The Changing of the Foot Guards

[snowboarder1019]

they do that every day?

[sodakind]

too shakey.

[ahlick]

@GUARDSMAN24488 Do YOU know how to play an instrument, guardsman? I can, and I did go to battle school, learn to march, march and play, and drum major, for that matter. Please check your spelling before you send, and make sure that if you're going to reply to me, that you actually are, and not just posting.

[alex471996]

ahalic maby they ARE supposed to do that. Yes the band follow the drum major so they turn where he turns so they were quite right to do that!!

And also how is he swinging his right arm around like a mace that is how we march we don't keep the line of the arm straight it makes small circles!

[ahlick]

@alex471996 Maybe they AREN'T supposed to do that. Maybe they're supposed to wait until the drum major has fully given the signal. They're supposed to wait, but they wheel anyways because they're on auto pilot. Same guardmount route everytime, why would they care to actually follow exactly what the drummie signals? Drum Major is just eye candy here. He's good, but the band isn't exactly following him here.

By the way, no problem with the arm swinging. If that's the way it's done, okay.

[emptyangel]

@ahlick

I'm quite sure drum majors in the Foot Guards are entitled to put a bit of flare and personal touch into what they do.

Looking back, previous drum majors have had such hugely varying styles.

For instance, DM Steven Staite seen here, has a very distinct way of executing commands and signals. I was able to spot him easily from a mile away on several occasions whilst filming the Guards.

I wouldn't knock him though, he's been doing this for 20+ years; he knows his stuff.

[emptyangel]

Also, I have to disagree about the band being on autopilot. They definitely pay attention to the drum major for the cut-offs, step-offs and halts.

Even when they're not planned or expected, which sometimes happens during rehearsals for Trooping the Colour.

[ahlick]

Notice how the drum major's right arm swings way off to the side, swinging AROUND the mace like steering a car, instead of moving the mace out of the way faster. How about the band starting the left wheel even before the drummie is even done his signal?!!

[emptyangel]

@ahlick

The way your high school band drum major does it and the way professionals do it are completely different.

[ahlick]

@emptyangel The fact that a band/drum major is "professional" doesn't make them the best. A great high school band could very well be even better. Besides, there's certainly more to "professional" marching bands and drum majors than those of the household division. They're drill could certainly be better at times. I hear those chaps at the Royal Marines are pretty good themselves. I'm sure the King's Guards of Norway's Band and Drum Major could make a simple wheel like that look much better

[emptyangel]

@ahlick

I said, "professionals," in reference to all other military bands and musicians.

Nowhere in my comment did I specifically mention the Guards or the Household Division.

Your reply says a lot and it seems to me that you're pretty biased.

[k0smon]

The march at 4:41 is "Washington Greys", from the American civil war era.

[emptyangel]

With a Drum Major from the Grenadier Guards leading the band.

I really would like to know the name of this soldier, he's my favourite Drum Major.

[oiyabastard]

ok i love the young ones , brit punk , metal and people , but i saw yer page and again i say to you .. gay

[emptyangel]

Thanks!

[lirbugler]

Drum Major Staite - Top Bloke :)

[oiyabastard]

fags

[emptyangel]

Silly American child, stop making your glorious nation look bad.

[custard24]

I think they have the best trombone section?

[Saulg21]

They protect St. James Palace too not just Buck. Both have top military and government officials,AND offices used by royal family.The band escorts old guard back to Buck,and Drum and Bugle Corps escort new guard to St. James.

[nilkob]

Good video!

The first march is "Young Courageous" composed by H. B. Lovell.

[xzwebb]

Thank you very much for your information, that is correct. This march can be found the soundtrack in "Marches for the Connoisseur by Regimental Band of the Coldstream Guards".

[StandTogetherForever]

I guess not

[StandTogetherForever]

bozz if you are from the uk, i thought you would have a little more respect for your countries history

[accordionman1950]

This is one of the best videos of the guards I have seen.

[02Tony]

Poor officer with the stick; they are always the first one to get shot at in wars and he is very obvious.

[BigBadBill2323]

He is the Drum Major, and the "stick" is a mace.

[02Tony]

Thank you for the information; i didn't know that.

[Someloke8895]

Sorry, are you under the impression that the troops dress in these uniforms on operation?

[02Tony]

No; officers are nearly always the first ones to be killed to battles. Due to the different uniforms in the past. Today it is a bit hard to tell the difference but a person directing with his arms around is a good indication.

[Someloke8895]

Thank god, I thought you had mistakenly seen these are battle dress :)

[arturpericles]

Forgive me. Is this the regular changing of guards? They march outside the palace?

[emptyangel]

The new guards march from Wellington Barracks to Buckingham Palace.

[02Tony]

They are bearskins and are used to protect there heads from cavarly's swords; it was used in honour of defeating the french in waterloo who were also wearing bearskins.

[CeremonyConnoisseur]

The quick march is called "Second to None"

[xzwebb]

I'm not sure, but this 1st March was very familiar.

[matthg3]

Does anybody know the name of the 1st March??

[xzwebb]

Thank you for your good question. Now you can get a correct answer: The first march is "Young Courageous" composed by H. B. Lovell. The answer ... from nilkob, that's great.