The Regimental Band
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Musician circ 1745
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 Musician circ 1890
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Band WO 2000 |
The Directors of Music Grenadier Guards
The Regiment bearing the proud title "First or Grenadier Regiment of Foot Guards" was first raised in Flanders in 1656. The first mention of music in the Regiment is a Royal Warrant issued by King Charles II in 1685, the year of the birth of Handel and Bach, authorising the maintenance of 12 Hautbois in the King's Regiment of Foot Guards in London. He also instructed that a fictitious name should be borne on the strength of each of the other companies in the country so that these musicians might be granted higher pay!
The Regiment's music was then gradually expanded by the addition of other instrumentalists; 3 Hautbois were added in 1699 and 2 French Horns in 1725, according to the St James's Evening Post of that time. Keyed Bugle Horns, costing £27 were added in 1772. By 1783 the Band had attained that perfect balance of 2 oboes, 2 clarinets, 2 horns and 2 bassoons - a mere eight players. But the strength of the Band increased rapidly in the latter part of the 18th Century so that in 1794 it is recorded as comprising: 1 flute; 6 clarinets; 3 bassoons, 3 horns; 1 trumpet; 2 serpents and "Turkish Music" (this being the Negro Time-beaters who played bass drum, cymbals and tambourine).
In the 19th Century many notable changes took place as new instruments and techniques were invented; in 1848 the Band listed 2 flutes, 1 piccolo, 3 Eb clarinets, 3 bassoons, 4 French horns, a family of trumpets, 1 althorn, 3 ophicleides, 3 tambourines and drums. Still later were added cornets, bass, euphonium and, eventually, saxophones and by 1858 the band must have sounded much as it does today.
The Band, in its long history, has made many tours abroad including; the United States of America, Canada, France, Italy, North Africa, Gibraltar, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, Spain, Germany, Switzerland and Belgium. The most recent major tour was in Australia to take part in the Brisbane International Tattoo in 1996.
The present day strength of the Band is 49. From this number, and in testimony to the high quality and many skills of its musicians, the Band is able to provide: a concert band; marching band; orchestras (from string quartet to full); dance band; big band; dinner trios and quartets; a fanfare of trumpets and an ensemble dressed in and playing the music of the 18th Century. Although the Band is permitted to tour abroad, to broadcast, make recordings and to undertake private engagements its main function is that of a Regimental Band and, as such, takes its place in State Occasions and at Public Duties. These include the Queen's Birthday Parade (Trooping the Colour), the daily Mounting of the Queen's Guard in the Forecourt of Buckingham Palace and at Windsor Castle, Investitures, State Banquets and at many of Her Majesty's engagements at Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle and elsewhere. The Band shares these duties with the Bands of the other Foot Guard Regiments - the Coldstream Guards, Scots Guards, Irish Guards and Welsh Guards - and together they form the "Massed Bands" for the Queen's Birthday Parade, Remembrance Sunday Parade (at the Cenotaph, Whitehall) and other major State and Ceremonial occasions.
Despite their musical prowess and impressive ceremonial role every member of the Band has another role also. In the event of war the whole Band provides essential enforcement as Medical Attendants. All have undergone a lengthy initial course to train as "Medics" and annually undertake "refresher training" which includes re-qualifying on their personal weapons and other skills such as how to survive and work in a nuclear and/or chemical environment. The need for a high level of skill in both peace and war roles keeps them extremely busy. The most recent time the Band put away their instruments and replaced them with their medical equipment was at the time of the Gulf conflict. As the conflict broke, the Band went into further intensive training, preparing for that region and were on 24 hours standby to fly out. The Band of the Scots Guards, along with many other Bands of Her Majesty's Forces, did indeed provide medical support in the Gulf during the conflict.
The Band is stationed at Wellington Barracks, close to Buckingham Palace, in central London. Members of the Band are able to keep in contact with the remainder of the Regiment, wherever it is serving, through entertainment visits and in the participation of all the major events closely associated with the Grenadier Guards.
The list of the Band's principal conductors (Bandmasters and later Commissioned Directors of Music) is as follows:
| Mr Elerington | 1780 (circa) | Lt Col G Miller | 1921 |
| James Blaney | 1800 | Lt Col F Harris MBE | 1942 |
| William Hardy | 1820 | Lieut Col R B Bashford OBE | 1960 |
| William Sibold | 1838 | Major P W Parkes | 1970 |
| Adam J. Scott | 1844 | Lieut Col D R Kimberley MBE | 1977 |
| Lt Dan Godfrey | 1856 | Major R J Parker | 1987 |
| Dr (Maj) A Williams | 1896 | Major S A Watts | 1988 |
| Lieut Col P E Hills | 1992 | ||
| Major D. Burton | 2002 | ||
| Major B. Wassell | 2006 |
CURRENT DIRECTOR OF MUSIC: Major Barry Wassell Appointed Director of Music, Grenadier Guards: June 2006
Forthcoming Band Engagements
I am unable to get the details of any Band Engagements and suggest you log onto the Regimental Band web site (use the weblinks page button)
Compact Discs and Cassettes
Compact Discs and Cassettes of the following music played by the Regimental Band can now be obtained from the Regimental Band Office.
The cost of posting and packaging is dependent on the size and nature of the order and details of this can be obtained from the Records and Sales NCO (020 7414 3267)
Title CD/Cassette Price £
The Regimental Band have just made a NEW CD with 28 pieces of music and which covers a lot of music you have all been waiting for. The price is £10 but you should add a bit for the postage and jiffy bag. This CD can be puchased from the Association Office (cheques made payable to Grenadier Guards Association) To have a look at the photograph of the cover with the list of music JUST CLICK HERE.
Other CD'S made by the band but check first to see if they are still available.
Vaughan Williams CD £12.00
By Request (selection of concert music) CD £12.00
Christmas with the Grenadiers CD £ 6.00 (selection of Christmas music)
Hands Across the Sea (J P Souse marches) CD £12.00
When the Guards are on Parade (Marches) CD £ 8.00
New World Salute Cassette £ 5.00
When the Guards are on Parade (Marches) Cassette £ 5. 00
Also
Prints of the Band perfoming at Henley Royal Regatta (unframed) £10.00
Band Mugs £1.50