Previous reports

Bandmaster’s report No 7 Oct 2007
The recent review of the Corps of Drums by Squadron Leader Revell was a partial success in so much that the Squadron Leader was delighted to see the results of your hard work beginning to pay off. The impromptu display did catch us a little unawares and those players not available due to injuries or school commitments were sorely missed. Nevertheless a display was put together and on the whole it went very well. Well Done!
Squadron Leader Revell told us that Wing is keen to encourage bands and Corps of Drums such as ours and he wholeheartedly welcomes having another band to call on for Wing and Squadron duties. He did however realise that we still had some way to go before an acceptable standard will be reached, and with this in mind he invited the Corp of Drums to parade at RAF Linton-on-Ouse in the spring of next year. To attend this event with a well turned out section will be one of our targets for next year.
Meanwhile we have two further targets in hand, first is a short march on for the VIPs at the Squadrons Dining In Night on Nov 3rd, and the second is to parade on Remembrance Sunday (Nov 11th). The importance of the Remembrance Day parade means that our preparation and deportment must be of the highest standard. A further review will be arranged to assess our abilities following which a final decision as to whether or not we parade will be made by OC Squadron.
Two weekend rehearsals will take place at various times (See dates and times below). For each session bring a packed lunch, hot drinks will be supplied. To allow for your individual work and other commitments, arrange your attendance times with me in advance. A further possibility is that

Bandmaster’s report No. 8 Nov 2007.

Riding shotgun at the rear of the parade as it were, I thought the sound and rhythm was very good on Remembrance Sunday. The sounds of the drums beating in the distance surely must have brought a tingle to the spines of those veterans and spectators waiting at the cenotaph . As parade commander at the barracks end of the event my duties were a little divided, but without a doubt the standard of dress and deportment of the Corps of Drums was excellent; I was very proud to be associated with you. Would anybody want to have swapped places with the Drum Major who lead the whole parade on her own - out in front on her first public outing…not me! Scary or what! Everyone I spoke to that day said how well you all did, of course mums and dads will always say that, but these comments came from people outside of the Squadron (Joe public I think the saying is)
I cannot end my report about Remembrance Sunday without saying how proud I was of the Buxton Sea Cadet’s smart turnout, supported by their Officers in No.1’s with swords - a great sight; and last but not least the Army Cadet Force with their immaculate drill, who were not in their rightful position in the parade due to their detour to pay their respects to the Regimental Memorial. One other success that day was just what a good job all of Buxton’s Cadets can do when they come together and put their minds to it.

Now its back to earth with a bump and the long winter slog of parade night rehearsals and home rehearsals, yes that old chestnut - practising at home, listening to the tapes and perfecting the rolls and rudimentary drumming . Stick drill and display drumming will be a feature of forthcoming rehearsals - and what do you think to our new Bass Drummer and the difference in sound he makes!
S Hudson
Bandmaster

Wing Training Day 20th April

Somehow we made it! You will all know it was touch and go whether we played or not that day, but you finally came together just in time. With rehearsals down to a minimum and players away on course we pulled off an excellent performance for the Wing Commander. Starting with 2/4 Solos and nifty foot work from 3’s to 5 ‘s in the counter march then British Grenadiers to front and centre followed by Lillibulero, and Radetski with stick drill. Finally after permission to march off the Corps of Drums we retired to our signature piece British Grenadiers. Not only did you sound right you looked right and for a drum corps with less than a years experience I could not ask for more. The Wing Commander’s comment to me was how amazed he was at your standard of discipline and deportment. Well done!
Our next engagement is only a few days away Dam Busters Anniversary and then it’s Region at Linton on Ouse. We may enter an Ensemble for the competition if we can get the rehearsal time in. I’m not certain what else we will be asked to do on the day but hope we are told soon.
S Hudson
Bandmaster