The Royal Artillery Mounted Band was a British military band consisting of woodwind, brass, and percussion instruments, and military unit, founded in 1886, and in existence until 1984, representing the Royal Artillery , and the Royal Horse Artillery , and augmenting the Royal Artillery Band at royal and state occasions.
209-737: From 1886 to 1939, the Royal Artillery Mounted Band served as the mounted counterpart of the Royal Artillery Band for horse artillery units of the Royal Artillery under the banner of the Royal Horse Artillery and was the United Kingdom's, and one of Europe's most famous mounted bands, and the favourite of Queen Victoria 's. At the funeral of Queen Victoria on 2 February 1901, the Royal Artillery Mounted Band preceded
418-626: A band sword at the waist. These distinctive short swords were presented to the Band by the Duke of Kent , father of Queen Victoria. Band swords have been worn by other regiments' bands, and indeed by bandsmen in foreign bands, traditionally for the purpose of personal defence during active duty, in their non-combatant role. The Royal Artillery Band is also the British Army's only band whose members wear gold belts and gold crossbelts (all other bands wear white, where
627-416: A band sword, at the waist. These distinctive swords were presented to the band by the Duke of Kent, father of Queen Victoria. The Royal Artillery bands were the only ones in the British Army, to wear gold belts, and gold crossbelts (all other musicians and bandsmen wear white, or composite patterned), as well as a uniquely styled musician's lyre badge, on the right forearm (all other musicians or bandsmen wear
836-625: A barge on the River Thames , situated "close to the Royal Barge" for the first performance of the Water Music , by George Frideric Handel . The 'English' Artillery (the title 'Royal' was first used in the Regiment's appellation in 1720) raised additional musicians on ad hoc terms for occasions such as these, reverting immediately afterwards to the permanent eight. The composer Handel once again enlisted
1045-609: A break for their horses) to Norfolk. During this period, the King's Troop takes over responsibility for providing the mounted sentries. In the British Army Order of Precedence , the Household Cavalry is listed first and normally parades at the extreme right of the line. However, when the Royal Horse Artillery is on parade with its guns, they take on the honour of taking right of the line. A 35mm CinemaScope film, The Troop ,
1254-613: A central stripe in blue was introduced to the RA Mounted Band, and later into the RA bands in Dover, Plymouth, and Portsmouth. In 1920, it was finally introduced into the RA Band at Woolwich. A more recent girdle design, still to be seen worn by some of the musicians in the 1980s, featured brass clasp-fastenings, adorned with the RA musicians' lyre. White leather gloves with clay-piping were uniquely worn in
1463-525: A civilian orchestra until the Philharmonic Orchestra of London included the work in a programme in 1882. For almost five years (1805–1810), the Band was under the charge of Colonel Charles A. Quist, the Commanding Officer, even though a Herr M. Eisenherdt had been appointed as Master Musician. Colonel Quist, who by 1810 had assumed the appointment of Band Commandant suggested the initiation of
1672-565: A crossbelt forms part of the uniform, apart from the Corps of Royal Engineers, the Royal Corps of Signals and now amalgamated Royal Corps of Transport who wear a crossbelt containing a high proportion of gold), as well as a uniquely styled musician's lyre badge, rather than the standard army bandsman's lyre . In 1994, because of the Royal Artillery Band's role supporting the ceremonial duties of
1881-470: A crossbelt. Similarly, certain musicians will be seen to wear a protective bib, or apron, normally in a complementary colour to their individual band uniform. The purpose of the crossbelt pouch was so that an officer or senior rank could post an important message into the courier's pouch, by unhooking the leather tab, inserting the note, then securing the flap, in the briefest possible time. The courier would then ride off at speed to deliver it. In some bands -
2090-526: A few. There is evidence that the Royal Artillery Orchestra, or musicians from its ranks, are paving the way towards more involvement between military musicians and contemporary artists in a commercial capacity, including, so far, with Stanley Cornfield, and the Strawbs , with Rick Wakeman (Stanley Cornfield: The Seawall [CD]; The Strawbs 40th Anniversary Volume 2 [CD & DVD]). This welcome trend
2299-558: A great many years beyond, the standard of the Royal Artillery Orchestra remained unsurpassed in Britain. The Orchestra continued to be regularly engaged, by royal command, to play during and after state banquets at Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle. Many first performances were given by the Orchestra, including, in 1868, the overture to ' Die Meistersinger von Nűrnberg ' conducted by James Smyth. This piece would not be performed in this country by
SECTION 10
#17328520565412508-713: A massed bands display, at the Royal School of Artillery , with the Royal Artillery Band, and bands of the 1st Battalion The Gloucester Regiment, 2nd Battalion The Parachute Regiment, and the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers . The final year of the band was filled with numerous major engagements, culminating in a resounding triumph in Italy, where the band took part in the International Music Week in Turin and performed at
2717-759: A military band. During its time in Dortmund, the orchestra regularly provided a 20-piece pit orchestra, to accompany the West Rhine Musical Society at the Garrison Theatre, Rheindahlen. The week-long productions included 'Princess Ida', 'Yeoman of the Guard', 'Fiddler on the Roof', 'Carousel', 'Patience', and 'My Fair Lady' among others, with further musicals to accompany at the Garrison Theatre, Dortmund, including 'My Fair Lady'. The orchestra travelled regularly throughout
2926-473: A new 24-piece state string orchestra, formed from a nucleus of ex-Royal Artillery strings players, who had been temporarily held, in various Guards bands during the establishment period of the orchestra, and newly recruited ex-civilian string players. The new orchestra has subsequently been named "The Countess of Wessex String Orchestra". The Royal Artillery Band and the Royal Artillery Orchestra (Britain's first, and oldest permanent orchestra) are significant in
3135-473: A now forgotten slow march 'General Ligonier's March' was named. The appointment 'master-general' is nowadays known as 'Master Gunner, St. James's Park' (not to be confused with 'master gunner', which is a warrant officer special skills appointment). The Royal Artillery Slow March was written by Her Royal Highness, the Duchess of Kent, and mother of Queen Victoria (herself "a most competent musician"), circa 1836. It
3344-714: A number of significant occasions during the past. The Band will cease to be a State band in 2014, when, owing to funding cuts announced in 2013 in Army Music, it will lose its string capability, be reduced in number, and relocate to Tidworth, in Hampshire. Both the Royal Regiment and the Royal Artillery Band have always been particularly important to the British monarchs, since the Prince of Wales (later King George IV), first regularly sang with
3553-610: A plan put forward by the RHA for the formation of a mounted band for the whole regiment of artillery. On the disbandment of the RHA Band, its bandmaster, James Browne retired. Following the rider-training of the best members of the RA Brass Band, and together with the best members of the RHA Band, the new Royal Artillery Mounted Band came into being. The Royal Artillery Mounted Band, which was for many dubbed "...the largest mounted band ever seen",
3762-576: A series of vocal and orchestral concerts, known as the "Royal Artillery Concerts". These were held every week during the winters, at the RA Officers' Mess, and were conducted by some of the most distinguished musicians in London. While under the direction of George McKenzie, Master Musician (1810–1845), King William IV , having heard the Band play at the launching ceremony in 1883, of a ship in Woolwich, commanded
3971-413: A tradition still held by the bands of the footguards, larger pouches were used to store march cards (cards measuring approximately 180 mm × 130 mm on which the individual instrumental sheet-music parts are pasted). The march cards are held, to enable the player to read his part, in a heavy duty clip (known as a 'lyre') which is attached to his instrument. At the back of the lyre, but facing forward,
4180-568: Is also the regimental walk march of the Royal Horse Artillery and at least one other regiment. The Royal Horse Artillery (and cavalry regiments) adopted this Tyneside air in 1903 on its publication by the War Office. This march is one example of the regiment's intention to cater for all of its troops, drawn, as they were, from all regions of the United Kingdom. By comparison, almost all other regiments have traditionally recruited locally (e.g.
4389-509: Is based closely on that of the pikemen of the period, from a time when helmets (rather than the Tudor hat), and breastplates were worn by all three bodies. The Yeomen Warders do not wear the sash belt on their ceremonial uniforms, and with the exception of state occasions, their normal daily dress is the navy blue 'undress' uniform. The Yeomen Warders broke away from the body of the Yeomen of the Guard when
SECTION 20
#17328520565414598-536: Is believed that the title of this melody refers to the Viscount of Dundee, rather than to the jute-, and marmalade-producing City of the same name. The composer Frederic Curzon (1899, London – 1973, Bournemouth) was, at one time, a gunner officer. Curzon wrote this fanfare for the opening of the Royal Artillery Association Rally in 1952. Its masterful use of both the RA's and RHA's 'Trumpet Call' typify
4807-591: Is known to have existed in the regiment, because records show that it was supported and funded by the officers of that branch of the army, being under the charge of one Trumpet-Major Hall. In 1845, Bombardier Henry Lawson, one of the finest trumpeters in the country, and principal trumpet of both the Royal Artillery Band and the Royal Artillery Brass Band, was appointed as Trumpet-Major of the Royal Horse Artillery Band in 1845. Lawson, who joined
5016-592: Is largely forgotten. A painting by J. Wootton, in the possession of Her Majesty the Queen and dated at around 1759, shows the drum carriage bearing the Artillery kettledrums, with the kettledrummer, driver, and rider dressed in state dress, and likewise, two mounted trumpeters halted behind the carriage. However, today's Royal Artillery [State] Band does maintain the distinction of being the only band in which each and every one of its musicians wears, as part of his ceremonial uniform,
5225-765: Is no connection between the Honourable Artillery Company, and the Royal Artillery. In 1830 King William IV decreed that the HAC's ceremonial uniform should be modelled on that of the Grenadier Guards . The HAC are regarded as a City of London regiment, being the closest Territorial Army regiment to the "Square Mile"'. All City of London regiments (the oldest of these being the Royal Fusiliers ) are entitled to wear red tunic and pelt headdress on parade. However,
5434-548: Is not however, completely unprecedented, as members of the Royal Artillery Band, and Royal Artillery Mounted Band, augmented the London Symphony Orchestra on their first ' classic rock ' album on LP, in 1976. The original gatefold album sleeve includes a photograph of timpanist John Keel in ceremonial dress. The founder, director and conductor of the New Sousa Band, Keith Brion embarked on a series of recordings of
5643-586: Is now in the possession of the Royal Artillery Band at Woolwich, London. The orchestra and dance band were invited to play at the British Dental Association's Gala Dinner, at the Guildhall, London , on 16 June 1984, in the presence of the lord mayor of London. The orchestra was conducted on that occasion by its director of music, Captain Frank Renton, RA. On the evening of 11 July the band was present for
5852-489: Is placed the 'backing card', to hide the music from the view of the public. The backing card normally shows the 'cap badge' of the regiment or corps. In matching pattern to the crossbelt (above). A unique-pattern short sword hooked onto the swordbelt. The hook protrudes through the tunic, allowing the sword to hang visibly. Only worn by the Royal Artillery Band. The sword has never been worn by other Royal Artillery bands. The Bandmaster, Drum Major, and Band Sergeant Major carry
6061-540: The British Army of the Rhine area, and frequently across European borders, to perform at military bases, embassies, and also for civilian private hires. The orchestral library was almost as extensive as that of the military band. The Mounted Band was the only band of the British Army of the Rhine, to possess a true capability on stringed instruments, as each of its personnel, in the tradition of all Royal Artillery Band musicians,
6270-452: The Crimean War , when it became a bugle band. It soon became apparent that the bandsmen were becoming bored with the limited five-note compass of the instrument, and so they persuaded the instrument maker, Henry Distin to supply them with sets of his newly patented chromatic attachments, to enable the bugle to have the same compass as the cornet. This proved very successful, particularly after
6479-545: The English Civil War . Although grenades were first thrown by artillerymen in 1643, the term 'grenade' was only first documented in 1688. Originally a Dutch song, the melody now known as 'The British Grenadiers' was brought to England by King William III of the Netherlands . Soon after the melody became popular in these islands, a version of it, titled 'The New Bath' appeared in a '17th Century Dance Book' by Playford. In
Royal Artillery Mounted Band - Misplaced Pages Continue
6688-600: The Franco-Prussian War , the numbers of troops in the Field Artillery increased substantially, with the result that the two large previously existing bands, the RA Band, and the RA Brass Band, because they were dismounted, found themselves without duty. The result was that the RHA Band was now required to attend all the parades of the Royal Horse Artillery and the Royal Field Artillery . The financial burden to
6897-538: The King's Troop, Royal Horse Artillery , it was granted permanent "State" status, thereby becoming the eighth, and only non-Household Division band to carry that status. It is for this reason that the Band continued to remain at Woolwich instead of relocating with the Regiment to Larkhill - the new permanent home of the Royal Regiment. On 7 February 2012, the King's Troop relocated from St. Johns Wood, to Woolwich. The Royal Artillery Band had however, assumed temporary State status on
7106-731: The Royal Tournament at Earls Court , London. The marching bands taking part were those of the Household Cavalry, the Royal Marines, and the Central Band of the Royal Air Force . Notably, the Orchestra has toured with various musical celebrities in the recent past, including Nigel Kennedy, Sir Harry Secombe, Anne Shelton, Moira Anderson, Carlos Bonnell, John Ogden, Stephen Isserlis, Hayley Westenra, David Russell, and Semprini, to name
7315-619: The Second World War , King George VI expressed the view that, following the mechanisation of the last batteries of horse-drawn artillery, a troop of horse artillery should be retained to take part in the great ceremonies of state. Accordingly the Riding Troop was reformed on 17 April 1946 at Shoeburyness as a six-gun Royal Horse Artillery battery for the Household Division . At the suggestion of Brigadier John Anquetil Norman,
7524-470: The "B.A.O.R." (British Army of the Rhine) post, at West Riding Barracks, Dortmund, until the withdrawal of the Regiment from there. The changeover occurred every five years, and the band returning to the United Kingdom, was likewise stationed for five years at Larkhill , Wiltshire. On occasion, these three bands would unite, as 'massed bands', of up to 197 performers, and more if the massed bands comprised these with
7733-453: The ' keyed bugle ' [a link to a history of the keyed bugle may be found in §7 below see esp. P.21 ]. The first bandmaster of the RHA band was James Browne, who was formerly principal flautist, and a violinist in the RA Band at Woolwich , who succeeded Collins in January 1870. Meanwhile, by the year 1869, so many brass instruments had been added to the band of buglers, that the title was changed to
7942-598: The 'keyed bugle' went into production. In Europe, and among the English troops, fifers, drummers (and pipers) have always been fighting soldiers, acting additionally as stretcher bearers as necessary. There is no record, however, that this was ever the case in the Royal Artillery. Place of origin of the Royal Artillery Band Towards the end of the Seven Years' War (1756 - 1763) , the 'modern' Royal Artillery Band
8151-629: The 'right of the line' of the British Army, and though not Household Cavalry, are nevertheless at the head of the Household Troops, which include the former) have always remembered the RHA connection of the Mounted Band with affection – still regarding them as their own – and the musicians were granted the right to be forever affiliated with this equestrian branch of the Service. The Royal Artillery Mounted Band, renamed 'Royal Artillery (Aldershot) Band' as
8360-477: The Artillery kettledrums is well documented. Also, the King had requested that "no fidels (stringed instruments) be used, but the composer wrote on the score that all the oboe and bassoon parts be doubled on strings (these players were again drafted from the Royal Artillery Band ). Fifers were added to the Royal Artillery Corps of Drummers in 1748 on a permanent basis, and the corps continued until after
8569-630: The Band of the Honourable Artillery Company. It would not be until 1747 when the second regiment would be awarded the title 'Royal' (the City of London Regiment, the Royal Fusiliers ). The Honourable Artillery Company (now part of the British Army Reserve) is the oldest regiment in continuous service in the British Army (the Royal Militia of the Island of Jersey , were formed 1337 but had a break in service to
Royal Artillery Mounted Band - Misplaced Pages Continue
8778-411: The Band to play at the royal palace within the very same week (George McKenzie was appointed at the insistence of King George IV to Lord Bloomfield). King William wanted to present the Band with a pair of sterling silver kettledrums, but was disappointed when they were instead made of copper, enamelled, and "beautifully painted", so he also presented the officers with a superb candelabra. The inscription on
8987-406: The Band was relocated to Tidworth , close by. The now Royal Artillery (Tidworth) Band continued to serve in Tidworth through further cuts and changes to army music, which included a transformation from 'military band' (i.e. with woodwind, brass and percussion instruments) to a brass band, and eventual talk of the brass band being reduced further to a quintet. By early October 2019, it was announced by
9196-424: The Band. It was George IV who was responsible for the Royal Artillery Orchestra's regular concerts, given at Windsor Castle - the first concerts in Britain performed by a professional orchestra (leading to the famous Woolwich Town Hall concerts, which continued until 2011). Indeed, Her Majesty the Queen, Queen Elizabeth II, as well as holding the honorary rank of Colonel-In-Chief of several other regiments, also holds
9405-448: The Beating of the Retreat in June, 1980 on Horse Guards Parade, Whitehall Whitehall, in London, in the presence of Her Majesty the Queen, the Captain General of the Royal Regiment. During the 43-strong band's final five-year tenure in Germany, stationed at Dortmund, its strength rose briefly to 47 musicians (including three flutes, two oboes, thirteen clarinets, two bassoons, three French horns, and two euphoniums). Each of its musicians, in
9614-438: The Benelux countries, and more recently in Russia for the 2011 Moscow Tattoo . The military band has also performed on a number of occasions at the Edinburgh Tattoo to a worldwide television audience. Presently, owing to the size of the Royal Artillery Band, it can no longer simultaneously provide an orchestra and marching band, however, the full orchestra continues to maintain symphonic capabilities. Until recently, and since 1993,
9823-410: The Big Drive, features the Scissors, where the whole team criss-cross at gallop, displaying choreography, teamwork and discipline. Another manoeuvre, the Wagon Wheel, depicts an inner wheel, spokes, and an outer wheel. For a "Hero's Welcome" event in Windsor in May 2008 there were six gun teams, each of ten horses and seven riders. Women, first admitted to the King's Troop in 1996, made up one-third of
10032-411: The British Army Bandman's Lyre on the upper arm). In 1994, because of the band's role supporting the ceremonial duties of the King's Troop, Royal Horse Artillery , it was granted 'State' status, thereby becoming the eighth, and only non-Household Division band to carry that status. It is for this reason, that the band will continue to remain at Woolwich, instead of relocating with the regiment to Larkhill,
10241-424: The British Army, stationed at Woolwich, to the south east of London, at the home of the Royal Regiment of Artillery. Prior to this period all bands were raised only for special occasions and purposes, after which, they were immediately disbanded. The bands were not paid for by the State, but by the officers of their particular regiments. Article 3 of the Royal Artillery Band's 'Articles of Agreement' of 1762 state that
10450-429: The British embassy in Rome (in June 1984). The last major engagement at which the band performed, from mid-July until mid-August, was at the (now 'Royal -') Edinburgh Military Tattoo , as the senior band under the command of WO2 (BSM) S.M. Day. The other bands taking part at the time, including the Band of the Scots Guards , the Band of the Queen's Own Highlanders, the band of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders , and
10659-551: The Changing of The Guard, and investitures at Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle, as the musicians continue to support Royal Artillery regiments throughout the country, appear at ambassadorial duties worldwide, and play at private engagements (necessary for providing an income towards instrument purchase and repairs, and new music scores and parts). Royal Artillery musicians have performed in the United States, Canada, South Africa, Africa, New Zealand, Hungary, China, Switzerland, Germany, France, Italy, Slovenia, throughout Scandinavia, and
SECTION 50
#173285205654110868-425: The Corps of Army Music (CAMus), that band would be relocated, along with two other bands, to form a new group of bands in Tidworth. The present uniform of the band was created for the massed bands of the Royal Regiment of Artillery for the official birthday parade for Her Majesty the Queen, on Horse Guards Parade, in June 1986. The tunic replaced the No. 1 Dress Jacket, and was quilt-lined. More elaborate gold braiding
11077-418: The Devon & Dorset Regiment, the Durham Light Infantry, etc.). The melody of 'Bonnie Dundee' dates back to the battle of Bannockburn in 1314. By 1600 the melody was certainly known all over Scotland and England. It appears in 'The Beggar's Opera' and was used by Robert Burns. It is also associated with a poem by Sir Walter Scott, which commemorates the Viscount of Dundee's bravery in the 1689 rebellion. It
11286-484: The Fife', circa 1760. The first grenadiers were artillery men. The original military march is scored for eight players, comprising 2 piccolos (in two-part counterpoint), 2 oboes, 2 bassoons, and 2 drums. Two updated recordings exist by the Royal Artillery – one conducted by its director of music Major Robert Quinn, (in 18th Century style, albeit it scored for full modern military band), and a more up-to-date version, conducted by Lt Colonel Malcom Torrent. In Georgian times,
11495-466: The First and Second Foot Guards), any claim to a band of the 'Grenadier' Guards prior to the Battle of Waterloo must be regarded as incorrect, and there are no accounts available of continuity between any Guards band which may have existed, and that of today's Grenadier Guards. It was announced in a press release by CAMUS (now The Royal Corps of Army Music) on 29 July 2013, that all orchestral capability in British Army bands would be terminated in favour of
11704-419: The French Horse Grenadiers appeared throughout the English cavalry and foot guards regiments during campaigns, but were disbanded immediately afterwards, as "surplus to requirements". The regiment did however, appoint permanent drummers at least from 1751, because the Royal Clothing Warrant of that year states that the drummers "were clothed in red. lined, faced, and lapelled on the breast with blue, and laced with
11913-417: The Grenadier Guards. At the Sportpaleis, and at the Paleis des Beaux Arts (also in Gent), the band excelled both musically, and visually, with that of the Grenadier Guards again also participating. In spite of its many public appearances as a marching band and concert band, the band retained the kudos it had always received for its orchestra, and as such, by far exceeded the number of engagements it fulfilled as
12122-463: The Honourable Artillery Company was incorporated into the Territorial Army (now the Army Reserve), the pikemen were disbanded, but later restored for the purpose of battle re-enactments, and entertainment, such as at military tattoos. Another royal bodyguard corps, is the Royal Company of Archers, formed in the sixteenth century in Scotland, who, in Scotland, where they share the same sovereign as England, Wales and Northern Ireland, take precedence guarding
12331-449: The Household Cavalry, on royal, and State occasions today. The entitlement of the Royal Artillery Band to wear court livery (or State dress) still remains, though nowadays it is never exercised, and largely forgotten, most probably because they are not members of the Household Division . However, the Royal Artillery Band does maintain the distinction of being the only band, in which all of its members wear, as part of their ceremonial uniform,
12540-433: The King declared that the Riding Troop would be known as 'The King's Troop'. The King issued his proclamation on 24 October 1947 by amending the page on the visitors' book by striking out the word "Riding" and inserting "King's". On her accession, Queen Elizabeth II declared that the name 'The King's Troop' would remain in honour of her father. On 6 September 1997, members of the King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery carried
12749-489: The King's Troop moves to Green Park , adjacent to Buckingham Palace , firing a 41-gun salute, which is a 21-gun salute with an additional 20 rounds fired because the gun position is in a Royal Park. One of the regular duties undertaken by the King's Troop is to mount the King's Life Guard on Horse Guards Parade . Although this is primarily the role of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment , every summer this unit goes away for 2–3 weeks for summer training (and to provide
SECTION 60
#173285205654112958-442: The Lifeguards had their 'unofficial' kettledrums and trumpets. They also formed a band proper in 1763 after the end of the Seven Years' War. The First Foot Guards had their 'unofficial' fifes and drums in 1685 (some accounts state 1665), but their band proper was not founded until 1783 along with two other "bands of the Foot Guards". As the Grenadier Guards were not formed until after the Battle of Waterloo (from surviving troops of
13167-427: The Lifeguards otherwise used kettledrums, but of the standard size. In Germany, all kettledrummers were licensed to play them, and had to belong to the Guild of Kettledrummers]. A licence, or royal warrant, was also required to play the trumpet (which is why the cornet became the standard soprano brass instrument in the British military band. The King had also requested that "no fi đ els (stringed instruments) be used" for
13376-493: The London concerts at Queen's Hall , although the strings were actually augmented by those string players remaining in Woolwich. Orchestral music in all of the Royal Artillery's bands has always been maintained as an important, and integral feature of the regiment's music, and the string sections in general, have always comprised mainly those musicians, whose primary instruments were/are stringed instruments. Likewise, primary brass, woodwind, and percussion players, would specialize in
13585-421: The Monarch. Kettledrums of the Royal Regiment of Artillery The original kettledrums of the Royal Regiment of Artillery were of a uniquely large pattern, and were mounted on a carriage, designed especially for the purpose, modelled on the already extant Prussian drum carriages, and which were drawn by six white horses. The first appearance of the carriage was during the Williamite War in Ireland of 1689. In 1751
13794-418: The Mounted Band (those worn in the other bands were of white brushed cotton). The riding breeches were navy blue with a broad scarlet stripe down the outer seam. The riding boots were of black leather and spurs were held on by straps. In undress, a blue forage (pill-box) cap with a gold lace band was worn. When marching, the mounted bands wore the standard officer pattern 'George' boot with 'dress' spurs fixed to
14003-400: The Netherlands, it is known as 'De jonge prins van Friesland' ('The Young Friesian Prince') after Prince Johann Willem Friso. In 1706, the march became the regimental quick march of the Royal Artillery, and was known as the 'Royal Artillery Grenadiers March', but was not declared 'official' until 1882. It first appeared in print, as 'The British Grenadiers' in 1740. As a regimental quick march,
14212-436: The No. 1 Dress jacket (blues) with scarlet facings, replaced the tunic. The corresponding No. 1 Dress trousers sporting a wide scarlet stripe on the outside seam were worn. Service stripes were permitted on No. 1 Dress jackets, and the RA stable belt continued to be worn. The busby was not reintroduced until the 1960s, the headdress of the time being the No. 1 Dress peaked cap. The Royal Artillery Woolwich Band continued to wear
14421-479: The Queen, Queen Elizabeth II, as well as holding the honorary appointment of 'Colonel-In-Chief' of several other regiments, also holds the more prestigious appointment of 'Captain General' of both the Royal Artillery, and the Honourable Artillery Company. Towards the end of the Seven Years' War (1756 - 1763) , the Royal Artillery Band was formed, at the battle of Minden in Germany in 1762. Upon its arrival at Woolwich in 1762, where it would be permanently stationed,
14630-402: The RA Band in 1823, was frequently compared with Koenig, the famous cornet player of Jullien's band. The band improved considerably under his direction. He was succeeded, after his retirement in 1852 by Trumpet-Major George Collins, the brother of William Collins, bandmaster of the Royal Artillery Band. Collins introduced to the band, an instrument that he had helped to develop many years earlier,
14839-445: The RAF Concert Orchestra, Mantovani and his orchestra, and Roland Shaw and his orchestra. Harry Secombe, Frankie Howerd and Spike Milligan all completed their war training at Woolwich after enlisting into the Royal Artillery. The band's association with Harry Secombe would continue almost until his retirement, while Spike Milligan would occasionally be reunited with them. After the war, the Band resumed its enviable position of being
15048-523: The RHA officers who supported the band led to deep resentment, and the decision was made, in 1877, by the then Duke of Cambridge to form a new band from the best members of the RHA Band, and the RA Brass Band, with the express instruction that Bombardier Henry Lawson (of the RA Brass Band) be its bandmaster. A letter dated 13 November 1877 from the War Office confirms that a committee be set up to consider
15257-581: The Royal Artillery Alanbrooke Band. Of these, the Royal Artillery Mounted Band ("...the largest mounted band ever seen", according to The Times, in June 1984) existed as auxiliary bands, and minor staff bands, together with the Royal Artillery Band (Woolwich) until the Mounted Band was disbanded in 1984, and the Alanbrooke Band in 1993. These two bands had, for a number of years, alternately filled
15466-621: The Royal Artillery Band (Mounted Portion), the Royal Horse Artillery Band, the Royal Artillery Mounted Band (Woolwich), The Royal Artillery Mounted Band (Aldershot) [= later, the Royal Artillery Mounted Band], the Royal Garrison Artillery Band, the Royal Artillery (Portsmouth) Band [= the Royal Artillery B.A.O.R Band = later, the Royal Artillery Alanbrooke Band], the Royal Artillery Mounted Band, and
15675-511: The Royal Artillery Band had risen to over seventy by 1856, and by 1890, there were over a hundred performers. In 1856, the Duke of Cambridge proposed the acquisition of Kneller Hall , at Whitton, near Twickenham , for the permanent use of training Army musicians. Approval was received from all commanding officers, by way of a circular, on 4 December, and the first music class was scheduled to take place on 1 January 1857. The Royal Military School of Music
15884-472: The Royal Artillery Band in Woolwich as the 'parent' unit. The then serving bandmaster of the Mounted Band, Mr David McBain, was commissioned as its first director of music. At that time, the band was stationed at Minden Barracks, Deepcut, Surrey. In 1967 the band moved to Germany, where it replaced the Royal Artillery (BAOR) Band at Dortmund , although the 'BAOR' had, until then, been stationed in Oldenburg. During
16093-554: The Royal Artillery Band in Woolwich. On 26 August 1887, the Woolwich 'mounted band' was suppressed. All of its members transferred to the Aldershot band. The remaining 12 musicians were absorbed into the Royal Artillery Band, which was ordered to provide a 'Mounted Portion' of twenty players. Eight musicians were immediately required to undergo rider training in order to prepare for mounted duty. The 'Mounted Portion' comprised: 1 'Serjeant in charge', 2 Bombardiers, and 17 'Bandsmen'. In 1894,
16302-414: The Royal Artillery Band include Zavertal, Dvorak, C P E Bach, and Sir Arthur Bliss, Master of the Queen's Music. The military band medium has also attracted such eminent composers as Beethoven, Korngold, Meyerbeer, Fucik, Ganne, Léhàr, Händel, Holst, Vaughan Williams, Morton Gould, Schickele, Walford Davies, Russell Bennett, Ives, and Malcolm Arnold, to name a few. The 'Eton Boating Song' is not connected to
16511-491: The Royal Artillery Band numbered thirty-nine. At this time, the finest bands in the kingdom were the Royal Artillery Band under George Mackenzie, and the Court Military Band of George IV , directed by Christian Kramer. The Royal Artillery Band followed immediately behind the coffin guard during the funeral procession of the Duke of Wellington, in 1852. The nineteenth century was a period of experiment and refinement among
16720-470: The Royal Artillery Band retained in addition to its director of music, a bandmaster, for the reason of it being the largest of all British military bands, with its own musical training establishment, the Junior Musicians Troop, Royal Artillery. Successors to Henry Sims were: In its last few months in existence, the band was conducted and managed by Drum Major Shaun Day. Four directors of Music of
16929-508: The Royal Artillery Band' paraded on General Gordon's Square for the last time in their home town of Woolwich, thus ending a 252-year era, before relocating to join their regiment at Tidworth Barracks, Wiltshire The Band spent Christmas 2013 in Afghanistan , where they carried out their wartime role, as well as continuing to entertain the troops, and accompanying such celebrities as Gary Barlow, and Katherine Jenkins. Its former accommodation in
17138-418: The Royal Artillery Brass Band (formerly under the charge of Lawson), and consisted of 8 cornets, 3 tenor horns, two baritones, 2 E-Flat bombardons , and 1 pair of kettledrums. To this, 5 woodwinds, including E-Flat 'clarionette' and piccolo were added. All of the musicians were required to become proficient on stringed instruments – a required condition that has remained in all Royal Artillery bands from 1887 to
17347-546: The Royal Artillery Brass Band. The RA Brass Band entered the lists of the Crystal Palace Band Contest in 1871, where it won the first prize of £50. The Royal Horse Artillery Band when mounted now numbered 36 men, with kettle-drums and scarlet bannerols, and was regarded as the equal of the best cavalry bands in the army. As a dismounted band, they often deputized for the band of the Coldstream Guards . After
17556-517: The Royal Artillery Mounted Band maintained a particularly high standard of performance, for which it will always be remembered. This held the band in good stead on the various occasions when, owing to its seniority, it would take precedence at prestigious events, such as during the Festival of Flanders on 6 September 1980, where at the 'Sportpaleis' in Gent, it was seen with the larger, and similarly famous Band of
17765-471: The Royal Artillery Mounted Band, during the postwar era, succeeded to the highest post in military music, that of Principal Director of Music, of the Royal Military School of Music, at Kneller Hall, Twickenham. The four DoMs were: David McBain, Basil Brown, George Evans and Frank Renton. Originally the only headdress worn by when mounted, was the blue forage cap. As a marching band, all RA bands wore
17974-410: The Royal Artillery bands, all of them fulfilled the traditional wartime role as stretcher bearers . It was decided that in the case of the Royal Artillery bands, the musicians would be trained as drivers, and all three bands quickly ensured that their members were trained and qualified as HGV 2 drivers, with additional experience driving 10-tonne Monarch trucks during Operation Lionheart in 1982. During
18183-469: The Royal Artillery) and from 1763 (in all other regiments and corps). It was announced on 30 July 2013 that the Royal Artillery Orchestra would cease to exist in favour of a forthcoming "State String Orchestra", now known as "The Countess of Wessex's String Orchestra " following the most recent cuts to Army Music. On Sunday 9 February 2014, the Royal Artillery Band, and a specially formed 'Veterans of
18392-631: The Royal Band South, of H.M. The Sultan of Oman. As the Mounted Band was at the time bereft of a director of music, the Tattoo Director of Music that year was Major D. Carson, Scots Guards. On 20 October 1984, a farewell dinner was held for the Royal Artillery Mounted Band, at the Warrant Officers' and Sergeants' Mess at Larkhill . Aside from the current members of the band, three former band members attended, including Ernie Langhope, who served in
18601-412: The Royal Corps of Army Music). As a Corps of Army Music unit, many of the band's traditions and customs changed, in order for it to become a standard band of the Corps (e.g. no longer were B-Flat bass tubas positioned in the front rank of the band, belts and cross belts were temporarily changed to the Corps' white colour, and band swords were temporarily removed, while the tempo marking for its quick marches
18810-621: The Royal Fireworks event, but the composer defiantly wrote on the score that all the oboe and bassoon parts should be doubled on strings (these players were again drafted from the Artillery) thereby confirming Handel's intention to use string players regardless of the King's express wish. Prior to those given by Handel, all public performances of music in England were arranged directly by the Church, with
19019-607: The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Hallé Orchestra of Manchester, to claim this title) thereby making it Britain's oldest orchestra, with an entirely unbroken history. There are spurious claims by two other military bands, for being the oldest in the kingdom, but these cannot be substantiated, and that there is a significant difference between bands of drums and fifes, or trumpets, and those in which all instruments play in both four part harmony and counterpoint. In
19228-570: The Royal Signals. (The Corps of the Royal Signals developed from the Royal Engineers Signals Unit, and was established in 1920). In 1894 there were a hundred and eighty-eight bands in the British Army, and this rose to a hundred and ninety-eight in 1926. It can be seen that for a small town to host this prestigious band was a big event, such as when Herne Bay invited the band to open its newly extended Central Bandstand in 1932. Over
19437-545: The Second World War, by RA Mountain Regiments in the campaign in Italy. The piece was arranged for orchestra, with a transcribed edition for military band, by Karl Kaps, as an 'English' (='slow', with 3 definite beats to the bar) waltz, and published by B. Feldman & Co. London. Despite the relative paucity of commercial albums released by the Royal Artillery Mounted Band, many of their tracks were frequently broadcast over
19646-597: The Second World War, the Royal Artillery Band was allotted a war station in Yorkshire, where it was responsible for tours in the Northern and Scottish Commands, and also completed a single tour of Northern Ireland. Towards the end of the war, the Band returned to London to serve the South Eastern Command, where it also provided a small detachment at Watford . There even existed a 'Royal Artillery Travelling Orchestra', which
19855-440: The Second World War, the band's uniform was identical to that worn by the RHA troops: khaki Service Dress with boots with puttees. The headdress was the khaki Service Dress cap, with a black leather chin strap, which continued to be worn by the Mounted Band until its last days. On the right arm forearm of the jacket, was a khaki worsted lyre, unique to artillery musicians. After the war, the band adopted, as its 'ceremonial' uniform,
20064-638: The Territorial Army's Artillery bands, and the Band of the Honourable Artillery Company, such as on Horseguards Parade in Whitehall. The three regular bands also appeared on two separate years as massed bands at the Edinburgh Tattoo . On 9 February 2014, The Royal Artillery Band (Woolwich) paraded for the last time, on Gordon Square, Woolwich, in preparation for the move of the Royal Regiment of Artillery to its new headquarters at Larkhill, Wiltshire. However,
20273-530: The Tower of London - the original home of the Royal Arsenal, where everything associated with artillery and grenades was produced, before a new arsenal was built at Woolwich. In 2007 the Royal Regiment left Woolwich, where it had been based since 1712 (receiving its 'Royal' title in 1714). The Band, which since 1993, as with all military bands in the army, had become absorbed into the newly formed Corps of Army Music (now
20482-659: The Troop. The King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery performed their Musical Drive at every Royal Tournament from its formation in 1947 to the final Royal Tournament on 2 August 1999. The Musical Drive can be seen at shows around the United Kingdom and always at the Royal Windsor Horse Show in May every year. Many of the manoeuvres of the Musical Drive have remained unchanged since it was first performed in 1897. The start, known as
20691-555: The Victorian police helmet). Throughout the 1950s and early 1960s, the RA No. 1 Dress peaked cap was worn as the sole form of ceremonial head dress. Unlike in all other bands, the Royal Artillery Band has always included a bandmaster as assistant to the Director of Music. Since the reorganization of bands, and the foundation of the Corps of Army Music, a bandmaster has been appointed to each band in
20900-641: The Woolwich band returned to London, to serve the South Eastern Command, with a small detachment of the band at Watford for the Eastern Command [the RA (Portsmouth) Band went to Cheshire for the Western Command, while the RA (Salisbury Plain) Band was sent to Bulford Camp for the Southern Command]. The number of days the Aldershot band spent away from headquarters, some of them in battle zones is: 176 (in 1941); 214 (in 1942); 171 (in 1943); 123 (in 1944). Upon
21109-775: The Yeomen Warders of the Tower Of London. Royal Bodyguard Corps and their origins The origin of the HAC pikemen in fact predates the formation, in 1485 under the reign of King Henry VII, of the Yeoman of the Guard of the State' (the Royal Bodyguard), based at St. James's Palace, and of the Yeomen Warders of the Tower of London (the Palace and Fortress Guard), whose almost identical livery
21318-402: The [RA] musicians "will be looked upon as actual soldiers and cannot leave the regiment without a formal discharge." In 1783, we see the first mention of "three Foot Guards bands, each of 8 performers." Permanent home of the Royal Artillery Band (until 2014) Woolwich has been the home of the Artillery since the fifteenth century, as an important defence position guarding the port of London, and
21527-506: The [oboe] and [bassoon] - four of each instrument". The articles of the band were written in German, but were also available translated into English, by virtue of the fact that the first eight musicians employed were German military personnel. The fact that the band was raised in Germany, in the same manner as the other Guards and regimental bands later founded, is by no means unusual. By November 1787,
21736-678: The bag could contain dried fruit (raisins) for sustenance when times were hard. It is also said that the other ranks' horse hair plumes were used in place of a shaving brush. Black leather chin strap faced with brass links. Only worn by King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery officers, and Royal Artillery directors of music. RA officers'-pattern ceremonial tunic (worn only by Directors of Music) in navy blue felt, quilt lined. Standing collar, fastened with hooks, and cuffs in scarlet felt, with scarlet piping to front button-hole edge. Ornate edging, and 'Austrian knots' in 18K gold twine braide. RA officers'-pattern bomb badges sewn onto collar. Gold epaulettes. Worn on
21945-408: The band (by now stationed at [Woolwich]) was under the command of its 'Master-Musician' Friederich Wiele, also an outstanding violinist. Among the eight musicians, there now numbered five Englishmen, and all of the musicians were capable of performing on stringed, as well as on wind, instruments. In 1795 the bandmaster George McKenzie described the band as possessing fifteen musicians. The proficiency of
22154-444: The band from 1920 to 1945. For the occasion the RA (Woolwich) Band provided a six-piece mess orchestra. Days after the farewell dinner, the band's remaining 24 members were posted to each of the remaining Royal Artillery's bands, with some following those who had already taken voluntary redundancy. James Lawson became the first bandmaster of the Royal Artillery Mounted Band in Woolwich, and was succeeded by Henry Sims in Aldershot, who
22363-524: The band of Northern Command, stationed from 1940 to 1945 in Hildebrand Barracks, Harrogate, North Yorkshire On 1 August 1947 the Royal Artillery Mounted Band, and the Portsmouth and Salisbury Plain bands were granted staff band status, along with three other corps bands. In the case of these Royal Artillery bands, they were to be known as "minor staff bands" because they were under the administration of
22572-522: The band of choice for the most prestigious of national occasions. One of the most notable occasions took place on 30 November 1954, when the Royal Artillery Band gave a concert at the Royal Albert Hall in honour of their great admirer, Sir Winston Churchill , on his 80th birthday. Exceptional musicians have always been drawn to the Royal Artillery Band and Royal Air Force Bands, but of particular interest are those who would become famous in Britain and
22781-423: The band sword [an image of the sword can be found by following the link at the bottom of the page] with this uniform. Standard pattern black leather shoes were worn. After the reintroduction of the busby, close-fitting cavalry-style trousers were adopted, and these were buckled under the instep of the 'George' boot, by the aid of leather straps. Silver dress spurs were screwed to the heel of the boot. The stable belt
22990-648: The band's extensive tour throughout Germany and in other European countries the band fulfilled many important engagements, including the British Week in Vienna ambassadorial event in October 1969. The band returned to the UK in 1972 to be stationed for the first time at Larkhill, on Salisbury Plain, where it replaced the newly styled 'Royal Artillery Alanbrooke Band' (formerly the Royal Artillery (BAOR) Band). By now, it had been decided that
23199-456: The band's return to Aldershot at the end of the war, at the King's suggestion, it was reinstated with the highly prized title 'Mounted Band' because of its former associations with the Royal Horse Artillery, and on the understanding that the RHA may at any time claim entitlement to the services of the band above all requests by other regiments. It is also notable, that the King's Troop, Royal Horse Artillery (who, when their guns are on parade, are at
23408-502: The band. These included the composers Gordon Langford and Harrison Birtwistle , the guitarists Julian Bream and John Williams , the jazz pianist and television composer Johnny Pearson (from 1965 - 1981 M.D. for BBC TV's "Top Of The Pops", pianist in John Schroeder's " Sounds Orchestral ", and M.D. to Cilla Black), the jazz flautist / saxophonist / film and television composer [Patrick] John Scott (Johnny Scott & The Scottmen),
23617-406: The busby. In 1894 a new style black sable busby was introduced (the earlier busby having once replaced the shako from c. 1850 until the end of the 1860s) with a scarlet bag on the right, and a brass grenade on the left, which held a red cut feather plume. The busby was held in place on the head by a brass chin chain, on a black leather strap. The busby (originally the headdress of hussars ) became
23826-483: The capabilities of the band were widely known and respected, and even included such exotic instruments as the accordion, and aforementioned bouzouki, with the band notably becoming the first to include a synthesizer in its commercial recordings under its then director of music, [Captain] Terence (Terry) Kenny. Musicians typically applied from all over the United Kingdom to join the band, responding to advertisements in such publications as 'Melody Maker' and 'Gramophone'. Kenny
24035-412: The carriage remained in permanent use, and then was stored in the Tower of London (where the artillery guns were made), where it was eventually destroyed by fire in the mid-nineteenth century. The uniform worn by the kettle-drummer, the driver, and the leader, was not the usual uniform of the Royal Artillery. Instead, they wore court livery, as is still seen worn by the drum majors and mounted musicians of
24244-445: The case of the Artillery, their musicians were also required to play stringed instruments. In January 1793, two troops of Royal Horse Artillery were raised, each being provided with two drummers "who also played upon the bugle-horn". In 1797 trumpeters were designated to these permanent troops. The band was supported financially solely by the officers of that regiment. At the advent of the nineteenth century, an unofficial mounted band
24453-477: The cavalry and foot guards regiments. Twenty musicians from the 'Artillerie Band' augmented the Royal Band of King George II aboard a barge on the River Thames , situated "close to the Royal Barge" for the first performance of the ' Water Music ', by George Frideric Haendel (Händel) , in 1717. It is likely that the Artillery raised additional musicians on ad hoc terms especially for the occasion (the title 'Royal'
24662-427: The coffin of Diana, Princess of Wales on a gun carriage to her funeral. On 14 September 2022, members of the King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery carried the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II on a gun carriage from Buckingham Palace to lie in state at Westminster Hall . The King's Troop was for 65 years stationed at St John's Wood Barracks before it was relocated to Napier Lines (also known as King George VI Lines) at
24871-403: The collar. The cuffs of the jacket were navy blue with an Austrian knot in gold cord. The pouch belt (worn over the left shoulder) was white leather with a large black patent leather pouch (for carrying music cards, on the flap of which was fastened the RA gun badge. The waistbelt was also of white leather, with a brass snake-hook clasp. The RA band-sword [see "The Royal Artillery Band" (¶1) above]
25080-456: The complete works of John Philip Sousa in 2000 on the Naxos label. The series is expected to reach sixteen volumes, and encompass marches, waltzes, operatic, and concert works, by the finest military bands and orchestras. Volumes 1 to 8 were recorded by the Royal Artillery Band, conducted by Keith Brion. In addition to the Royal Artillery Band ("Band of the Royal Regiment of Artillery"), there existed
25289-449: The composer's penchant for incorporating melodies that he associated with his personal experiences in life. Of his many lasting compositions, perhaps the most perennial are the suites "Robin Hood", "In Malaga", "Dance Of An Ostracized Imp", "Galavant", and "The Boulevardier", all of which continue to be performed, and recorded by orchestras worldwide. Other notable composers who wrote specially for
25498-422: The correct headdress for all mounted ceremonial duties, as well as for marching band. At some time during the late 1860s, the familiar modern helmet, with a ball replacing the usual spike (similar to that worn by policemen) appeared, which remained part of the uniform until 1894. [Shako >busby (c. 1850) >>modern helmet (from c. 1860) >>>modern busby (from 1894)] The tunic was not worn on horseback:
25707-592: The crossbelt (above). Navy blue cavalry-pattern tight-fitting cavalry-style pantaloons, with wide RA stripe in scarlet felt sewn onto outside of each leg. Leather straps with buckles are attached to the bottoms of the legs, which fasten under the arch of the boots. Cavalry officers'-pattern George boots in black patent leather, with box fittings in heels, for detachable silver spurs. Boots are secured by leather straps attached to hose. Other Ranks: RA sealskin [sable] busby (often artificial nowadays), with six-inch scarlet plume (horse hair) slotted into brass plume holder, in
25916-477: The crown from 1946 to 1987). The Honourable Artillery Company have always maintained through their ceremonial duties, close links with the Brigade of Guards. The Honourable Artillery's regimental band recruits a large number of ex-serving regular army musicians from the Royal Artillery, Corps of Royal Engineers and Guards as well as civilians with no previous military background. Apart from their source of musicians, there
26125-440: The current day. In 1897 the 'mounted portion' of the Royal Artillery Band was disbanded, leaving the Aldershot band to fulfil all remaining mounted ceremonial duties. During the tour of New Zealand, by the Royal Artillery (Woolwich) Band (May 1913 – March 1914), approximately half of that band remained in London to provide an orchestra. The RA Bands Committee chose to allow Mr Henry Sims and the Royal Artillery Mounted Band to fulfill
26334-461: The display team. Major Erica Bridge was the first female officer commanding the King's Troop. Together with the Household Division the King's Troop has appeared every June since 1997, when it made its first appearance, at Trooping the Colour , on Horse Guards Parade to celebrate the King's/Queen's Official Birthday. At the end of the event, the King's Troop ranks past the King. After the ceremony,
26543-442: The drums were described as being painted blue at the forefront, with rims in red, and carrying the arms of Great Britain. In 1772 the carriage was employed at the funeral of the first Duke of Marlborough, John Churchill . Until 1756 it remained in permanent use, and stored in the Tower of London (where the artillery guns were made), where it was eventually destroyed by fire in the mid-nineteenth century. Uniforms The uniform worn by
26752-441: The end of 1983, at Wembley Studios, under the baton of [Captain] Frank Anthony Renton. Frank Renton did much to maintain the high profile of the Mounted Band, not least to boost the morale of the musicians awaiting their fates under the looming shadow of disbandment, with a choice of being posted to either Woolwich, or Germany to join the Royal Artillery Band and Alanbrooke Band respectively, or redundancy. Throughout its long history
26961-452: The esteem they deserved, when on 25 October 1982, the last of the band's quinquennial inspections, by the Inspector of Army Bands took place at Larkhill. The number of band members by that time at fallen to 33. In the traditions set by the band, as has indeed was also the case at the two previous Kneller Hall inspections (as they are usually dubbed), the Royal Artillery Mounted Band was awarded
27170-490: The exceptions of processional music (royal, and military), and music for recruiting purposes. These performances of Handel's music are the first recorded in Britain, that were not connected to the Church, and among the first in Europe. Their popularity gave rise to occasional concerts before fee-paying audiences, and eventually to the existence of the first civilian professional orchestras, and the building of public concert halls. Thus
27379-535: The famous British public school of the same name. It was composed in 1863 by one Captain Algernon Drummond, and transcribed by T. L. Mitchell, and the piano accompaniment was arranged by Evelyn Wodehouse. The words of Kipling 's 'Screw Guns' from his 'Barrack Room Ballads' are well known to RA officers and soldiers. Screw guns were so-named, because the barrels could be broken down into pieces, to be carried on mules in mountainous regions. They were last used during
27588-495: The famous Italian conductor of the Royal Artillery Band, Cavaliere Ladislao Zavertal, deliberately took no notice of Mr Lawson's achievements, preferring to concentrate his efforts into transforming the Royal Artillery Orchestra (Britain's oldest-established permanent orchestra, founded in 1763) into the ensemble that would become renowned throughout Europe. The instrumentation of the Royal Artillery Band in Aldershot came largely from
27797-565: The form of a grenade, with the old-pattern RFA cap badge depicted on the 'bomb'. The plume (formerly scarlet cut-feathers) is held closed by a brass ring (a thicker ring is used on the Drum Major's headdress). No lanyard attached to cap. Red busby bag (as above). Black leather chin strap, faced with brass links. A similar busby is worn by the musicians of the Royal Engineers, and Royal Signals bands, with busby bags in their own Corps' colours, with
28006-493: The foundation year of the Mounted Band at Woolwich, news was received that the Duke of Cambridge had made the decision, that because of the large proportion of Horse and Field Artillery equipment, and troops situated in Aldershot, it was only right that the Garrison should have a mounted band permanently stationed there. During the following year, 25 mounted musicians and horses were posted to Aldershot, leaving 35 mounted musicians with
28215-488: The furore created on Woolwich Front Parade, when two buglers performed the Mess Call, playing 'The Roast Beefe of Olde England' in (inadvertent) two-part harmony. The original kettledrums of the Royal Regiment of Artillery were of a uniquely large pattern, and were mounted on a carriage, designed especially for the purpose. In 1772 the carriage was used at the funeral of the first Duke of Marlborough, John Churchill. Until 1756
28424-406: The heel with screws, rather than the 'box' spurs as worn by officers. The silver-plated kettledrums were covered in a dark blue 'bib' (drum banner). The harness was of brown leather with a brass-studded bridle and a breast plate of brass, depicting the grenade badge. The shabraque was likewise decorated. The third, or 'foot rein' was fastened onto the stirrups. The bit reins, and bridal reins rested in
28633-414: The highest possible marks in all areas, involving all ensemble combinations within the band. By the beginning of the year, the band comprised 24 members, not including its director of music. By The last official photographs of the individual members of the band were taken, and mounted in a large frame, to commemorate a band that had existed for almost a century. This set of photographs (shown above, right)
28842-482: The historic Georgian Royal Artillery Barracks became the home of the 24-piece Countess of Wessex's String Orchestra. In October 2019, it was announced that the band would relocate and subsequently disband, to become one of the forming bands of British Army Band Tidworth. The Royal Artillery Band served as the musical arm of the artillery branch of the British Army (the Royal Regiment of Artillery ). In May 1660,
29051-544: The history of British music, and in particular, of British military music, as being two of the oldest permanent musical organizations in the world, and can trace their origins as far back as 1557. The Band is closely linked to the English Artillerymen (Honourable Artillery Company), and the subsequent formation of the English Artillery regiments, which would eventually become the Royal Regiment of Artillery, and for
29260-494: The horse-drawn guns of the Artillery, from a German regional folk song. This is the original slow march of the Royal Artillery, and appeared in print, published by Thompson & Son, London, in 'The Compleat Tutor for the Fife', circa 1760. The Marquess of Granby (the Earl of Rutland) was master-general of the regiment (1763–1772), and was preceded by General Ligonier (1759–1763) after whom,
29469-476: The instruments of outdoor music. The most successful of these instruments were the saxophones (c. 1840), patented by Adolphe Sax , which although are regarded popularly as 'woodwind', are actually single-reed brass instruments. The Royal Artillery Band were quick to adopt the alto and tenor members from the family of nine instruments, which became useful in supporting the clarinets. Standardization of military bands, including instrumentation, sheet music, and drill,
29678-411: The jazz harpist, David Snell , and Ian Fraser , who was the most honoured musician in the history of British television, receiving 32 Emmy nominations and winning 11 times, plus and Oscar for his work on Leslie Bricusse's "Scrooge". He also composed music for films, and was M.D. to many popular singers, including Julie Andrews. Fraser was the last person to conduct "White Christmas" for Bing Crosby during
29887-401: The kettle-drummer, the driver, and the leader, was not the usual uniform of the Royal Artillery. Instead, they wore court livery, as is still seen worn by the drum majors and mounted musicians of the Household Cavalry, on royal and state occasions as of 2013 . The entitlement of the Royal Artillery Band to wear court livery (or state dress) still remains, though nowadays it is never exercised, and
30096-529: The kettledrums reads "Presented by His Majesty King William IV., 1833)." In 1815 the Band of the Coldstream Guards had risen to twenty-two 'bandsmen', while in 1812, it is also recorded that the Royal Artillery Band comprised thirty-eight 'musicians'. By regulations, all bands, except that of the Royal Artillery which was not controlled by the War Office , were restricted to ten players and a bandmaster in 1821. In 1823, regulations permitted fourteen players, by which time,
30305-603: The king gave up his residence at the Tower of London, which remained a royal palace, but still required a corps of men to guard the Tower of London. One can readily identify the Yeoman of the Guard by their shoulder belts on an otherwise identical livery. The Royal Bodyguard of the Gentlemen At Arms, although founded in 1509 is the senior corps of bodyguards to the Sovereign, by virtue of the fact that its members are gentlemen. Before
30514-553: The latter even have their equivalent of the King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery). Slight differences are obviously evident between the nations, for example, the Royal Canadian Artillery Band wear white plumes, and do not wear spurs. The Royal Artillery Busby (based on the standard Hussars-pattern head dress) was also adopted by the Corps of Royal Engineers and the Royal Corps Signals, from the Royal Engineers, came
30723-464: The limited five-note compass of the instrument, and so they persuaded the instrument maker, Henry Distin to supply them with sets of his newly patented chromatic attachments, to enable the bugle to have the same compass as the cornet. This proved very successful, particularly after the furore created on Woolwich Front Parade, when two buglers performed the Mess Call, playing 'The Roast Beefe of Olde England' in (inadvertent) two-part harmony. From that time,
30932-676: The massed Artillery bands on that occasion. The Royal Artillery musicians' uniforms are based on the officers' pattern ceremonial uniforms of the past. From its uniform are derived (in some cases almost identically) the uniforms of the bands of the Royal Canadian Artillery , the Royal Australian Artillery , the Royal New Zealand Artillery , and the Royal Netherlands Army Artillery (indeed
31141-513: The military band ensembles. On 17 May 1913 The Royal Artillery Mounted Band gave the first performance at the opening of the new bandstand, at the riverside promenade (The Groves) in Chester . In 1939 on the outbreak of war, the horses were returned to the Remount Depot. Before the end of 1940, the main four artillery bands were allotted their separate War stations. The Royal Artillery (Woolwich) Band
31350-454: The musical services of the 'Artillerie' [Royal Artillery] on 27 April 1749 at the Royal Fireworks in Green Park . [The number of musicians augmenting the Royal Band on that occasion is unspecified, but particular mention of the "Artillerie kettledrums (of a particularly large pattern)" is nevertheless well documented. Kettledrums were confined to royal events in those days, or in battles, and only
31559-409: The musicians ('bandsmen') would walk, rather than march, ahead of the fighting troops onto the battle field, in order to help boost the morale of the troops. The origins of this march are obscure. The piece was first documented as 'Mindener-Marsch', and possibly came into being during the battle of Minden. In style, it is a ceremonial 'Reiter-Marsch', or cavalry march, and probably adapted to accompany
31768-532: The musicians led to the desirability of more bands to entertain the numerous artillery regiments of the day. It is worth bearing in mind that although the Royal Artillery Band is the oldest permanent military band in Great Britain, its former years were not always within British shores, and because it remained unrecognized officially until 1762, 'official' bands existed first in the United States of America. By 1763
31977-415: The musicians led to the desirability of more bands to entertain the numerous artillery regiments of the day. King Louis 14th of France devised his own orchestra, the '24 Violinists of the King' based on the military orchestras of the day (in 1626) which infers that either those extant in Germany, or that of the still unofficial Royal Artillery Band were seen as models. Until the death of Queen Victoria, and for
32186-443: The musicians were capable of performing on stringed, as well as on wind, instruments. In 1795 the bandmaster George McKenzie described the band as possessing fifteen musicians. The rank of 'Musician' was still peculiar to the Royal Artillery alone; the rank of 'Private' was usual in all other bands, with the term 'bandsmen' used instead of 'performers' or 'musicians'. (During the ' Options For Change ' discussions between 1993 and 1996 it
32395-416: The neck of the animal. The saddle was the standard army pattern. So as to make a distinction between the two bands, no kettle drum bibs or shabraques were used by the 'Mounted Portion' at Woolwich. In 1899, in anticipation of the start of the new millennium, the brass 'bomb' plume holder was moved to the front of the Royal Artillery busby, and the plume was changed from cut feather to scarlet horsehair. During
32604-438: The new design of tunic, in navy with scarlet cuffs and collar, quilted silk lining, and additional 18 carat gold braiding. The braiding was more pronounced according to the rank of the wearer. This is the design that continues to be worn by the present Royal Artillery Band. The tune ' The British Grenadiers ' was first adopted for use as a regimental march by the Honourable Artillery Company (the oldest British regiment), during
32813-423: The new permanent home of the Royal Regiment of Artillery. On 7 February 2012, the King's Troop relocated from St. Johns Wood, to Woolwich. Both the Royal Regiment, and the Royal Artillery Band, have always been particularly close to the hearts of the reigning monarchs of the United Kingdom, who have been Captains General of the RA in their capacity as commanders in chief of the British Armed Forces. Indeed, Her Majesty
33022-500: The next sixty-seven years, the number of bands would decline. At the height of Queen Victoria's reign, the number of band personnel in the Royal Artillery rose to over one hundred and fifty, including its 'symphony orchestra' of over eighty musicians. The massed bands of the Royal Regiment of Artillery must therefore have been a truly formidable sight, particularly in the company of the Royal Artillery Mounted Band "The largest mounted band ever seen" (reprinted in 1984 in The Times ), and
33231-587: The number of recordings of marches by British composer Kenneth J. Alford. The band was the first British band to issue proper 'Big Dance Band' numbers in its recordings, since the Royal Air Force Band's 'Squadronaires' during, and immediately after the Second World War. "OUT OF THE BOX" The Royal Artillery Mounted Band Captain T. A. Kenny, A.R.C.M., p.s.m., R.A. Director of Music (Lismore 1974) "HAPPY MUSIC" The Royal Artillery Mounted Band Captain T. A. Kenny, A.R.C.M., p.s.m., R.A. Director of Music Royal Artillery Band The Royal Artillery Band
33440-401: The officers of the regiment, and disbanded after every event. It wasn't until 1762, that a total of eight musicians would be hired permanently by the Regiment, when the Royal Artillery Band was 'officially' formed at Minden, Germany. In 1717 twenty (civilian) musicians - eight wind instrumentalists and twelve drummers - from the 'Artillerie' list augmented the Royal Band of King George II aboard
33649-401: The only other band capable of providing a full symphony orchestra was the Band of the Royal Engineers, at Chatham. Other ensembles currently provided by the Band include a concert band, a brass quintet, a string quartet and sextet, a jazz quartet, a woodwind quintet, and a contemporary Rock orchestra called 'Voice of the Guns'. The Orchestra appeared in 2011 as 'House Band' at the first revival of
33858-399: The original purpose of the red tunic was to denote soldiers of the King's bodyguard, which included the Artillerie Pikemen (HAC), the Yeoman of the Guard, the Yeoman Warders of the Tower of London, the Lifeguards, and the First and Second Footguards. In Scotland, the Royal Company of Archers has existed since 1676, to provide a similar function in Scotland to that of the Yeomen of the Guard, and
34067-402: The patrol jacket of the royal artillery was worn instead. The patrol jacket was made of navy blue cloth with a scarlet collar edged in gold lace; at each side on the front were gilt grenade badges. The front of the jacked was piped with yellow-ochre rope (later replaced with gold Russia braid) and was fastened by hooks and eyes. The shoulder straps were gold cords held in place by a gilt button at
34276-400: The plume mounted in a similar plume holder to the side of the cap. The Bandmaster's busby is similar to that worn by the Director of Music, but the white plume is smaller. At various times during the Band's history, other forms of head dress were worn, according to fashion. These included the bearskin cap (similar to that worn by Guardsmen), the shako, and the pith helmet (identical in shape to
34485-412: The prestigious rank of "Captain General" both of the Royal Artillery and of the Honourable Artillery Company. Fifes Fifers were added at the instigation of the officers of the Regiment to the Royal Artillery Corps of Drummers in 1748 on a permanent basis, and this unit continued until after the Crimean War , when it became a bugle band. It soon became apparent that the musicians were becoming bored with
34694-422: The privilege of heading the lord mayor of London's processions, and the funeral procession of Queen Victoria in 1901 where it preceded the hearse. Under its famous bandmaster, Mr James Lawson, the band contributed regularly to the Woolwich Town Hall concerts, but purely as a military band , "in which sphere [as was widely documented at the time], it eclipsed the Royal Artillery Band. It ought to be mentioned, that
34903-568: The radio throughout the 1970s, and original pieces from the band's library were often heard in special arrangements by the leading light orchestras of the day, such as Paul Fenhoulet & His Orchestra ('Serenade For A Gondolier'), and Frank Chacksfield & His Orchestra ('Souvenir de Montmatre') on such shows as 'Friday Night Is Music Night', and on LPs. The prolific novelty compositions by former director of music Terry Kenny (including under numerous pseudonyms) continue to be recorded by military bands, and wind bands worldwide, and now closely rival
35112-411: The regiment's massed bands – the Royal Artillery Mounted Band (forty-seven strong), and the (forty strong) Royal Artillery Alanbrooke Band). In 1980, the Army Board had come to the conclusion that the Royal Artillery Band, the Royal Artillery Mounted Band, and the Royal Artillery Alanbrooke Band would be required to adopt a wartime role. At that time, there were sixty-eight bands in the Army, and apart from
35321-480: The right arm is the unique RA Musician lyre badge, in 18K gold twine on black felt (all other British army musicians wear the standard Army bandsman-pattern lyre badge). Leather, covered with 18K gold panel and braiding, attached to which is a cavalry standard-pattern pouch at rear, onto which is mounted a brass RA gun badge. Depending on the instrument played, a crossbelt may cause damage to the instrument, or be restrictive to movement. Therefore, not all musicians wear
35530-444: The right arm is the unique Royal Artillery musician pattern lyre, in 18K gold wire on a black felt background. All other musicians in the British Army wear the standard bandsman pattern lyre, with the exception of musicians from The Household Division who do not wear a lyre on their uniforms. Leather, covered with 18K gold panel and braiding, attached to which is an RA officers'-pattern embroidered pouch at rear. In matching pattern to
35739-403: The rise of the Royal Horse Artillery at the command of the Duke of Marlborough, and later also for the King's Troop, Royal Horse Artillery (formerly the Riding Troop). The first documented accounts of music in the "English Artillery" date back to 1557 at the battle of St. Quentin , where the Artillery had their "drumme and phife (or fyffe) ". Bands known as 'Hoboys' ( Fr. hautbois = oboes) of
35948-426: The royal hearse, and the ceremonial troops of both the Royal Horseguards and the Lifeguards, followed by the Royal Artillery (Woolwich) Band. It was the first military band in Great Britain to ever appear on cinematic film. Like all bands of the Royal Regiment of Artillery, the band maintained a full orchestra capability for which it was in great demand, particularly throughout Europe during the Cold War years. The band
36157-440: The royal lace" (i.e. 'royal livery' as still worn today by the Household Cavalry Band). The royal lace is a 22-karat gold braid with two thin purple stripes. The English Artillery's (civilian) musicians expanded into an eight-piece ensemble consisting of 4 oboes and 4 bassoons, with each of the musicians required to also perform at Court on a stringed instrument, and increasingly at regimental dinners. The eight musicians were hired by
36366-403: The second, and all subsequent military band in Britain became recognized officially. Indisputably, the Royal Artillery Band, with its well documented pedigree, is the oldest permanent employer of professional musicians in the kingdom, and the Royal Artillery Orchestra predates the first permanent civilian orchestra in the kingdom by 50 years (among those, there exists a long-standing rivalry between
36575-542: The short duration of the melody has always resulted in unwanted repetition, but in 1983, Lieutenant-Colonel Stanley Patch (then director of music) provided a suitable solution, by adding the 'Trio' section of another favourite artillery march, 'The Voice of The Guns', composed by Major F.J. Ricketts under the pseudonym ' Kenneth J. Alford '. The popularity of the tune 'The British Grenadiers' rivalled that of its contemporary ' Lilliburlero ', and subsequently led to its adoption by all regiments who wear as their cap or collar badges,
36784-418: The singer's last TV special in 1977. Having composed many film scores in the U.K., John Scott went to live and work in Hollywood as a film composer, but in his earlier days, he made several successful singles as a jazz flautist and was the saxophonist in several of John Barry's score for the James Bond films in the sixties, including in "Goldfinger". Today's busy schedule includes regular public duties, such as
36993-410: The standard British Army sword, as worn by warrant officers. King%27s Troop, Royal Horse Artillery The King's Troop, Royal Horse Artillery , is a ceremonial unit of the British Army , quartered at Woolwich . It is a mounted unit and all of its soldiers are trained to care for and drive teams of six horses, each team pulling a First World War -era QF 13-pounder gun ; six teams are used in
37202-448: The standard roll of Training Officer / Musician. Bandsman-pattern navy blue felt tunic, quilt lined. Standing collar, fastened with hooks, and cuffs in scarlet felt, with scarlet piping to front button-hole edge. Ornate edging (with emphasis on rank held reflected in gauge), and 'Austrian knots' in 18K gold twine braide (with emphasis on rank held reflected in gauge). Other ranks'-pattern RA bomb badges (gold twine) sewn onto collar. Worn on
37411-461: The status of the band was made official. In 1763 other bands were adopted by various regiments and gradually became officially recognized. Prior to this period all bands (other than the RA Band) were raised only for special occasions and purposes, and were not paid for by the State, but by the officers of their particular regiments. Immediately afterwards they were dissolved. The Royal Artillery Band numbered eight players who "should be proficient upon
37620-468: The string players continued their careers in civilian orchestras, and at one time there was a predominance of ex-RA Mounted Band string players in the Royal Opera House Orchestra. Private orchestral engagements were particularly varied, and even included playing for all-Strauss galas and fashion shows, namely at the Hilton Hotel in Vienna, and accompanying artistes such as Harry Secombe, Eve Boswell, Moira Anderson, and others. These assets were suitably accorded
37829-403: The symbol of the grenade. These include the Grenadier Guards, and all Fusilier regiments. Prior to the Royal Artillery adopting 'The British Grenadiers' as its regimental quick march, 'The Train of Artillery' (as it is now known) was the rather elegant (medium-)quick march of the royal regiment. This march first appeared in print, published by Thompson & Son, London, in 'The Compleat Tutor for
38038-447: The then Duke of Connaught arranged for a searchlight display to take place in Aldershot, for Queen Victoria. The Royal Artillery Mounted Band, as the main band opened the impressive display, that would become the first of the Aldershot Command searchlight tattoos, held annually to audiences often exceeding 500,000. Among its other prestigious engagements, the Royal Artillery Mounted Band "the largest mounted band ever seen" [The Times] had
38247-424: The traditional Royal Artillery Barracks at Woolwich in February 2012. Because of the greater distance from central London, the troop can no longer ride to many ceremonial events. Horses are transported by vehicle to stables in central London for appearances at Hyde Park, Buckingham Palace and elsewhere. The King's Troop has about 140 members. Women were able to apply from 1996, and eventually made up about 40% of
38456-415: The true tradition of the Royal Artillery bands, played at least two instruments – one military band instrument and one orchestral (one of its musicians was recruited as a bouzouki player / violist, who also learned to play the clarinet!). This would be the high point in the size of the band, before it began to slowly diminish in size, though not in stature. The diversity and number of ensembles contained within
38665-409: The two bands would alternate locations every five years. The new arrangement continued until the final return of the Mounted Band to Larkhill, where it was disbanded within months of making its last-ever appearance at the Edinburgh Military Tattoo in 1984. The Royal Artillery was required in 1976 to provide a band to play for the Mounting of the Guard at Buckingham Palace. So that the Royal Artillery Band
38874-401: The unit's Musical Drive. The Troop's duties include firing salutes on royal and state occasions, participation in parades, and the duties of the King's Life Guard at Horse Guards for one month each year. The unit provides the gun carriage and team of black horses for state funerals. The unit is most often seen providing gun salutes on state occasions in Hyde Park , and Green Park . After
39083-399: The unusual busby as worn by the Royal Air Force Music Service until 2011. RHA officers' pattern sealskin (formerly bearskin) busby (not to be confused with the bearskin cap , as worn by soldiers in the guards, and infantry), with tall white plume (ostrich feathers) attached to ferrule to the top of the front. Lanyard looped around cap. Red busby bag apparently, during the Napoleonic period,
39292-413: The various other minor artillery bands that also existed. At the International Music Festival in Le Havre in 1925 the Royal Artillery Band won three first prizes, plus the coveted Conductor's Medal. By the end of the British Empire, its size had reduced, but it continued to grow again, until, in 1977, the band comprised one hundred and twenty musicians, and on special occasions could be seen on parade with
39501-470: The very first public bandstands date from this period. England's Two Artillery Regiments At the formation of the now 'Royal Artillery' regiment in 1720, a special unit of artillerymen - which had been in existence since 1537 by royal charter, and which incorporated the Artillery Pikemen who date back to c. 1450 - the Honourable Artillery Company - was designated a ceremonial role, and in this capacity, they continue to exist, still maintaining their own band,
39710-451: The world, as composers, solo performers, and as music directors (M.D.s) or bandleaders. Many established professional players from London's orchestras joined the band upon call-up at the start of World War 2, such as the celebrated French horn player, Alan Civil (RA Woolwich), but towards the end of the war, and for the remainder of the National Service years, several musicians started their careers at Woolwich, to become famous after they left
39919-639: Was Britain's first permanent professional orchestra. All other bands in the British Army received official, permanent status from 1763 onward. Now that the band's overall history of over four and a half centuries has come to an end, it is now claimed that the Band of the Grenadier Guards are the oldest band, with their overall history of over three hundred and thirty years. It is however, important to consider that until 1762, all military bands were formed as and when required, and then immediately disbanded when not, and that they consisted only of hired, civilian musicians; becoming integrated professional soldiers in 1762 (in
40128-424: Was able to still meet its previously agreed commitments for orchestra, the Royal Artillery Mounted Band formed the bulk of the 50-piece palace band, with its remaining men drawn from Woolwich. The Woolwich musicians being in the minority were thereby required to remove their band swords, to satisfy a uniform appearance. All three RA bands were reunited, with support from the various affiliated Territorial Army bands, at
40337-443: Was added, with emphasis on rank of the wearer. Patent leather boots were worn by the 'other ranks' for the first time. As the famous Royal Artillery Mounted Band had been disbanded in 1984, the only other regular Army band to appear on that parade, was the Royal Artillery Alanbrooke Band (disbanded in 1993). From the Territorial Army, the Regimental Band of the Honourable Artillery Company and South Notts Hussars (RHA) Band contributed to
40546-439: Was an obvious requirement if different bands were to perform together. Carlo Boosé, Bandmaster of the Scots Guards (himself German) recognized the need for uniformity of instrumentation. In 1845 he produced the first British publication of a military band arrangement, which was received with such great enthusiasm, that the firm Boosey & Co. provided the funds to establish 'Boosé's Military Journal'. The number of musicians in
40755-417: Was bandmaster from 1886 to 1918. In 1919 it was decided by the Royal Military School of Music and the War Office, that 'Directors of Music' would head the three bands of the Household Cavalry , all bands of the Royal Regiment of Artillery, the Bands of the Royal Engineers, and the regimental bands of the five regiments of footguards of the Brigade of Guards. All other bands retained a 'Bandmaster' as head, and
40964-454: Was changed from crotchet equals 116 beats per minute to 120). The band moved to its new permanent base at Larkhill, until its eventual merging to form a new style 'British Army band' to satisfy further cuts to army music. By November 1787, the Band (by now stationed at Woolwich ) was under the command of its 'Master-Musician' Friederich Wiele, also an outstanding violinist. Among the eight musicians, there now numbered five Englishmen, and all of
41173-419: Was conducted by the composer Robert Still, to support the main band, by allowing them to concentrate on their regimental and ceremonial engagements. The war years saw many associations between the Band and fellow Gunner celebrities, such as Max Jaffa , Eric Fenby , Harry Secombe , Frankie Howerd and Spike Milligan , as well as recordings and broadcasts with the Orchestra, for Vera Lynn , which it shared with
41382-433: Was disbanded in 1984 as a result of Ministry of Defence cost-cutting measures. "...the largest mounted band ever seen" ' [The Times, June 1984]. The first documented accounts of music in the 'English Artillery' date back to 1557 at the battle of St. Quentin (1557) , where the Artillery had their "drumme and phife". Bands known as 'Hoboys' from the hautbois ( oboes ) of the French Horse Grenadiers, appeared throughout
41591-497: Was expected to also play a stringed instrument in addition to either a wind, or a percussion instrument. The orchestra would typically play for three or four mess functions (i.e. banquets) per week, with certain musicians remaining to provide a dance band until the early hours in the morning, with most of the musicians still being required to appear in the military band on various parade grounds throughout Germany, in addition to frequent private (civilian) engagements and concerts. Many of
41800-454: Was finally decided to abolish the system of regimental bands of the line, and to retain only the staff- and corps- bands. Today, there are no 'bandsmen' in the British Army, as those remaining in service all hold the appointment 'Musician'). In 1802 the Band had recorded twenty-one performers (the increase was probably owing to the absorption into its ranks of the Band of the Royal Irish Artillery , on its disbandment in 1801). The proficiency of
42009-404: Was first used in 1720). In 1731 we find the Hoboys of the Honourable Artillery Company , which consisted of three oboes, a curtal "and no more". The composer Händel once again enlisted the services of the now 'Royal' Artillery Band on 27 April 1749 at the Royal Fireworks in Green Park . The number of musicians who augmented the Royal Band on that occasion is unspecified, but particular mention of
42218-438: Was founded and formed by Lieutenant Colonel W. Phillips, at the Battle of Minden (1759) in Germany. It was granted official status in 1762. Phillips had much experience of seeing and listening to the Prussian bands, on which he unsurprisingly modelled his band. By the following year, the (German) musicians - of whom one, John Michael Bach, was the son of the third cousin to Johann Sebastian Bach - were now permanent paid members of
42427-407: Was initially supported well by the majority of military bands, but with only four pupils to represent the Household Cavalry and Foot Guards. However, both the Royal Artillery and Royal Engineers Bands continued to train their musicians exclusively at the Royal Artillery Junior Musicians Troop at Woolwich – a practice that would continue until the 1980s, later also including musicians from the Band of
42636-403: Was made responsible for tours in the Northern and Scottish Commands, and a single tour of duty in Northern Ireland. The Royal Artillery Mounted Band was renamed 'The Royal Artillery (Aldershot) Band' for the duration of the war, and moved in 1941 to Harrogate in North Yorkshire, to take over the Northern and Scottish Commands (to be stationed at Hildebrand Barracks, Penny Pot Lane, Harrogate), while
42845-438: Was no longer worn, but replaced by the standard officer pattern leather cross belt, worn over the left shoulder, which was covered in 18 carat gold wire, with a small black patent leather pouch, onto which a gilt RA gun badge was fastened. In preparation for the birthday parade for Her Majesty The Queen, on Horse Guards Parade, London (June 1986), musicians from the surviving RA (Woolwich), and RA (Alanbrooke) bands were measured for
43054-408: Was not worn, and so the sword slings were linked together. Peculiar to the Mounted band were the girdles (similar to the broader stable belts of today) that were worn together with the pouch belts. The girdle (introduced in 1904) sported the RA colours, red, and blue, and was fastened with brass olivettes and loops (originally at the wearer's front, then at the side). A year later, a wider version, with
43263-428: Was originally formed at Woolwich, London , on 19 January 1878, under the direction of its bandmaster, James Lawson, who had formerly led both the Royal Artillery Bugle Band and the Royal Artillery Brass Band. A surplus of horses from the Royal Horse Artillery and Royal Field Artillery prompted the creation of The Royal Artillery Mounted Band (Woolwich) which comprised 62 musicians, 42 of these mounted on horses. Later in
43472-419: Was succeeded by [Captain] Brian Hicks as director of music in October 1977. Hicks remained with the band until the first year of its return to Salisbury Plain. Prior to the band's return to the United Kingdom in 1982, it could still muster 38 musicians, however, following voluntary redundancies and postings to other bands, the number of musicians declined to 24 by the time its ultimate album was recorded, towards
43681-412: Was the first official, and permanent British military band (and former symphony orchestra) originating in 1557, but granted official status in 1762. Consisting of woodwind, brass, and percussion instruments (and from 1787, also stringed instruments), it represented both the Royal Regiment of Artillery, and the state. The Royal Artillery Orchestra (of the Royal Artillery Band) [disbanded on 9 February 2014]
#540459