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Septem Juncta In Uno
'Seven Joined Into One'
On Wednesday 25 May 2022,
The Bands of the Household Division present,
Regimental Recordings which encapsulate
a unique moment in history,
to mark and celebrate
Her Majesty The Queen,
Colonel-in-Chief of The Household Division,
on the occasion of
Her Majesty's Platinum Jubilee.
Band of the Coldstream Guards feature on 'This Morning'
Wednesday 25th May 2022
The Band of the Coldstream Guards was featured on ITV’s ‘This Morning’ yesterday, performing the theme tune at the opening of the show. The programme broadcasted a special edition live from Buckingham Palace.
Click here to watch the band on ITV player
Welsh Guards band support Buckingham Palace Garden Party
Monday 23rd May 2022
The Band of the Welsh Guards were at Buckingham Palace on the 18th of May 2022, having been given the opportunity to perform at a Garden Party, held on behalf of Her Majesty the Queen, in aid of the forces charity, 'The Not Forgotten Association'.
In attendance were the Earl and Countess of Wessex, greeting and spending time with guests. The party was also one of many similar events held over the season, allowing guests into the grounds ahead of the Platinum Jubilee celebrations.
The Band of the Welsh Guards performed to the audience, with a variety of popular show tunes, classical pieces and a degree of pomp and ceremony. The musical lineup consisted of pieces such as 'Les Miserables', 'James Bond', 'Midway March' and many more!
The festivities concluded with the Band playing the National Anthem and the sun beaming down on the tranquil Gardens.
Major General's Review of Trooping the Colour
Sunday 22nd May 2022
On the 21st of May, Horse Guards hosted the first Trooping The Colour Parade reviewed by Major General C J Ghika CBE.
This rehearsal, in preparation for the official Trooping the Colour on Thursday 2nd June, involves an estimated 1500 foot soldiers, the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment, led by the Band of the Household Cavalry, the King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery and 400 musicians from the Massed Bands of the Household Division.
Irish Guards band perform at Presentation of New Colours
Friday 20th May 2022
On Tuesday 17th May, the Irish Guards Band took part in the Presentation of New Colours at Windsor Castle. His Royal Highness The Duke of Cambridge, Colonel of the Irish Guards presented the New Colours for the first time since he became Colonel of the Regiment in 2011. The ceremony is special as it only typically occurs once every ten years. The last time the Irish Guards were presented with new Colours was in 2009.
The Regiment was marched on by the band and pipes to Irish Guards Company Marches, before playing Auld Lang Syne to march off the old Colours. The band then marched the regiment past the Duke of Cambridge to the Regimental Quick March, St Patricks Day. This concluded the presentation of New Colours, with the band and the Regiment now ready to lead Trooping the Colour.
Household Cavalry Band perform at Windsor Horse Show
Thursday 19th May 2022
On Sunday 15th May, members of the Household Cavalry Band had their final performance at “The Platinum Jubilee Celebration - A Gallop Through History”. On Friday Her Majesty The Queen was in attendance, where one of her own horses was announced as a supreme champion. The band was mounted on 35 horses in State Ceremonial dress and formed the pinnacle of 11 days of working in temporary stables alongside The Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment and The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery. The international military was also in attendance, including The Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force's steel drums who performed a rhythmic version of ABBA's Dancing Queen, and a traditional display from the Royal Cavalry Oman saw horses lying down on command. Celebrities including Tom Cruise, Helen Mirren and Katherine Jenkins were in attendance.
Massed Bands of the Guards Division at FA Cup Final
Tuesday 17th May 2022
On Saturday the massed bands of the Coldstream, Irish and Welsh Guards perform as part of the opening ceremony to the FA Cup Final 2022 at Wembley Stadium.
The bands entertained the crowds with renditions of Chelsea’s anthem ‘Blue Days’ and Liverpool’s ‘You’ll never walk alone’, before forming a 150 on the pitch to mark 150 years since the inaugural FA Cup final. Joined by the B Positive choir, they performed ‘Abide with Me’ and the National Anthem with RAYE.
Coldstream Guards Band appear on Football Focus
Tuesday 17th May 2022
The Band of the Coldstream Guards had the privilege to perform the ‘Match of the Day’ theme tune on Saturday morning’s ‘Football Focus’ as the build-up for the FA Cup 2022 final. They also appeared for a special arrangement of the Chelsea and Liverpool anthems as part of the closing credits, arranged by their very own Sergeant Kevin Bird.
To watch them on Football Focus Click Here
Grenadier Guards band in Concert
Thursday 12th May 2022
On the 7th May, The Band of the Grenadier Guards shared the stage with The Huntingdonshire Concert Band (HCB) in a sell-out joint concert in aid of SSAFA-Forces Help. For their commendable efforts in raising money for SSAFA, HCB has been awarded the “most inspirational group of fundraisers”, presented to their Chair and Vice-Chair by HRH Prince Michael of Kent.
The concert featured an exciting programme of music that spanned the 70 glorious years of Her Majesty's reign. It also featured two soloists from the Grenadier Guards Band. Musician George Hirst dazzled the crowd with his rendition of the Harry James trumpet concerto. Later in the concert, Lance Corporal Henderson-Sykes performed her own composition 'Place of Peace' which was based on a poem written by Chelsea Pensioner Roy Palmer, in tribute to his late wife. The concert came to a close with a rousing and patriotic performance of Sir William Walton's Orb & Sceptre, written for the Coronation of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
To listen to the recording, visit https://www.householddivision.org.uk/ggbmusic-jubilee
Household Division musicians support the State Opening of Parliament
Wednesday 11th May 2022
On the 10th May, the Household Division supported the State Opening of Parliament, the main ceremonial event of the parliamentary calendar. The Band of the Coldstream Guards marched to the Houses of Parliament to perform the National Anthem in preparation for The Duke of Cambridge and The Prince of Wales, who delivered HM The Queen's Speech on her behalf from the Throne in the House of Lords.
Band of the Grenadier Guards perform at Gun Salute
Wednesday 11th May 2022
As part of the State Opening of Parliament, The Band of the Grenadier Guards marched to Hyde Park to perform a 41 Gun Salute. The Band of the Scots Guards were staged at Horse Guards Parade, a new addition to proceedings to represent when years ago, the Palace of Whitehall was the official residence of this historic event.
Household Cavalry Band support Memorial Sunday Parade
Tuesday 10th May 2022
Sunday (8th May) was the annual Combined Cavalry Old Comrades Association Memorial Sunday Parade. Each of the regular and reserve cavalry units paraded past the Cavalry Memorial Statue of St George, in Hyde Park, in order of seniority whilst the band played the regiments' respective marches.
The Band of the Household Cavalry then joined the British Army Band Tidworth and The Royal Yeomanry Band (Inns of Court & City Yeomanry) at the bandstand for a Church Service with Hymns, a bagpiper's lament and the State Trumpeters playing the Cavalry Last post.
The massed Bands then marched to the Hyde Park Bombing Memorial where they held a further Act of Remembrance.
Household Cavalry band to perform at Windsor Horse Show
Monday 9th May 2022
The Band of the Household Cavalry has swapped its usual practice room for a temporary stable on the private grounds of Windsor Castle. Members of the band have been busy rehearsing for “The Platinum Jubilee Celebration - A Gallop Through History”. This is a very busy time as on top of the usual music rehearsals and performances band personnel also have stable duties to perform, including mucking out, grooming, tacking up, cleaning tack, general yard work, and taking care of the horses and stable night guards.
Preparations begin for HM The Queen's Birthday Parade
Saturday 7th May 2022
Band of the Scots Guards support Guard of Honour
Friday 6th May 2022
On Thursday 5th May, The Band of the Scots Guards marched with Nijmegen Company Grenadier Guards onto Horse Guards Parade to support the UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson's visit with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida.
The Guard of Honour was supported by an RAF flypast and included traditional Japanese music called Sakura (Cherry Blossoms).
Household Cavalry Band support Scout Parade
Friday 29th April 2022
On Sunday 24th April the Band of the Household Cavalry took part in the Scouts’ annual “Day of Celebration and Achievement” within the grounds of Windsor Castle.
This is a hugely important event in the scouting calendar and is a chance for those scouts who have most recently attained the highest level of award – the Queen’s Scout Award - to be recognised for their achievement in the presence of family and friends.
Those who have received an award for Gallantry and Meritorious Conduct were also on parade, as were adult volunteers who have been recognised for their outstanding contribution to Scouting.
The band led the parade into the quadrangle and provided background music alongside the scout band while a representative of the Royal Family, accompanied by the Chief Scout, conducted the review and inspection of the scouts.
This parade follows a series of Easter Court Guards that the band has undertaken. Next on the calendar is The Windsor Horse Show
The Queen and The Commonwealth
Wednesday 27th April 2022
On the 26 April 1949, the Modern Commonwealth was born out of the international collaboration that had been generated throughout the First and Second World Wars. In an act of continuum, the political leaders in the second half of the 1940’s were determined not to lose this spirit of international brotherhood and mutual support.
With King George VI as its Head, the Commonwealth of Nations was first established as a voluntary group of eight independent countries; Australia, Canada, Ceylon, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa and the United Kingdom.
Today the Commonwealth comprises 54 nations across all 6 inhabited regions of the globe: Africa, Americas, Asia, Caribbean, Europe, and the Pacific. Each of the 54 nations are equal stakeholders and with national populations ranging from 9,600 to 1.3 billion, with multifarious races and faiths, the Commonwealth encapsulates the concept of “Embracing Diversity”.
When King George VI died on 6 February 1952, the Commonwealth Heads of Government invited the young Queen Elizabeth II to become Head of the Commonwealth. For 70 years Her Majesty has been, and continues to be, a constant and supremely uniting influence, with an unique presence and personal style which can never be replicated.
The 21st Century Commonwealth, now in its 73rd year, is building on its dynamic legacy and heritage - with international engagement and diversity at its core, and the opportunity to maximise individual, national and international potential, it offers the possibility to be a model of mutual human respect, support and understanding.
The Household Division has collaborated with Commonwealth Music to produce new compositions and recordings to mark the 70th anniversary of Her Majesty The Queen as Head of The Commonwealth.
The Commonwealth Chronology
The Commonwealth Chronology illustrates the creation of the 21st century Commonwealth, showing its expansion from its establishment as a voluntary organisation on 28 April 1949.
The Household Division has recorded the national anthems of the 54 nations of The Commonwealth, which can be listened to by clicking on the name of each nation.
Grenadier Guards Band supports Anzac Commemorations
Tuesday 26th April 2022
Yesterday saw members of the band take part in the annual national commemorations and thanksgiving services to mark ANZAC (Australian and New Zealand Army Corps) day.
Sergeant Gavin Hall performed the last post at the New Zealand War Memorial at Hyde Park Corner. He was joined by the band’s brass quintet who provided music for the dawn service which was attended by HRH The Duke of Gloucester.
Later in the morning Lance Sergeant Lawrence Narhkom also performed the last post at a service held in the Gallipoli memorial within St Paul’s Cathedral.
St George's Day Concert by the Coldstream Guards Band
Saturday 23rd April 2022
On Thursday evening the Coldstream Guards Band performed their annual St. George's Day concert in the beautiful setting of the Guards Chapel, after a hiatus of 2 years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The concert entitled 'Pride and Glory' celebrated all things English and featured compositions by Elgar, Vaughan Williams and Peter Meechan.
The concert featured two soloists, the first being 'Neopolitan Serenade' by Martin Ellerby, performed by flautist Colour Sergeant Rachel Smith. Ellerby wrote this work, especially for her and the Coldstream Guards Band for their Japan tour in 2015. The second soloist was percussionist Musician Aaron Chilton who performed Goff Richards’ Zimba Zamba' on Marimba.
Scots Guards Band perform at Gun Salute
Friday 22nd April 2022
Yesterday, the Band of the Scots Guards paid tribute to Her Majesty the Queen’s 96th Birthday. The gun salute, held in Hyde Park was performed by the King's Troop, with a musical accompaniment of Bonnie Dundee as the horses charged across the park.
A total of 41 gunshots were fired, 21 to mark the date of Queen Elizabeth’s birth and 20 to represent the event taking place in a royal park.
55 gunshots were also fired in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland totalling 96, a celebration of the Queen’s age.
Coldstream Guards Band perform Happy Birthday
Thursday 21st April 2022
The Band of the Coldstream Guards performed Happy Birthday at Windsor Castle today to mark Her Majesty The Queen's 96th Birthday.
Latest Recording by the Scots Guards Band
Wednesday 20th April 2022
The latest recording by the Band of the Scots Guards is available now
Farewell to Major C Hallatt, Director of Music, Welsh Guards Band
Tuesday 19th April 2022
We would like to thank Major Hallat for his time with the Welsh Guards Band and wish him great success in his new role.
Although leaving the role of Director of Music, Major Hallatt will still be a part of the Military Musical Spectacular 2022.
Latest Recording by the Coldstream Guards Band
Wednesday 13th April 2022
The latest recording by the Band of the Coldstream Guards is available now
Latest Recording by the Welsh Guards Band
Wednesday 6th April 2022
The latest recording by the Band of the Welsh Guards is available to listen to now!
Scots Guards Band support Regimental 'Black Sunday'
Tuesday 5th April 2022
On Sunday the Scots Guards regiment had their annual memorial Sunday at the guards memorial. This event is attended by ex-members of the regiment as well as current serving members of the regiment and the regimental band pipes and drums. The day consists of a church service in the guards' chapel and a March down to the guards' memorial on Horseguards
State Trumpeters support the Service of Thanksgiving for the Duke of Edinburgh
Thursday 31st March 2022
Dressed in their iconic Gold Coats, the State Trumpeters of the Household Cavalry led by Trumpet Major Julian Sandford announced the arrival of Her Majesty the Queen at Westminster Abbey for a Service of Thanksgiving for the Duke of Edinburgh.
The abbey was filled with members of the Royal family, Government, the Armed Forces and more than 500 representatives of The Duke of Edinburgh's patronages and charities.
As a result of covid restrictions, The Duke’s funeral was a scaled-down service. The Service of Thanksgiving with choirs, bands and trumpets was an opportunity to celebrate a long life lived fully.
Latest Recording by the Household Cavalry Band
Wednesday 30th March 2022
The latest recording by the Band of the Household Cavalry is available now
Irish Guards Band parade for HRH The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge
Monday 21st March 2022
On the 17th of March, the Irish Guards Band headed to Aldershot barracks to celebrate St. Patrick's Day with the rest of the regiment. At 1100 hours and on a gloriously sunny day, the band lead the battalion onto parade, with the pipes and drums following on a few moments later. Once the officers had fallen in and the colonel of the regiment - HRH the Duke of Cambridge had arrived the tradition of presenting shamrocks to everyone on parade began. Whilst this tradition was being carried out, the band, pipes and drums each took turns to play a selection of traditional Irish tunes, entertaining the supporting audience of family and friends who had come to join in with the festivities.
Irish Guards Band support Regimental 'Black Sunday'
Thursday 17 March 2022
On Sunday the 13th of March, the band paraded at the Guards’ Memorial in London as part of the Irish Guards Memorial Sunday, also known as ‘Black Sunday’. It is a parade for the past and present members of the Irish Guards to commemorate all of those who have been killed or injured since the regiment’s formation.
Following a short service held by the Chaplain on the parade square of Wellington Barracks, the band led the parade down Birdcage Walk to the Guards Memorial, playing a selection of Irish Marches. Once at the Memorial, The Last Post and Reveille was sounded and a wreath was laid while the band played the Regimental Slow March - ‘Let Erin Remember.
Green Canopy - New Release for Free Download Music Library
Wednesday 16th March 2022
Today we are pleased to announce a major new addition to the Bands of the Household Division Free Download Music Library.
This recording of Green Canopy, composed by Simon Haw MBE, was produced in January 2022 – it features violin virtuoso Eric Hui-Ti Wang, Concert Master of the Commonwealth Orchestra.
The 12 tracks, starting in November and culminating in October, trace the 12-month natural cycle of the woodlands In the Northern Hemisphere.
Green Canopy was given its world premiere on Commonwealth Day 14 March 2022 in the Guards Chapel with Eric Hui-Ti Wang and the Orchestra of the Household Division, conducted by Lieutenant Colonel Simon Haw MBE, Commanding Officer of the Bands of the Household Division
Click Here to visit the Green Canopy Music Release
Click Here to visit the Free Download Music Library
Commonwealth Day 2022
Monday 14th March 2022
Today is Commonwealth Day in the year of the Platinum Jubilee of Her Majesty The Queen. In 2022 Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will have been Head of The Commonwealth for 70 years.
A Song For The Commonwealth, Composed by Lieutenant Colonel Simon Haw MBE, performed by the Commonwealth Youth Orchestra and Choir and the Band of the Coldstream Guards.
Green Canopy release on Free Download Music Library
Thursday 10th March 2022
Preview of a new release for the Free Download Music Library will be released on Wednesday 16th March 2022. Green Canopy by Lieutenant Colonel S N Haw MBE. Featuring virtuoso violinist Eric Hui-Ti Wang.
Latest Recording by the Coldstream Guards Band
Wednesday 9th March 2022
Latest recording by the Band of the Coldstream Guards is available now
St. David's Day with the Welsh Guards Band
Monday 7th February 2022
The Band of the Welsh Guards took to the stage of the Guards Chapel in a celebration to St David and all things Welsh. With music from Ralph Vaughan Williams, and highlights from the Greatest Showman, to a World Premiere of Major Craig Hallatt's Galahad, commemorating the 40th Anniversary of the Falklands War.
Latest Recording by the Household Cavalry Band
Wednesday 23rd February 2022
Latest recording by the Band of the Household Cavalry is available now
Latest Recording by the Welsh Guards Band
Wednesday 16th February 2022
Latest recording by the Band of the Welsh Guards is available to listen to now!
Scots Guards Perform a Burns Night Concert
Monday 31st January 2022
It has been two years since the last celebration of Robert Burns, but the Band of the Scots Guards joined by the 1st Battalion Pipes and Drums raised the roof with a Scottish themed night to remember. Lasses and Laddies in the audience were treated to melodies including Hymn of the Highlands by Philip Sparke, as well as joint performances of Highland Cathedral and Scotland The Brave to embrace the Scottish sound world of the bagpipes.
Guards Chapel Recital Series Returns for 2022
Friday 28th January 2022
We are delighted to announce the return of the Chapel Recital Series featuring soloists and ensembles from across the Household Division, taking place in the Guards Chapel. This month's concert was performed by Principal Saxophonist of the Welsh Guards, LSgt Stephen Shepherd. His recital included pieces inspired by folk tunes, including Vaughan Williams' English Folk Song Suite and Romanian composer Bela Bartok's Folk Dances.
On Tuesday 25th January Principal Saxophonist Lance Sergeant Stephen Shepherd will be performing a recital in the Guards Chapel. Music by Vaughan Williams, Bartok and Charles Richard.