Wow, what a gig the Tattoo was
CPL Paul Kellett recalls the wonders of a crowd of thousands at the Edinburgh Military Tattoo.

The Navy, Army and Air Force bands perform side-by-side at the Edinburgh Tattoo in Sydney.

Photo by AB Neil Richards

THE RECENT Edinburgh Military Tattoo was without a doubt one of this year’s major defence force extravaganzas.

Participating in such an event brought with it its own unique challenges and rewards. The logistics of organising any tri-Service venture are always daunting, not the least of which was the preliminary rehearsal stage: we had just 2 1/2 days to forge a tight tri-Service unit.

Flight Sergeant David Henry, one the longest serving members of the Air Command Band was often heard during this stage cajoling weary band members.

“Come on guys, put in. Opportunities like this come around only once in a Defence career,” he’d say. Many a band members’ morale was lifted hearing these words.

Thankfully, we had Army Band Corps RSM Warrant Officer 1 Steve Hladio planning our display. His incisive instruction and quiet nurturing ensured that at the end of this rehearsal phase we would be well prepared for dress rehearsals and performances alike. Special mention should also be made of Lieutenant Colonel Patrick Pickett, head of the Australian Army Band Corps, whose direction and leadership was clearly evident throughout the entire Tattoo.

One eagerly awaited aspect of events such as these is the opportunity to socialise with Service musicians from within Australia and from all parts of the globe.

Also, for the wind players to reacquaint themselves with the fondness they share for that marvellous instrument of melody and ceremony, the bagpipes.

Once we got down to the performance stage, it was merely a matter of business as usual. Most band members are seasoned performers and it’s just a matter of rising to the occasion – although it’s certainly a boost to perform in front of thousands every night.

Even the eight members of RAAF Central Band, brought in to bolster our ranks, often remarked, “Wow, what a gig!”

 

 

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