Marching on Across America

The following is a guest blog by Lance Corporal Rob Howe from the Band of the Scots Guard. Lance Corporal Howe is currently taking part in the Pipes and Drums of The Black Watch and the Military Band of the Scots Guards 2013 US tour.

One of the many wonderful aspects of life in The Scots Guards Band is the opportunity to travel and I had always hoped to have the chance to tour in the USA. Over the years I had seen 3 other Guards Bands undertake the CAMI Tour in the USA; The Welsh Guards in 2006, The Coldstream Guards in 2008 and The Irish Guards in 2010; so knowing we had been selected for the 2013 tour was an exciting proposition. Joining us on the tour are the Pipes, Drums and Dancers of the Black Watch, 3rd Battalion Royal Regiment of Scotland who, coincidentally, had toured with the band in 1998.

On Wednesday 9th January, the band flew to New York and then travelled by coach to Philadelphia. The following day was spent rehearsing the show as it had been some time since our rehearsals in London. It also gave Major Vernon Yates, our new Director of Music the opportunity to put the final touches on the musical aspects of the show. Despite taking up much of the day, we still managed to sample the local cuisine and squeeze in a Philly cheese steak that evening!

Friday morning was spent sightseeing, visiting the Liberty Bell and running up the steps that are featured in the movie ‘Rocky’ (which some found easier than others!) The band had its first show that evening at the Kimmel Center in Philadelphia so the afternoon consisted of a final rehearsal in the venue, kit cleaning and finished with a lovely buffet that had been put on for us.

We played to a packed audience. One of the highlights of the night was playing ‘Amazing Grace’ with the pipes which led to the first of many standing ovations. ‘Amazing Grace’ was written especially for this tour by the previous DOM Major Simon Haw and features Dear Lord and Father of Mankind, Last Post and its American equivalent, Taps.

In our first 10 days we travelled over 1,000 miles across four states, performing shows in Philadelphia, Greenvale, Easton, Rockville, Gettysburg, York, Union and New Brunswick. The reception from the audiences has been tremendous throughout as has been the hospitality extended to us.

The band had the opportunity to tour New York City on our first day off, including the Empire State Building, Statue of Liberty and Times Square to name but a few. However, the most memorable part of the visit was the 9/11 Memorial at Ground Zero. A most moving experience, our tour guide recounted the events of that unimaginable day almost 12 years ago. The beautiful memorials provide a most fitting tribute to those who lost their lives on that day.

The early part of the tour also provided an opportunity to visit Washington DC and the many impressive memorials and attractions including the White House, the Martin Luther King Memorial and the Marine Corps War Memorial outside Arlington Cemetery. As members of Her Majesty’s Forces this again proved a very special day and provided an opportunity to pay our respect.

At every show, members of the band have been fundraising for the Scots Guards Colonel’s Fund, selling charity wrist bands with proceeds going to assist wounded guardsmen and their families. In the first 7 shows we have raised over $7,000, which is a great start. The 1st Battalion, Scots Guards are currently serving on operations in Afghanistan and the Regimental Band wishes them a good tour and safe return.

In the coming weeks we will be travelling to Canada, the mid-west and deep south.

More about the tour:

Regimental dancing, flashing red ceremonial dress, and historic music by the Pipes and Drums of The Black Watch and the Military Band of the Scots Guards have entertained American audiences since they first visited the United States in 1872. Beginning in 1955, they have regularly toured the US coast-to-coast. Having played troops into famous battles like Waterloo, these world-renowned musicians have toured the globe, performing at official state functions and engaging many cultures around the world. Organised by CAMI Inc., this 2013 tour combines both historic Regimental bands as they perform 59 shows in over 50 cities over 3 months around the US and Canada.

More about Lance Corporal Rob Howe

Lance Corporal Howe is touring America and blogging along with Major Halliday on music and exploring America as a part of a series on the tour travelling America. Howe is a Percussionist with the Band of the Scots Guards. In the months of preparation for this tour, members of the band were delegated different aspects of the tour. Due to his personal interest in electronic media and photography, Howe will be keeping us up-to-date along with Major Andrew Halliday.