The Bands of the Household Division recently celebrated a special centenary.

It marked 100 years of the Massed Bands of the Five Regiments of Foot Guards, when, with the formation of the Welsh Guards, the 'set' that now represents the British Army, Royal Family and the Nation, was completed.

Brass Explosion

In recognition, the bands presented a week-long Music Festival, with one particular highlight a day long 'Brass Explosion' by Guards Brass featuring acclaimed trumpet soloist Adam Rapa.

Adam joined for an open rehearsal in which he helped the band explore the intricate, evocative world of his own arrangements and compositions, before leading a brilliant open workshop for players and general public.

The day concluded with a stunning concert, as Adam was joined by Guards Brass under Warrant Class One Andrew Porter of the Irish Guards and the acclaimed Surrey Brass ensemble.

Fantastic experience

A spokesperson told 4BR: "Working with Adam was a fantastic experience. He is such an inspiring musician — confident, witty, detailed and intuitive. The players and conductors certainly learnt a lot and the response from the workshops was great."

They added: "Musicians in the Corps of Army Music are fortunate to enjoy opportunities like this as part of their continual professional development programme.

It's what makes a career with us so rewarding, especially as the Household Division can perform in these festival weeks and enjoy the opportunity to perform in the wonderful acoustic of the Guards Chapel."

Danish detour

Following the festival, it has been musical action on a very different stage for the Irish Guards Band, who recently returned from a week in Denmark providing support to the annual Ringrider Festival in Sonderborg.

The band incorporated a busy schedule of parades, escorts and concerts, as well as being the star attraction at the military tattoo, performing a British themed set including 'All Through the Night', Irish marches and a selection of music by Sir Edward Elgar.

The finale was conducted by Irish Guards Director of Music, Major Bruce Miller and included 'Highland Cathedral', 'Amazing Grace' and 'The Day Thou Gavest'.

Throughout the week the 'Micks', as they playfully call themselves, also worked alongside the elite level Aarhus Brass Band and their conductor John Fredericksen.

Bringing together

The Irish Guards spokesperson added: "It was fantastic to bring together different musical cultures — the symphonic wind band and the brass band, in this way. The enthusiasm of Aarhus was second to none and sharing the tattoo and concert at the town hall with them and other musical ensembles left us with a very positive and lasting memory.

These tours are important not just for our profile but to help strengthen ties between two nations and especially the local communities we interact with. That is the power of music at any level, and it was wonderful to both see and hear."

Musicians in the Corps of Army Music are fortunate to enjoy opportunities like this as part of their continual professional development programmespokesperson

Pride

Meanwhile, whilst the Irish Guards were in Denmark, the Welsh Guards under the direction of Lt Col Kevin Roberts provided musical support to the massive 'Pride' parade through London.

The band led 200 Armed Forces and civilian Defence personnel in marking the 50th anniversary of the partial decriminalisation of homosexuality in England and Wales, adding to the electric atmosphere with music as diverse as ABBA to Bon Jovi.

Their spokesperson told 4BR: "As an organisation we cherish the values of democracy; tolerance, openness and equality of opportunity. Our 'Diversity and Inclusion Programme' aims to make us representative of modern society, so it was a thrill and an honour to be part of a wonderful occasion."

Inclusive

Finally, further inclusion was observed at the National Arboretum where musicians from the Household Division formed part of a Tri-Service all-female band celebrating 100 years since the Army Council, through Instruction Number 1069, formally recognised women in the Armed Forces.

And just to round things off, the Bands of the Household Division were able to get back into the normal State routine by adding to the spectacle of the recent State Visit of King Felipe and Queen Letizia of Spain.

In action

You can see the Band of the Irish Guards next at the Corps of Army Music Summer Academy 7th — 12th August, particularly the final concert on Saturday 12th August commencing at 12 noon.

The Band of the Grenadier Guards will also be presenting a concert, 'Fields of Honour' in the Guards Chapel on Friday 28 July at 7.00pm.