my son's godfather was part of the ceremonial guard 3 yrs ago this summer. he was incredible and seeing thes guys preform last summer was definately a treat:)
The Quantico Marine Band scenes of the 1980's would have put this scene to shame. Too bad the Naval Reserve Band has had a diminished role in the Tattoo over the years, but even more disappointing is that the Quantico, Marine Band has not been involved in a long time.
Good scene, but very much like the Naval Reserve National Band scenes of the 1980's. The choice of the music is not as good, but the CG do have impressive uniforms.
Haha I flipped when i saw my rank's dressing in this video (percussion plus 1 sax) - the days after this were muuuch better thanks to seeing this put up.
Just to clear up a few things, the band invented and learned this routine in the span of 2 half-day rehearsals - as a complimenting band routine was suddenly requested last-minute.
Also @ emptyangel, there are lots of people in CG who have deployed to Afghanistan and elsewhere - even a few within the band & pipes.
Marc, I take no offense, nor have you hit a nerve regarding your comments on the Ceremonial Guard. It isn't a unit I've ever particularly liked, but, as with any new recruits, they rapidly get better as the summer progresses and they perform their Parliament Hill ritual every single day, rain or shine. You would probably be a good cadidate as an RSM. Enjoyed your many other postings.
You seem to reply a lot on the Ceremonial Guard videos with nothing constructive to say!
These people only had 3 weeks to practice about 9 routines.
Ceremonial Guard is a company and band of part-time reservists, many serving their very FIRST year ever in the army. Give them a little respect. They work hard, sound great, and look pretty damn excellent for who they are!
Please tell me what exactly makes them less professional than the UK?
The Irish Guards who trooped their colour this year was almost entirely made up of fresh recruits, so I don't see that as an 'excuse'.
Furthermore, it's rather unsightly to see the Guards do any sort of drill routines or try to be like the Americans with their rifle spinning and such.
The Americans have dedicated teams who do nothing but ceremonial drill 24/7 and get medals for it. The way I see it, why bother if you're not going to look nothing short of absolutely perfect.
Don't fool yourself ... just spend 14 days in England at Windsor Castle with the Irish Guards, Grenadiers, Royal Scotts and the Welsh Guards ... and believe me, todays Guards aren't the Guards of the past. They're no better nor any worse than the Ceremonial ... in fact I'd say the Ceremonial are better in drill and deportment by a long shot.
Trooping displays only appear to be flawless to the sheer volume of troops. Dressing is NEVER accurate, and honestly, it's not very difficult to march in a straight line holding and presenting the rifle.
With respect to the band, the Brits do sound better than the Canadian Ceremonial Guard, however, if you observe their instrument drill, it's sloppy.
It's meant to be sloppy, they're musicians first soldiers later.
That's another thing that bugs me, the Ceremonial Guard Band moves like an American marching band.
Entire body is rigid, instruments always held at an exact angle, often a peculiar one. It's as if a robot is playing the music.
As far as I know, I don't think there are any regulations regarding instrument drill in the UK. With the exception of trombone, cornet and tuba/euphonium players who have to have the right posture.
"The official line is; we are musicians first, soldiers second. Our primary role in life is to provide music in support of the army, in and out of operations. But, we are always ready to assume an operational role when required."
Skip to 7:50 to hear directly from the mouth of the Director of Music, Band of the Grenadier Guards.
my son's godfather was part of the ceremonial guard 3 yrs ago this summer. he was incredible and seeing thes guys preform last summer was definately a treat:)
stefansmom 1 year ago
The band does a very nice job in every respect. Thanks for posting this video.
trapezemusic 2 years ago
The Quantico Marine Band scenes of the 1980's would have put this scene to shame. Too bad the Naval Reserve Band has had a diminished role in the Tattoo over the years, but even more disappointing is that the Quantico, Marine Band has not been involved in a long time.
doctored66 2 years ago
Good scene, but very much like the Naval Reserve National Band scenes of the 1980's. The choice of the music is not as good, but the CG do have impressive uniforms.
doctored66 2 years ago
Colin Madeiros,
I can hear your glorious sound in Gibraltar!
Dunavec 2 years ago
Haha I flipped when i saw my rank's dressing in this video (percussion plus 1 sax) - the days after this were muuuch better thanks to seeing this put up.
Just to clear up a few things, the band invented and learned this routine in the span of 2 half-day rehearsals - as a complimenting band routine was suddenly requested last-minute.
Also @ emptyangel, there are lots of people in CG who have deployed to Afghanistan and elsewhere - even a few within the band & pipes.
Roo4You 2 years ago
1:04 best song i think ive heard for the military
pyemaster3 2 years ago
Marc, I take no offense, nor have you hit a nerve regarding your comments on the Ceremonial Guard. It isn't a unit I've ever particularly liked, but, as with any new recruits, they rapidly get better as the summer progresses and they perform their Parliament Hill ritual every single day, rain or shine. You would probably be a good cadidate as an RSM. Enjoyed your many other postings.
dobert49 2 years ago
No offence, I know these guys are reservist and part-timers but they could have done with a little more practice.
Look at the actual Guards over in the UK, they can manage looking amazing on parade and still fight the Taliban in Afghanistan.
emptyangel 2 years ago
You seem to reply a lot on the Ceremonial Guard videos with nothing constructive to say!
These people only had 3 weeks to practice about 9 routines.
Ceremonial Guard is a company and band of part-time reservists, many serving their very FIRST year ever in the army. Give them a little respect. They work hard, sound great, and look pretty damn excellent for who they are!
Please tell me what exactly makes them less professional than the UK?
Giggles154242 2 years ago
The Irish Guards who trooped their colour this year was almost entirely made up of fresh recruits, so I don't see that as an 'excuse'.
Furthermore, it's rather unsightly to see the Guards do any sort of drill routines or try to be like the Americans with their rifle spinning and such.
The Americans have dedicated teams who do nothing but ceremonial drill 24/7 and get medals for it. The way I see it, why bother if you're not going to look nothing short of absolutely perfect.
emptyangel 2 years ago
Don't fool yourself ... just spend 14 days in England at Windsor Castle with the Irish Guards, Grenadiers, Royal Scotts and the Welsh Guards ... and believe me, todays Guards aren't the Guards of the past. They're no better nor any worse than the Ceremonial ... in fact I'd say the Ceremonial are better in drill and deportment by a long shot.
dobert49 2 years ago
Obviously, I hit a nerve.
You must be blind to see that the Canadian Guards are better at drill than the British Foot Guards themselves.
Go watch Trooping the Colour and such, flawless display right there.
emptyangel 2 years ago
Trooping displays only appear to be flawless to the sheer volume of troops. Dressing is NEVER accurate, and honestly, it's not very difficult to march in a straight line holding and presenting the rifle.
With respect to the band, the Brits do sound better than the Canadian Ceremonial Guard, however, if you observe their instrument drill, it's sloppy.
Giggles154242 2 years ago
It's meant to be sloppy, they're musicians first soldiers later.
That's another thing that bugs me, the Ceremonial Guard Band moves like an American marching band.
Entire body is rigid, instruments always held at an exact angle, often a peculiar one. It's as if a robot is playing the music.
As far as I know, I don't think there are any regulations regarding instrument drill in the UK. With the exception of trombone, cornet and tuba/euphonium players who have to have the right posture.
emptyangel 2 years ago
Also, have you even watched recent videos of Trooping the Colour?
When they pass the cameras, they look like a line of picket fences.
emptyangel 2 years ago
The musicians are told that they are soldiers first, musicians second so that is absolutely incorrect.
I also do not agree that the CG Band moves like an American marching band. Everything we do is based upon British drill and deportment.
And yes I have seen the most recent Irish Guards trooping. Impressive but not perfect. I think we are going to have to agree to disagree on this one.
Giggles154242 2 years ago
Let's leave it at that.
Both the Ceremonial Guards and Foot Guards are at a level of their own.
emptyangel 2 years ago
/watch?v=Srazc88oN2g
"The official line is; we are musicians first, soldiers second. Our primary role in life is to provide music in support of the army, in and out of operations. But, we are always ready to assume an operational role when required."
Skip to 7:50 to hear directly from the mouth of the Director of Music, Band of the Grenadier Guards.
emptyangel 2 years ago
In Canada, we are soldiers first and foremost. We are sworn in as such.
Giggles154242 2 years ago