Diamond Jubilee Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

New Zealand’s Army Band Opens the Diamond Jubilee Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

Billed as ‘one of the world’s most exciting military bands’, the New Zealand Army Band performed the introductory fanfare at this week’s Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo’s opening night alongside the Band of the Brigade of the Gurkhas.

According to the Band’s Director of Music, Major Leanne Smith, being asked to perform the fanfare is an honour as well as an acknowledgement of the band’s skill and expertise.

“The whole Tattoo goes for approximately one and a half hours and in that time we are performing three times – the fanfare, our individual performance and then straight into the Massed Bands and Finale,” said Major Smith.

“The organisers chose us because we are well trained and can be relied on to perform at our best every time – despite the rigorous performance schedule.”

The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo goes from the 6th to the 28th of August, totalling 26 shows on the Esplanade of Edinburgh Castle. It is the longest running and most prestigious of all international tattoos, being viewed by over four billion world wide each year.

Billed as one of the big “headline acts”, the NZ Army Band has immense international popularity and crowd drawing ability.

“We got a very positive reaction from the audience and it was an enormous thrill for the Band,” said Major Smith.
“You never really know how well you will be received until opening night. The Haka in particular got a huge cheer, but then we also get them clapping when one of our Band members actually sings Boogie Wonderland.”

The Band’s performance includes displays using music from some very popular artists such as Michael Bublè, Earth Wind and Fire, and Tchaikovsky. There is also a taste of music from Colonel Bogey, Get Smart and even some Scottish Dancing.

ENDS

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