, th th 2018, the Producer and Board of Trustees invited Nick to Cranwell, on Wednesday 25 and Thursday 26 September explore the concepts and if deemed feasible, to recruit and 2019 were performed by the Band of the Royal Air Force direct a volunteer band for the 2019 Kaleidoscope Show to College conducted by their Director of Music Flight Lieutenant Chris I’Anson BMus(Hons) LRSM, LTCL, expand the Show’s musicality while supporting new strands LLCM, RAF and Bandmaster Warrant Officer Andrew Allott in social contribution and charitable endeavour - specifically LLCM, Dip. ABRSM. On Friday 27 th September there was the opportunity for amateur musicians to take part. also a concert by The Swing Wing. The twenty-one band members were situated each evening The theme of the RAF College Band concerts was Land and throughout on a weatherproof, purpose-built Sea, Sky and Space, so after The National Anthem the raised stage in the moat of the Castle. The instrumentation of concert got underway with Olympic Fanfare and Theme the band consisted of six violins, two flutes/piccolo/ (Williams arr. Curnow) now 35years old but still sounding pennywhistle, clarinet/saxophone, four trumpets, two French good. The march By Land and Sea (Alford) came next horns, electric guitar, bass guitar, keyboards and three followed by The Hebrides Overture (Mendelsohn arr. percussionists. All performed to click tracks and vigilantly Winterbottom) a really lovely arrangement which the band followed the skilled direction of conductor Dr Nick Grace. played exceptionally well. Both were essential due to the time delay between the This took us to the first solo of the evening Fields of Gold performers on the Esplanade and the Tattoo Stage Band. (Sumner) featuring the vocal talents of Corporal Philippa The Tattoo Stage Band participated in almost every item of Hobbs, who is always popular at these concerts and does a this year’s programme. Their contribution was a mixture of super job. The next three pieces were all music from film and added colour and depth of timbre, depending on what was TV. First up The Longest Day (Jarre) followed by The Pacific required for each act. For the opening Fanfare and the first (Zimmer/Neely arr. Ricketts), a super piece but rarely played. To take us to the interval Far and Away (Williams arr. Laidler) item Prism, the stage strings added an ethereal atmosphere to another super piece played very well by this wonderful band. the military musicians. As part of The Ice , composed by Michael McDermott, all sections of the Stage Band were to After the interval the band resumed with the Bandmaster feature. In the following three performances: Pipes and Andy Allott taking up the baton for the first four numbers. Drums; Highland Dancing; and Hjaltibonhoga (The Shetland The first three were from the Big Band Era beginning with Gonna Fly Now (Conti arr. Moore) with some really good Fiddlers), a pennywhistle solo was highlighted playing the solo work by the saxophones and trumpet. No Big Band set main refrain. The strings, brass, woodwind and rhythm would be complete without a Glenn Miller piece and section added periodic interjections as well as occasionally Moonlight Serenade was followed by Blue Moon doubling the tune where required. (Hart/Rogers arr. Stubbs) arranged as a trombone solo and During the Chinese and Massed acts, and also expertly played by SAC James Case. Finally, Andy conducted

IMMS UK (Founder) Branch Journal – Winter 2019 7 the Nigel Hess composition Scramble , a very animated piece (Shostakovich). The audience’s turn came next with a telling the story of pilots scrambling to their fighters to go and singalong of Songs That Won The War (arr. MacDermott). meet their foe. The Director of Music was welcomed back to the stage to Flight Lieutenant I’Anson was welcomed back to the stage conduct the rest of the concert beginning with another superb to conduct the remainder of the concert starting with a real solo from LCpl Adrian Calef – Benedictus from The Armed show-stopper. Those Magnificent Men in their Flying Man (Jenkins). A super piece very well played and sounding Machines (Goodwin) was far, far away from the standard fantastic in this wonderful Cathedral. During this piece version. This superb arrangement by Larry MacTaggart had photos were shown on big screens dotted about the Cathedral everything - different tempos, fast and furious, a super job! of some of the soldiers killed in action in WW2. To bring us more up-to-date, another vocal from the very Into the finale with The Midway March (Williams) followed talented Corporal Philippa Hobbs, Defying Gravity (Schwartz by yet another superb solo The Finale from Symphony No.3 arr. Laidler) from the popular musical Wicked took us into the (Saint Saëns). The soloist, Musician Matt Dixon, normally a finale with Star Wars - The Force Awakens (Williams arr. tuba player but this time winding up the Great Father Willis Bocook). With the first half of the concert covering Land and Organ to great effect, producing a wonderful finale. The Sea and the second covering Sky and Space, what else could concert finished off in traditional style with The Day Thou it be to finish off in traditional style than the Royal Air Force Gavest (arr. Sharpe) featuring two of the band’s trumpeters March Past ? playing The Last Post from either side of the stage. An encore was called for and the band obliged with Hymn to The Regimental March of the Scots Guards – Hielan’ Laddie the Fallen (Williams) from the film Saving Private Ryan . This – concluded a wonderful concert for an audience of some 700 was another superb concert at Whittle Hall showing off all the people who I think all went home extremely pleased. virtuosity and musicianship of this super band. Rodney Illsley Rodney Illsley London Poppy Day The Scots Guards at Lincoln Cathedral On Thursday 31 st October The Royal British Legion held its ABF the Soldiers’ Charity 75 th Anniversary Concert with the annual London Poppy Day featuring 10 military bands and Regimental took place on Friday their ensembles performing on train stations across London. I 25 th October at Lincoln Cathedral with conducting being set out early to make it over to Liverpool Street Station in time shared between their Director of Music, Major Mark Aldridge for the first band at 07:30. The newly-formed British Army BMus(Hons), LRSM, LTCL, and Bandmaster WO2 Joe Band Colchester performed a varied selection of music Barrett LRSM. including a mix of marches, popular songs and TV and film After the National Anthem the concert got under way with themes. The band’s lead trombonist had a great opportunity Ride of the Valkyries (Wagner) followed by A Bridge Too Far to solo at the end of a Beatles medley! Then Trumpets Wild , (Addison). This led us to our first soloists of the evening, a jazzy arrangement of The Wild Horseman for trumpet trio, LCpl James Kerby and Musn. Adam Greaves on French horns brought three cornets to the front to perform this bluesy with a lovely duet Hunters Moon by Gilbert Vinter, a former number. This was the only band to wear their summer chorister of the Cathedral. This was followed by Amazing uniform, as all other bands wore their Athol Grey Greatcoats. Grace (arr. Himes), a lovely hymn tune in this lovely Cathedral setting. As the relatively cold morning turned warmer, I walked down A change in style for the next piece showed the band off in Euston Road to Marylebone Station to enjoy the Band of the ‘Jazz Mode’ with a superb arrangement by Warren Barker of Brigade of Gurkhas, which included two musicians from The Gershwin tunes. To finish off this set a guest player from the Band of the Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment, joined by Welsh Guards, LCpl. Andee Birkett, played double bass and The Pipes and Drums of the Queen’s Own Royal Gurkha gave a very good vocal to Slap That Bass (George & Ira Logistic Regiment. The band opened with Thriller , which Gershwin). was fitting for Halloween, then performed Highland Next a change in conductor as the Bandmaster, WO2 Joe Cathedral and Mist Covered Mountains with the Pipes and Barrett, took over the baton to guide us to the interval. His Drums producing a phenomenal sound that filled the station first piece was Schindler’s List (Williams) usually done as a After a two minute ride to Paddington Station I made it in violin solo, but this time played on cello by LCpl. Adrian time to watch some of the British Army Band Tidworth’s set. Calef from the Countess of Wessex’s String Orchestra, who The band, now a Brass Band, performed a really entertaining did an excellent job. Next, taking us to the interval itself, a selection of music for the lunchtime crowd including Life on little gem by Nigel Hess, New York full of drama and quite Mars, Don’t Stop Me Now, Mr Blue Sky, Abba Gold, taxing. Well done! MacArthur Park, The William Tell Overture and an unusual After the interval a presentation took place by ‘The Desert arrangement of Video Killed the Radio Star which was Dambusters’ who were three young men who did the brought to life by the inclusion of a glockenspiel! Marathon Des Sables 2019 challenge in the Sahara to raise money for the ABF. A sterling job with just over £17,000 My final stop of the day for the evening rush hour was raised for this worthy cause. Waterloo Station to watch The Band of the . The concert took off again in thrilling style with Walton’s Conducted by Major Mike Smith, the band performed Spitfire Prelude . Originally written for the 1942 film First of marches, pop tunes, jazz standards and songs from musicals the Few , it wowed the early cinema-goers then and continues including a very good alto saxophone feature of I Dreamed a to do so today. The Bandmaster kept the baton for the next Dream from Les Misérables . Later the same saxophonist two numbers, the first of which featured two more soloists, returned to serenade us with the ever popular Baker Street . LSgt. Ben James (alto sax) and Musn. Racheal Kendall An upbeat performance of Caravan featured the band’s (soprano sax) in a lovely duet, Romance from The Gadfly

8 IMMS UK (Founder) Branch Journal – Winter 2019 principal trombonist and cornet player before finishing with The purpose of this tour was to showcase British military The Royal British Legion March and The British . music by providing musical support to the Spruce Meadows It was a very enjoyable day travelling around London and International Masters, engage with the local communities filming all of the bands for my YouTube channel (Military around BATUS to help further strengthen the professional Bands Everywhere) and one I won’t forget for quite some relationship between the British Army and that of the time! Joe Elliott communities around BATUS and the city of Medicine Hat. The Birmingham International Tattoo Produced by IMMS member Norman Rogerson MBE, the 31 st Birmingham International Tattoo took place over the weekend of 23/24 November at the Birmingham Arena. The three-hour show, somewhat reminiscent of the long-lamented Royal Tournament, had much to offer including bands, dogs, a field gun competition, massed standards, massed disco dancers and even the superbly-drilled Kilgore College Rangerettes from Texas, USA; Norman’s team delivers a smoothly-run and spectacular show. This year the bands included the Musique des Troupes de Marine (France), the Siedlce Garrison Band of the Polish Army and the K&G (the Netherlands) with the UK being represented by the National Marching Band and Director of Music Captain Jeans and Senior Bugle Major Topp by the Band of the Royal Marines, Plymouth, under their salute as the band leaves the showground. newly-commissioned Director of Music Captain Pete (Photo: MOD/Crown copyright2019 ). Woffenden RM who was also the tattoo’s Musical Director. During the first week we travelled to Canada then had a day to relax and recover from the journey and explore the city of I must make special mention of the K&G Marching Band; their performance, brilliantly choreographed and with well- Calgary. After getting over the initial fatigue of traveling, we selected and arranged music all played from memory, were straight into rehearsals for all the various medal justifiably received extended applause the highly appreciative ceremonies that we would provide the soundtrack and audience. I saw this band at the Avenches tattoo in National Anthems for. The band also provided several Switzerland in 2018 where, once again, the extended applause concerts as background music for the participants and literally stopped the show. spectators. This would continue throughout the week culminating in the highlight of the week, performing the soundtrack live for a fireworks display whilst the Buglers provided fanfares for the Canadian Cavalry mounted display. During our downtime we were invited as guests to a reception barbecue with the hosts and participants, as well as being invited to a private party at a local bar - a night which was enjoyed by all. Overall the week was action-packed and thoroughly enjoyable. Once this week was over the Band and Bugles travelled to BATUS for the two weeks that remained. In the first week activities mainly consisted of performing to local schools in and around the Medicine Hat area and to the community The finale of the 31st Birmingham International Tattoo. around BATUS. This was well received by both pupils and (Photo: Jim Davies ) teachers alike as we showed our unique capability which The National Marching Band, directed by Major Paul Norley CAMUS, supported the opening assembly of standards; makes us stand out from other regular British Army bands. although the band also appeared in the finale it would have Towards the end of the week, we combined forces with the been good to have given them the opportunity to perform in Royal Canadian Artillery Band, participating in rehearsals the programme. and concluding in a public afternoon concert in Medicine Hat. The spectacular finale incorporating all the performers sent The third and final week consisted of more schools us home happy and contented that we had enjoyed a very workshops in Medicine Hat, followed by a march-through satisfying afternoon; the 2020 Tattoo will take place on and concert at the local mall. A Sounding Retreat parade was Saturday & Sunday 28 & 29 November. Jim Davies performed for the hierarchy of BATUS later in the week The Band and Bugles of The Rifles in Canada which was highly rated by the permanent staff present. In September 2019, the Band and Bugles of The Rifles Overall this unique experience was highly enjoyed by all undertook a 3 week extended tour to the Spruce Meadows members of the Band and Bugles and has left a lasting International Masters show jumping event and to British positive impact for all. We look forward to returning in the Army Training Unit Suffield (BATUS) in Alberta, Canada. future. Musician M Beazley

IMMS UK (Founder) Branch Journal – Winter 2019 9 WRITING MUSIC FOR MILITARY BAND

Our Branch President recollects prizewinning entry for the Students’ March Competition in From the earliest age I can remember having the desire to 1974, The SSAFA March (later subtitled Royal Ceremony ) create original music, initially for the piano, having started was subsequently published and has been recorded and lessons with my father at around seven years old. The first performed numerous times. Next, as Bandmaster of the real opportunity to write for other instruments, however, Queen’s Royal Irish Hussars based in Germany, there were came after joining the Royal Engineers Staff Band at many opportunities to arrange popular German songs, Aldershot in 1960, where all the instruments of the military marches etc. for the band to play at local ‘Schutzenfeste’ band were there at my disposal. I quickly gained experience (Shooting Festivals), concerts and carnival processions and I by turning out a few experimental compositions and was certainly not alone in pursuing that endeavour. arrangements for the band, which seemed to work quite well. The next big challenge however followed my appointment as After quite some time in the band I felt compelled to compose School Bandmaster back at Kneller Hall. I was asked by a substantial piece of music for the band just to find out if Colonel George Evans to compose a piece of music specially I could! The result was Rondo for Concert Band (1966) which to mark the occasion of Prince Charles’s forthcoming I must say I was particularly pleased with. The real reward for wedding to Lady Diana Spencer in 1981. Colonel George was all the work involved was to have this, my very first Principal Director of Music for the largest gathering of significant original composition, broadcast on Radio 3’s military musicians at an extravaganza called the Wembley Bandstand , the programme, courtesy of the Military Musical Pageant, involving upwards of two thousand then Captain Gerry Horabin, Director of Music RE Band Musicians, Trumpeters, Drummers, Buglers and Pipers, Aldershot, to whom I am eternally grateful for recommending watched by audiences of around 90,000 (those were the my composition to the BBC for broadcasting. (This piece can days!) This event was shortly before the Royal wedding and, actually still be heard by Googling the title and composer). as Prince Charles and Lady Diana were to take the salute at one of the performances, a bespoke composition was required Unfortunately the piece was not published as it was to mark the occasion; thus Royal Celebration was born. considered too difficult for the majority of bands to play, therefore the publisher would not sell enough copies to The remit was to write a piece of music lasting around five recoup the cost of publication. Actually I think I was fobbed minutes for the massed bands of the to play, off, as at the time I was a totally unknown Lance Corporal in to include the ‘Expo Belfry’ - an actual Church belfry with a relatively unknown minor staff band. Regrettably I didn’t eight bells which was sunk into the hallowed turf of the old think to take the original handwritten parts (no music Wembley Stadium. In order to compose this piece I had to technology back then!) on leaving the band, so the music was research the art of campanology (bell ringing) which I did by sadly lost forever when the band ceased to exist in 1984. climbing the narrow winding steps up into the belfry of Winchester Cathedral, where the bell-ringers (sorry - I have to say that the majority of my subsequent output as campanologists) were practising one evening; a rather composer and arranger has been ‘bespoke’ music, written for unusual task I’m sure you’ll agree! specific occasions mostly on invitation. For instance, I was invited to arrange a couple of pieces for a recording They were intrigued by the reason for my visit, but most (The Sappers ) we were about to make with Director of Music accommodating and I have to say the result was most Captain Stan Patch. Now this is where I was to make a big gratifying as I was able to go ahead and compose the music mistake. The thought of having my own arrangements (in the correct key to suit the bells of course) knowing the included on a commercial recording on sale to the general bell-ringers would have no problem performing what I had public was exciting and - in my naivety - I was delighted to written. I should perhaps mention that the performance of this have that honour without the slightest thought about financial piece also involved a salvo of guns fired by The King’s reward. Wrong! Troop, Royal Horse I now realise, of course, Artillery and the that the composers of Honourable Artillery those pieces (Par For Company. Obviously The Course and Prost all mounted troops in Onkel Albert ) would the arena had to clear receive any royalties the stadium before the due from record sales, guns fired, otherwise, as whereas I, the arranger, Colin Dean wittily put would receive nothing it, “There would have unless I had demanded been a lot more it (which I hadn’t!) members joining the Lesson learnt! I should empty saddles club!” point out that the Royal Celebration was original music I was Captain Roger Swift, The Light Infantry, conducting his Royal Celebration at the published and has since given to work with was Colchester Searchlight Tattoo 1982, matinee performance. ( Photo: Colin Dean ) been recorded and little more than sketchy melodic lines with a few suggested performed on many occasions including the Colchester chords; the really clever bit is knowing how to bring it all to Tattoo in 1982 and at Kneller Hall public concerts. I was life by the use of appropriate harmony, rhythmic subsequently invited to compose music for various other accompaniment and deft, colourful orchestration. Later, occasions, but I shall save discussion of these for the next whilst at Kneller Hall, composing original music was an edition of this Journal. integral part of the Student Bandmasters’ Course and my Major (Rtd.) Roger Swift

10 IMMS UK (Founder) Branch Journal – Winter 2019 YEOMAN SERVICE

Major (Rtd) Roy Falshaw MBE, BA, FLCM, ARCM, psm, VR I was delighted to be invited to write this article for the IMMS squadrons. They are located at Croydon, Dudley, Fulham, (UK) Journal. I hope the observations about my 22 years as Leicester, Nottingham, Telford and Windsor. We were also the Director of Music of the RY Band will be of interest. delighted to play for our brother yeoman of the Royal Wessex A little before the Christmas of 1996, my Regular Army Yeomanry when they were presented with their first Guidon career was fast coming to its conclusion. At the time, I was by their Royal Honorary Colonel, HRH Prince Edward, Earl serving in Münster, Germany, as the Bandmaster of the Band of Wessex, at Lulworth Castle in Dorset. of the Hussars and Light Dragoons. Previously, for five years In 2003 the band moved to its new bandroom at Holderness until the reorganisation of Army bands in 1994, I was the House, near Finsbury Square. Shortly afterwards, a sea Bandmaster of the Royal change in band duties took place. As with all service bands, Scots Dragoon Guards. the necessity to attract fee-paying engagements was a thing While sitting on a of the past and we discreetly moved away from playing for promotion board at Kneller the ‘great and good’ of London’s dining and banqueting Hall, Lt Col Peter Hannam society. Most importantly, in 2013, the band was commanded asked me if I would be to support State Ceremonial Public Duties. I believe we rose interested in taking on a to this all-important challenge in spades. There is no doubt Territorial Army band after that this was the right and proper way forward and I hope, in my retirement. I found this a climate of defence cuts, will ensure the band’s survival for a very flattering the foreseeable future. At around this time the band was proposition, and I replied officially designated a ‘State Band’, and, ever since, has been positively. However, if this fully committed to supporting prestigious engagements such were to come to fruition, as Changing of the Guard ceremonies and services at the the band would need to be Guards’ Chapel. of good quality and located Of less high-profile, but of no less importance, has been the within a sensible commute support afforded to parades at Army Training Centres. It is from my home in Major RayRoy Falshaw MBE essential that a recruit gets to march with a band at his or her Hampshire. (Photo: MOD/Crown copyright ) passing off parade. If that recruit is in the Army Reserve, then To cut a long story short, in May 1997, I was commissioned it is entirely appropriate that the band is one of the Army as the Director of Music of the Band the Reserve. These engagements are our bread and butter. (Inns of Court & City Yeomanry). To be given the In recent years, such is the shortfall of Regular Army opportunity to take on such a fine TA band and extend my musicians, the band has been generous in ‘loaning out’ its career in military music made me a very happy man. My musicians to backfill both Corps of Army Music, and Army predecessor, the late Lt Col Rodney Parker handed to me on Reserve bands. There have been many other changes a plate a band packed to the brim with top-calibre musicians. regarding the way Army Reserve bands operate during my They were a heady mix of highly experienced former Guards time at the helm of the RY Band, too many to do justice to in Band musicians, and a younger element of graduates and the space available here. However, in passing the baton to my undergraduates from the various London conservatoires of successor, Major David Hammond, I know that the band is in music. extremely capable hands. I wish him and all the musicians I The bandroom was located on the top floor of Cavalry House have served with a happy future. in the Duke of York’s Headquarters on the King’s Road, just In conclusion, and ‘blowing my own trumpet’ for a moment a two-minute walk away from Sloane Square underground – please forgive the musical metaphor - I believe that my 22 station, which was immensely convenient for me and most years’ service as an Army Reserve/Territorial Army director others in the band. It was also ideally placed to travel to most of music is a record. If I am wrong, write to the editor (address band engagements which, in the main, were for small on page 2). ensembles playing for livery events held in the vicinity of the Major (Rtd) Roy Falshaw MBE City of London. The Mansion House, Guildhall, Goldsmiths’ Hall and other architecturally stunning banquet halls were the band’s regular playing venues. The fanfare trumpeters often played at St. Paul’s Cathedral, notably for the service of Commemoration and Rededication of the Order of St John. The band has performed for many amazing events abroad. In 2002, the band travelled to New York to give a concert at the Headquarters of the United Nations for children who had tragically lost a parent in the 9/11 terror attacks. In 2005 - the Year of the Rooster - the band was invited by the London Branch of the Hong Kong Tourist Board to participate in the Chinese New Year Parade. At the time, I do not think we fully understood the significance of being the first British Army unit to return to our former colony since the Transfer of Sovereignty back to the China in 1997. Major Falshaw leading the Band the Royal Yeomanry on Quite rightly, in recent years, there has been a greater Public Duties in their Lancer uniform. commitment to support the Royal Yeomanry’s constituent (Photo: MOD/Crown copyright)

IMMS UK (Founder) Branch Journal – Winter 2019 11 TERMINOLOGY - PART 2

This is the second in a series of short guides on the sometimes confusing terminology of military music. This part examines The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery Trumpeters who play both cavalry trumpets and bugles. (The cavalry trumpet is a natural horn (i.e. it has no valves) which is a cylindrical tube for two thirds of its length, coiled once, with a cup-shaped mouthpiece. The bugle has a shorter tube with a conical shape throughout, coiled twice, and a funnel-shaped mouthpiece.)

In the Royal Horse Artillery, calls are sounded by On horseback, the calls are sounded on the Bb bugle, as Trumpeters (not Buglers). They are normally sounded on seen here with a Trumpeter from The King’s Troop, Royal an Eb cavalry trumpet when dismounted with the bugle Horse Artillery, conveying the officer’s commands. hanging to the side, as shown here.

There is an exception when The King’s Troop, Royal The bugle is held in the right hand when mounted, with Horse Artillery, provides the Queen’s Life Guard. Then the cavalry trumpet slung over the shoulder ready for use the Trumpeter carries a cavalry trumpet with a banner to after dismounting. conform with the practice of the Household Cavalry.

Colin Dean (Photos: Colin Dean. The standing Trumpeter illustration by F. Stansell from Regimental Bands of the British Army c.1900)

12 IMMS UK (Founder) Branch Journal – Winter 2019 CD REVIEW

In Town Tonight by the Central Band of The British Legion It was about 1960 that I discovered that Military Bands could inclusion. Next we are treated to a great march - John be regularly heard on park bandstands and at the seaside and Addison's theme music from the film , A Bridge Too Far. Sir I have been a staunch follower of them ever since. Malcolm Arnold always insisted that he never wrote light Admittedly, the number of locations at which one could hear music. Really? Then what does he call the Padstow Lifeboat ? such bands has greatly decreased, as has the number of bands No - that's not on the disc! Instead we hear his Pre-Goodman in the employ of the three services. Today, service bands Rag (a jazzy feature for the clarinet, skillfully played by Jay rarely play on bandstands, opening the door to the many Bevan). Next comes an arrangement for trumpet of Burt community bands who are only too pleased to provide the Bacharach's well-known song This Guy's in Love with You - music, even though, in some locations, they have to pay for the soloist is Andy Rowett. the privilege! Overtures have long been an integral part of the band The term 'military band' is gradually repertoire, some of the best being by being replaced by 'concert band' or Franz Von Suppe. The band play us 'wind band' - terms which, to my his popular Morning, Noon and Night mind, hardly describe the in Vienna. This is followed by an instrumentation. I still prefer the term oboe solo Love of my Life by Freddie 'military band' as it represents the Mercury, with Sara Lamb as the traditional instrumentation utilised featured soloist. by the services for generations. Lt. Col. C.H. Jaeger was a famous The Central Band of the Royal Director of Music of the Irish Guards British Legion is most certainly a band, whose impish humour I well military band - and a cracking good remember. He was also quite a one too! It does not require its prolific composer. The Central Band musicians to be professional players, of the Royal British Legion treat us to although some are - or have been one of his best - Commonwealth on during their careers. The band also the March. includes music school graduates, After alto saxophonist Phil Willans is music teachers and ex-service band featured in the recently departed members. Indeed, looking at the list Michel Legrand's popular song What of personnel, there are certainly some names which I have Are You Doing The Rest of Your Life, we are treated to a well- encountered elsewhere. known film theme by that master of light music Ron In the comprehensive booklet accompanying the recording, Goodwin, the very descriptive 633 Squadron. we are told that the band was formed in 1944, when members A virtuoso composition for the flute is next. It is Edrich of the recently disbanded 56th (Surrey) Battalion Home Siebert's arrangement of Tambourin by Francois-Joseph Guard established their own Legion band in Epsom, Gossec. It is a demanding piece, made to sound easy in the eventually becoming the fine band we know today - under the able hands of Tim Kipling. masterful and inspiring direction of Captain David Cole OBE The final march of this recording is one of the best - Birdcage MVO. I am told by a respected band authority that David is Walk, written by a composer of whom it is said, never wrote perhaps the finest musician in military music today! David a bad piece of music, Arnold Steck - real name Leslie has had a long association with the Royal Marines, joining Statham. In his informative notes, Captain David Cole tells their band service in 1967, eventually becoming Director of us that "he was a soldier in the Welsh Guards regiment of the Music of the Band of HM Royal Marines (Portsmouth) and British Army playing the Welsh Guards band". Well, Captain Her Majesty's Yacht Britannia - an appointment which ended Cole, I think that it would be more accurate to describe Major when the vessel was decommissioned in 1997. Statham as the Director of Music of the Welsh Guards band In addition to performing in support of Legion fundraising from 1948 - 1962! Indeed, I recall attending some of his final and commemorative events and sometimes the Festival of concerts. Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall, the band has an To conclude this CD, a work which will be unfamiliar to annual week-long engagement, on the bandstand at many. Entitled Into the Light, it was commissioned by the Eastbourne - the only band still maintaining this tradition! Verona, New Jersey, High School Wind Ensemble in loving It is the traditional bandstand repertoire that dominates this memory of a young clarinetist in the band, Catherine Bell recording. The programme opens with London Everyday, a who had died very prematurely. The work, by Joy Bocock, suite in three movements by the 'Uncrowned King of Light starts in a quiet reflective manner, but builds to a grand climax Music', Eric Coates. Following the tarantella, Covent Garden to represent the inspiration which Catherine gave to all who we hear the reflective meditation, Westminster (featuring the knew her. serene euphonium playing of Rodney Kenny). The final This is a first-rate CD of tuneful and entertaining music movement is Knightsbridge, a fine march which, for many played immaculately by one of the best bands around ! years, introduced the radio show In Town Tonight - hence the title of this CD! As the woefully neglected genre of light Brian Reynolds music is dear to me, the inclusion of this suite is appreciated. The CD will soon be available for order on-line from the Modern musical comedies don't seem to have the tunefulness band’s website www.centralband.com at £12 plus £1.50 post of the old shows, so the John Cacavas arrangement of the and packing for delivery within the UK, cheques payable to music from Frederick Loewe's My Fair Lady is a welcome the Central Band of the Royal British Legion.

IMMS UK (Founder) Branch Journal – Winter 2019 13 PALACE PREMIERES

Major Hammond’s full article on the new CD Taking over as Director of Music of the Countess of Wessex’s concentration on the day, but also as a potential source of String Orchestra (CWSO) in early 2016 was a real privilege. revenue for the Corps of Army Music Trust, and a way of Major Philip Stredwick had set up the orchestra in 2014 as a promoting the work of the orchestra. professional ensemble, with first study string players being Recording at the Royal Military Chapel (Guards’ Chapel) at employed solely in that role, and no doubling of marching Wellington Barracks was fantastic, with first-rate acoustics band instruments required, enabling the musicians to for strings. Tony Faulkner as the recording engineer, and the concentrate entirely on a single instrument. Notwithstanding producer, Mike Purton, were exceptional, encouraging the this recent professionalisation in the Corps of Army Music players but also never letting a wrong note, or minor slip, pass there has been a long tradition of string playing in the British them by. We thought that we had prepared for everything by Army, particularly associated with the orchestra of the Royal accounting for the odd helicopter landing and even Regiment of Artillery, in coordinating with the existence for over 250 London Central Garrison to years. Nowadays, the avoid concurrent rehearsals CWSO performs a variety on the Wellington Barracks of music, ranging from Parade Square for the classical to pop, in various upcoming Queen’s settings both in the United Birthday Parade. Kingdom and abroad. The All was well, with the first CWSO also provides the day producing some principal players for tri- outstanding work, and the service orchestral events, second day beginning to such as at Her Majesty The plan, but within half-an- Queen’s 90 th Birthday hour the thud of a distant celebrations, the Major Hammond with the CWSO in the Officers' Mess at the Royal Artillery bass drum interrupted the Passchendaele centenary Barracks, . (Photo: Daniel Edwards ) serenity of a slow at Ypres, the 75 th Anniversary of D-Day, and the annual movement. With the swift dispatch of the Orchestra Sergeant Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall. Major, Warrant Officer Class 2 John Hooper, and an amazing The old orchestral library at Royal Artillery Barracks, display of inter-Household Division diplomacy, peace was Woolwich, contains not only the RA Band full orchestral once again restored and the parading Guardsmen continued library but also many quality string chamber works that had their drill sotto voce . not seen the light of day for years, possibly decades. Having recently carried out some research on the interwar period for I could talk in-depth about every piece but I think that three a forthcoming book British Army Music in the Interwar particularly stand out, for different reasons: Alan Macbeth’s Years: Culture, Performance, and Influence , my focus was Intermezzo Forget-Me-Not is perhaps the most charming naturally drawn towards the 1920s and 1930s and, much to ‘earworm’ that you will ever come across; William H Speer’s the exasperation of the CWSO library staff, I made several Nocturne is a forgotten masterpiece that should be at the forays into the archives to bring out music for performance at forefront of every string orchestra’s repertoire; Markham Investitures, where light music is the mainstay of the Lee’s Rivers of Devon Suite is a wonderfully lush film score performance. but without any images! The works recorded for strings are not available anywhere else and so if you want to listen to the For Investitures it is important to play music that does not pieces and know more about them then you’ll just have to buy drown out Her Majesty (or the other Royal family member the CD! who is presiding) when talking to the recipient, but also to play loud enough to mask the words that are being said. Palace Premières is available from several sources, but if you Furthermore, the music must not distract from the buy it from British Ceremonial Arts’ website shop page proceedings or indeed draw attention to a single recipient (a (www.bcafilm.co.uk/shop) at £14.95 + £2.95 postage, £10 complex process that cannot be sufficiently explained here). from each sale will be donated directly to the Corps of Army I found that a great deal of the music that I had discovered Music Trust. was not only suitable for the practicalities of the occasion, but There is plenty more repertoire in the CWSO library that that the orchestra enjoyed playing it, and the audience seemed needs to be aired and, if this recording sells well, then my to enjoy listening to it. I had also been sent short pieces by successor Captain Sarah Marinescu, will be able to bring to contemporary composers whose music was entirely you a second volume. Please do keep up-to-date with the appropriate for Investitures. With all this great music hidden CWSO’s activities on Facebook . from the general public it seemed a shame that it was not more Although I am retiring from the Regular Army I am honoured readily available. The opportunity arose when, having been to have been selected to take over from Major Roy Falshaw with the orchestra for three years, one of my last projects with MBE (my first Bandmaster in Germany in 1996!) as Director the CWSO was to undertake a recording as a training exercise of Music of the Band of the Royal Yeomanry – I hope to see – as any musician knows who has embarked on the recording you at one of their concerts or parades. process it involves a great deal of preparation and Major David B Hammond

14 IMMS UK (Founder) Branch Journal – Winter 2019 A MOST UNUSUAL PLAN

Producing the Palace Premieres CD Towards the end of 2018 I was contacted by Major David Tony set up his equipment the day before and we began Hammond, then Director of Music, The Countess of recording on Monday 18 th March 2019. Originally we were Wessex’s String Orchestra who had a most unusual plan. supposed to have two days, but this became three as the Major Hammond’s idea was to make a CD recording Orchestra were called in fairly last minute to perform at the featuring British music that was previously unrecorded and Palace on the Tuesday morning. My job as Producer is which had been played over the years at Royal Investitures. basically to project manage and to direct the recording We met in the convivial surroundings of the Savage Club in sessions to ensure that everything is ‘covered’. I sit in the Whitehall Place and a plan was devised together with a Control Room (in this case the Chapel Vestry) together with playlist, which to me, as a great lover of British music, was Tony and I have a copy of the music we are recording in front irresistible. Dr David Hammond, as he is known in the of me, on which I make copious notes, together with a ‘log civilian world, has a Doctorate in Music and is also a fine sheet’ where I keep details of where each ‘take’ starts and horn player – both attributes appealed to me greatly as I had finishes. On the music I write comments and I have a begun my musical career as Principal Horn of the Hallé shorthand system so when I edit the recording afterwards I Orchestra and had also had a university education. We would know pretty much which take to use where. A take, or ID, record a mixture of light classical and light music, if you can which has a number, is just like in a film, so we record each understand the difference! Lesser known composers such as piece several times, usually in sections until I am confident Thomas Dunhill (1877-1946), Roger Quilter (1877-1953), that we have every bar played at its best. Alec Rowley (1892-1958), Frederic Curzon (1899-1973), Of course I work closely with the conductor, we can see him William Speer (1863-1937) and Ernest Markham Lee (1874- on a TV screen and my voice appears through a loudspeaker 1956) all wrote absolutely gorgeous music for string known as ‘the singing brick’, so after each take I can say why orchestra, just the thing you might enjoy listening to on Radio I need it played again and discuss briefly how we are going 3 or Classic FM. There was also a set of seven harpsichord to improve the performance. Some conductors prefer to talk pieces by Renaissance composer Giles Farnaby, arranged by over the telephone, but I think it is much better if everyone Sir Granville Bantock, which right at the last minute we can hear me, I am of course exceptionally diplomatic, which discovered had been recorded very recently, but we decided is part of the job. I also keep an eye on the time as it’s very to include it as a ‘bonus item’. And most interestingly there bad form, and usually expensive, to go beyond the end of the is a Fragment for Strings – a pizzicato waltz – by Bertram session. I keep everything moving, five seconds wasted Walton O’Donnell, a former Director of Music in the Royal before each take during 300 takes adds up to 25 minutes, a Marines and conductor of the BBC Wireless Military Band. huge amount of time. And this momentum encourages better He is known for several military band pieces such as Three playing. Humoresques and Songs of the Gael , but please watch this space, I have discovered a treasure trove of other original Recording in the Guards Chapel has some interesting noise works for military band by O’Donnell and intend to record challenges. Traffic outside is much better these days due to them when performing material has been engraved. There are Birdcage Walk being restricted, but we do get aircraft which also some really charming light music arrangements. might mean we have to stop recording for a couple of minutes. Then we might get a helicopter landing outside I came to a couple of CWSO concerts to hear them play and which is really horrible. And of course at Wellington to be honest I had no idea what to expect, but I have to say Barracks we have the possibility of ‘military’ noises from the that the quality of playing, of musicianship and indeed Square. We try to schedule break times around Changing of musical direction was superb. The orchestra comprises the Guard, but sometimes we do get the sound of a band specialist string players, most of whom attended top music intruding on what we are recording, which can be quite funny. colleges and their Leader played for many years with the Royal Philharmonic. It was lovely to see old friends too, from The best memory from these sessions was of a rehearsal for recording in the past with various Household Division Bands taking place even though Major and especially with the Royal Artillery where a good number Hammond had arranged for the Square to be free of such of their musicians were first study string players. activities. In order to keep the Guardsmen in step and in time, a Drummer is brought in from the complete We decided for reasons of convenience and cost to record in with bass drum. This is usually deafening and certainly the Guards’ Chapel. This is a challenging acoustic as the caused us to stop recording several times. Delicate space is so large and I was delighted that my old friend Tony negotiations took place, more subtle drumming was agreed, Faulkner, who is one of the world’s finest classical recording and our schedule was tweaked so we ended the sessions engineers, was available. I knew that he would achieve a happily and successfully. wonderful recorded sound, which is absolutely the case. Tony has recorded many of my band CDs with me and we have Palace Premieres is a delightful listen and I strongly recorded together in the Guards’ Chapel on a number of recommend it to you as almost 76 minutes of easy listening. occasions. A classical microphone set up does not usually It can be obtained via my website www.mikepurtonrecording, involve too many mics – in this project we had four at the from the usual trade outlets, the Guards Museum and CWSO front and spot mics for the basses and for the piano, which themselves. appears on some tracks. Michael Purton

IMMS UK (Founder) Branch Journal – Winter 2019 15 BANDS OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE

No. 47 Royal Hong Kong Regiment Part 2 THE DISBANDMENT PARADE PIPES & DRUMS 2nd (SCOTTISH) COMPANY The Royal Hong Kong Regiment disbandment ceremonial began in the The Pipes & Drums of the 2nd (Scottish) Company, Hong Kong afternoon of the 2nd September 1995 with a march, led by the band, Volunteer Defence Corps (HKVDC) was unofficially formed in through the city with bayonets fixed, drums beating and colours flying. December 1920 and officially approved in March 1921. The uniform Music for the evening ceremony was provided by the Royal Hong was based on that of the Gordon Highlanders. Pipe Majors of the Kong Regiment Band, the Minden Band of the Queen’s Division and HKVDC over the years were: John Black Ross (1921-1924), Robert the Pipes and Drums of the Hong Kong Auxiliary Police and the Gardiner McEwen (1924), P Douglas Wilson (1924-1929) and 1st Battalion, Royal Gurkha Rifles. William Craigie Keith Mackie (1929-1941). The regiment marched on to Colonel Bogey. The Governor of Hong Pipe Major Mackie was killed-in-action, reportedly last seen alive on Kong then inspected the Regiment as the Ghurkha pipes and drums Christmas Eve, 1941, at Stanley, Hong Kong, playing Cock o' the played Highland Cathedral. Then followed the Drumhead Service, North and Heilan' Laddie on his pipes as the Japanese attacked. He had commencing with a Royal Salute and concluding with the bands previously served in the Seaforth Highlanders and the King's Own nd playing The Day Though Gavest Lord Is Ended. The Governor Scottish Borderers (the latter as Pipe Major of the 2 Battalion). addressed the assembly and the Commanding Officer replied reading The Scottish Company and its pipes and drums was not re-activated out a message from the Queen. The Hong Kong Regiment then when the HKVDC was re-raised after WWII as the Hong Kong marched off to The Leathern Bottel having first trooped the Guidon Defence Force. (a guidon had replaced the Regimental and King’s Colours in 1971, Another Hong Kong pipe band had been in existence before the the Hong Kong Regiment having been converted to a Reconnaissance establishment of the HKVDC pipe band, namely that of the Hong Regiment in 1967) past the ranks, finally departing to Auld Lang Syne. Kong and Singapore Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery. It had been in The Regiment officially ceased to exist at midnight on the following existence since at least 1916 and possibly before then. In 1924 the two day. pipes bands performed together at a parade in Hong Kong. DRESS 1967-1995 HONG KONG REGIMENT (SIKHS) Dark blue peaked cap with scarlet piping around crown. The tunic was In addition to the Royal Hong Kong Regiment (The Volunteers) the No 3 white pattern with brass collar badges and buttons and wings another regiment bearing the title the Hong Kong Regiment was raised believed to be red-laced yellow; a white belt with brass circular locket; in 1891. This regiment was made up of Sikh soldiers recruited in India. rank chevrons were gold on red backing worn on right sleeve together In 1894, the Colonel of the Hong Kong Regiment applied to the with red dress cords. Dark blue trousers with red stripe completed the Colonial Secretary in the colony for a small grant in aid of the band to uniform. It is thought that pre-1967 the uniform was as above but supplement the officers’ contributions to the band fund. In return, the probably with white trousers. No. 1 blues were worn in winter. Colonel promised that the band would play “periodically for the public benefit”. The request was granted. The Bandmaster wore the same as the bandsmen but without wings, dress cords or waist belt. White gloves and a lanyard on the left The band updated its instrumentation at some point shortly afterward shoulder, believed to be red, completed his uniform. as an advert in The British Bandsman in March 1903 stated that Boosey & Company had supplied the Hong Kong Regiment Band with some The Drum Major also wore the same uniform as the bandsmen. The saxophones (instruments not then in common use in military bands). Drum Major’s shoulder belt was dark blue with gold lace edging and The Hong Kong Regiment of Sikhs was disbanded in 1909. fringe, gold embroidery including the Royal Cipher and Regimental Badge. White gauntlets were worn, as was a Warrant Officers’ white sword belt with brass circular locket and white sling, a sword however, was not worn. A red lanyard on left shoulder was worn instead of dress cords. The Drum Major’s staff was not of the standard ordnance issue pattern, so was probably commissioned by the Regiment and likely to have been silver plate rather than brass. Drummers wore white leg aprons and drum carriages with brass fittings, with a leopard skin for the bass drummer. REGIMENTAL MARCH The Regimental March was The Leather Bottel. Why and when this was chosen is not known. Its origins lie in A pleasant new song in praise of the leather bottel, published in Wit and Mirth of 1684. The Leather Bottel later gained fresh popularity when it was published in Chappell’s Popular Music of the Olden Time (1861). The Hong Kong Military Service Corps Band. COMPACT DISC (Photo supplied by Phil Mather) Band of the Hong Kong Regiment/Bandmaster WO2 T T Sarreal Royal Hong Kong Regiment CD RV.CD1 (1995) HONG KONG MILITARY SERVICE CORPS BAND Formed in 1948 as the locally enlisted Hong Kong Chinese Training FAREWELL TO HONG KONG Unit and part of the British garrison in Hong Kong, it changed its title Planting Rice/Kilkenny Brigade/Syke Boat Song-The Barren Rocks of in 1962 to The Hong Kong Military Service Corps. The Corps prior to Aden/Rock Around the Clock/Saturday Night Fever/Those disbandment in 1996 according to photographic evidence had a small Magnificent Men in Their Flying Machines/Highland Cathedral/ military band of seventeen players at that time. The Regimental March Scotland the Brave/Amazing Grace/Old Comrades/Coburg/The was Lion Rock, named after a prominent mountain in Hong Kong. The Queen’s Regiment/Blue Bells of Scotland/Wooden Heart/Light of composer is unknown. Foot/Radetzky March/Lion Rock/Leather Bottel. Phil Mather With the Pipes & Drums of the Royal Hong Kong Auxiliary Police. Uniform notes by Peter Watkins

16 IMMS UK (Founder) Branch Journal – AutumnWinter 2019 DISCOGRAPHY

RAF Bands on the Polyphonic label 1985-2004 GREAT BRITISH MUSIC FOR WIND BAND (VOL 1)/Fl Lt R Those Magnificent Men/Lawrence of Arabia/The Touch of your Wiffin (WESTERN BAND – all the rest of this series CENTRAL Lips/Fighter Command March/Keep the Home Fires Burning/Sing, BAND) Polyphonic CD QPRM 115D, tape CPRM 115D (1990) Sing, Sing/Songs of World War 2/The Dambusters/My Name is Bond/ James Cook, Circumnavigator (Vinter)/Countdown (To Eternity) Eleanor Rigby/Summon the Heroes/The World in Union/Star Wars/ (Short)/Theatre Music (Sparke)/A Swiss Festival Overture (Sparke)/A Nimrod/Evening Hymn & Last Post/RAF March Past/Pomp & Christmas Suite (Barker)/All Afoot (Jacob)/Music for a Festival Circumstance March No 1. (Sparke). FIESTA/Wg Cdr R Wiffin (CENTRAL BAND) VOL 2: THE SWORD AND THE CROWN/Wg Cdr H B Hingley Polyphonic CD QPRM 130D (1998) Polyphonic CD QPRM 120D, tape CPRM 120D (1993) The Battle of Britain/Light Cavalry Overture/Irish Tune from County A Pittsburgh Overture (Sparke)/The Sword and the Crown Derry/O Fortuna (Carmina Burana)/Theme from Schlindler’s (Gregson)/Ballad for Band (Jacob)/A Derbyshire Suite: On Stanton List/French Military March/Anthem from Chess/St Martin from The Moor-The Cat and the Fiddle-Lord Musgrave's Dining Room-Well Windward Isles/Fiesta!/Toccata in D Minor/Carnival/Sing, Sing, Sing/ Dressing/Celebration (Sparke). The Dambusters/Hora Staccato/Molto Ritmico (Dance Movements). VOL 3: THE MIGHTY VOICE/Sqd Ldr R K Wiffin HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE 60th ANNIVERSARY OF THE Polyphonic CD QPRM 124D (1996) BATTLE OF BRITAIN/Wg Cdr Rob Wiffin (CENTRAL BAND) Sinfonietta No 2 (Sparke)/Old English Suite (Short)/Pantomime Polyphonic CD QPRM 135D (1999) (Sparke)/Delta Dances (Platts)/Mountain Song (Sparke)/The Mighty Battle of Britain Suite/Knightsbridge March/South Rampart Street Voice (Patterson). Parade/Songs That Saw Us Through/Elegy/Scramble/Fighter VOL 4 was recorded by the Guildhall Symphonic Wind Ensemble, not Command March/Calling All Workers/The Galloping Major/ by an RAF band. Pennsylvania 6-5000/In the Mood/Texudo Junction/The Songs of VOL 5: VENETIAN SPELLS/Wg Cdr R K Wiffin Rodgers and Hart/RAF March Past. Polyphonic CD QPRM 129D (1998) DANCING AND DRUMMING/Wg Cdr R Wiffin (CENTRAL Venetian Spells (Ellerby)/Symphony for Winds (Ellerby)/A BAND) Polyphonic CD QPRM 140D (2002) Lindisfarne Rhapsody (Sparke)/Dance Movements (Sparke). Dancing and Drumming/Ovation/Night & Day/Pineapple Poll/St VOL 6: THE KINGS GO FORTH/Wg Cdr R Wiffin Louis Blues/Minstrel Boy-Toss the Feathers/Merry Wives of Windsor Polyphonic CD QPRM 134D (1999) Overture/Woodchopper’s Ball/March(Wengler)/Tiptoe Tune/Duel of Fiesta (Sparke)/Diversions – Variations on a Swiss Folk Song the Fates/Royal Hunt of the Sun/Music of the Night/ Semper (Sparke)/ New World Dances (Ellerby)/Sinfonietta No 1 (Sparke)/ The Fidelis/Bolero. King’s Go Forth (Gregson). THE VERY BEST OF FESTIVAL OF MUSIC VOL 1 (MASSED VOL 7: BREAKING THE CENTURY/Wg Cdr R Wiffin BANDS) Polyphonic CD QPRM 141D (2002) Polyphonic CD QPRM 138D (2001) Old Comrades/Elegy/633 Squadron/Nimrod/Sun and Moon/USAF Breaking the Century (Horovitz)/Hemming Way (Dankworth)/Music March/Highland Cathedral/Robin Hood Prince of Thieves/Marching for Arosa (Sparke)/Evocations: Harlequin’s Carnival-The Death Of With Sousa/Spitfire Prelude/Bohemian Rhapsody/Irish Tune from Don Quixote-Sueño-The Royal Hunt Of The Sun (Ellerby). County Derry/In the Mood/Pomp & Circumstance No 1/ A TRIBUTE IN MUSIC/Wg Cdr E Banks (MASSED BANDS) Riverdance/Evening Hymn & Sunset. Polyphonic LP 104D, tape CPRM 104D (1985) THE VERY BEST OF FESTIVAL OF MUSIC VOL 2 (MASSED Festive Overture/Solemn Melody/March from Things to Come/ BANDS) Polyphonic CD QPRM 144D (2003) Broadway Showstoppers/RAF March Past/In a Sentimental Mood/ Battle of Britain March/Knightsbridge March/The Dambusters/All I Tambourin/Feels So Good/Pineapple Poll Suite. ask of You/Crown Imperial/Schindler’s List/Galloping Major/Salute (Sponsored by the Daily Mail as a tribute to the nineteen musicians of to Sinatra/Minstrel Boy-Toss the Feathers/South Rampart Street the RAF Germany Band killed in a coach crash in February 1985.) Parade/Out of the Blue/The Sword and the Crown Finale/Love A CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION/Wg Cdr H B Hingley (CENTRAL Changes Everything/The Wind Beneath My Wings/Black Orpheus/ BAND) Polyphonic CD QMPR 603D, tape CMPR 603D (1993) RAF March Past. O Come All Ye Faithfull/Whence is this Goodly Fragrance/Away in a Manger/Twelve Days of Christmas/Christians Awake/Sussex THE VERY BEST OF FESTIVAL OF MUSIC VOLUME 3 Mummers Carol/It Came Upon a Midnight Clear/Christmas Bells/In (SQUADRONAIRES) Polyphonic CD QPRM 154D (2003) the Bleak Midwinter/Vom Himmel Hoch/Two Christmas Pieces In The Mood/Moonlight Serenade/Don't Sit Under The Apple Tree/ (Bourgeois)/Mary Had A Baby/Three Christmas Carols (Holst)/ Stardust/American Patrol/Blue Skies/A Foggy Day/A Nightingale Sussex Carol/Carol Fantasy (Ball)/O Little One Sweet/Carol of the Sang In Berkeley Square/Tuxedo Junction/Fever/Marching Thro'/ Drum/We Three Kings/Hark the Herald Angels Sing. String Of Pearls/After You've Gone/Birth Of The Blues/Skyliner/ Cheek To Cheek/Owed To Mr Chopin/Pennsylvania 6-5000/ MARCHES WITH THE GRAND MASSED BANDS OF THE Travelogue: The Big Country. ROYAL AIR FORCE/Various Polyphonic CD QMPR 606D, tape CMPR 606D (1997) JOY TO THE WORLD/Wg Cdr S Stirling (CENTRAL BAND) The Dambusters/Colditz March/Crown Imperial/Marching With Polyphonic CD QPRM 177D (2004) Sousa/March of Friendship/Stars&Stripes Forever/Pathfinders March/ Joy to the World/A Carol Symphony/Shepherd’s Hey/A Fireside Out of the Blue/The Jaguar/Aircrew on Parade/Battle of Britain Christmas/Dance of the Tumblers/A Joyful Christmas/Hallelujah March/ 76 Trombones/Things To Come March/633 Squadron/ Chorus/Carols from Olde England/Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring/ Dance Knightsbridge March/RAF March Past/Pomp & Circumstance March of the Sugar Plum Fairy/A Christmas Suite (Barker). No 1. 80th ANNIVERSARY CONCERT/Wg Cdr R Wilkinson & Wg Cdr Additions and corrections to the above welcome. For RAF Festivals of R Wiffin (CENTRAL & REGIMENT BANDS) Music 1984 to 2003 on Polyphonic, see UK Branch Newsletter 59. Polyphonic CD QPRM 128D (1998) Phil Mather

IMMS UK (Founder) Branch Journal – Winter 2019 17 The Dates for Your Diary listings for the first quarter of 2020 were not available before this edition of the UK Journal went to press. As soon as they are received the list will be put on the Society UK Branch website at http://www.imms-uk.org.uk If you are not an Internet user write to the Editor (address on page 2) and a printed copy of the list will be sent to you as soon as it’s available.

London Poppy Day

Director of Music Captain Matt Simons conducts the British Army Band Colchester on the concourse at Liverpool Street Station on London Poppy Day, 31st October. The music stand banners and musicians’ march cards reflect the band’s affiliations to the Parachute Regiment, the Army Air Corps and the Queen’s Division. (Photo: Joe Elliott) The Music Makers The current structure of the bands within CAMUS is to 2014. There are also chapters covering Overseas described in the Notes from CAMUS on page 5 of this Operations and Defence Diplomacy, Commemorative and Journal. The principal change in the Ceremonial Events, The Royal Military new list is the creation of four British School of Music and Headquarters Army Bands based at Catterick, Corps of Army Music, Sports and Colchester, Sandhurst and Tidworth. Adventurous Training, Army Reserve These new bands incorporate musicians Bands and the Future of Army Music as from 11 previous Division, Corps and it was seen in 2014. Specialist (pop-group) bands. The new bands will wear a common, ‘blues’- Capturing, as it does, many traditional style uniform, as shown above in the Army band uniforms that are now no London Poppy Day picture. longer worn, The Music Makers has For those of you who, like me, enjoy the become a valuable historic resource. variety and history of British Army There are currently still some copies band uniforms, CAMUS did capture its available from CAMUS at a cost of £7, late flowering in the book The Music inclusive of packaging and postage Makers: A Photographic Record of the within the United Kingdom. To order, Bands of the British Army. write to: Commemorative Book Offer, The book’s pictures of the Army’s HQ CAMUS, Kneller Hall, bands before the re-structuring of 2014 Twickenham, Middlesex TW2 7DU. include such delights as the hussar uniforms of the Light Mention in your letter that you are an IMMS UK Branch Cavalry Band, the busbies and gold belts of the Royal member ordering a copy, or copies, of The Music Makers and Artillery Band, the pale blue plastrons of the Band of the enclose a cheque made out to ‘CAMUS Trust’ in full Army Air Corps and the ‘sealskin’ caps of the payment. Minden Band of the Queen’s Division, among others. Note that, with CAMUS’ move from Kneller Hall due next Complementing the many photographs are descriptions of year, only timely orders for the book are likely to be the history and composition of the 24 bands that existed prior successful. Mike Boxall

18 IMMS UK (Founder) Branch Journal – Winter 2019 18 IMMS UK (Founder) Branch Journal – Winter 2019 19 CAUGHT ON CAMERA

Drum Major Chris Mace led the Royal Marines Band Scotland in a full dismount on Public Duties on 1st December. The RM Band Portsmouth will take over from 11th to 15th and the RM Band Collingwood from 16th to 18th December. (Photo: Steve Mason)

A brass octet from the Band of the Irish Guards performed at Waterloo Station, London, on the afternoon of 18th September in support of an Army Benevolent Fund collection. Pieces played included New York, New York, When I'm 64 and A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square. (Photo: Steve Mason)

For their main performance at the 2019 Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance on the 9th November, the Central Band of the Royal Air Force formed the shapes of both an Avro Lincoln and a parachute to commemorate the efforts of allied forces during the Berlin Airlift in 1948. (Photo: MOD/Crown copyright2019)

IMMS UK (Founder) Branch Journal – Winter 2019 20