The Band of the Brigade of Gurkhas

The Band of the Brigade of Gurkhas

The Band of the Brigade of Gurkhas began its epic International Tour back in April 2011 performing at the Virginia International Tattoo in downtown Norfolk in the United States of America. At 0345 hrs on Sunday the 24 April, we all gathered in the band practice room with a tremendous amount of excitement and anticipation. We quickly loaded our luggage in the coach and headed off to London Heathrow; the Band freight had gone a week earlier. Before departing for America we grasped what would prove to be the final opportunity for some time to enjoy a full English breakfast. For a few members of the Band including our new Director of Music Saheb, Major Vernon Yates, and the ADOM Saheb, Capt Sewanta Purja Pun, this was the first opportunity to perform in America. But of those experiencing America for the first time none were more excited than me - not least, as I had been invited to sing a verse of ‘Amazing Grace’ in Nepali as part of the Grand Finale. My singing would later earn me the reputation of having the ‘voice of an angel’. It took a further long and tiring six and a half hours to make our first steps on American soil having first flown into Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, before catching a connecting flight to Norfolk. It was already 2300 hrs (US time) by the time we reached the hotel and everybody enjoyed a much needed night’s sleep. The next day we headed straight to the Scope Arena for the massed band rehearsal, arriving with our usual enthusiasm and, as always, with smiles on our faces. However, excitement quickly turned to frustration when we were informed our freight had not arrived. Rehearsals that day amounted to little more than listening to the other performers, albeit a pleasant enough experience. By lunch time on day two and just as we were about to resort to singing our parts for the Marching Display rehearsal, the instruments arrived and there was much rejoicing! Presented by the Virginia Arts Festival, the Tattoo was celebrating its 15th season in the Scope Arena, a stadium more used to hosting Ice Hockey and Basketball. There were over 800 performers including the German Army Mountain Band, Tonga Defence Services Royal Corps of Musicians, bands from all three American services, the Massed Pipes and Drums of the Canadian Forces, the Scotch College Pipe Band from Australia, a Ballet Company from New York, the Virginia Symphonic Orchestra Chorus, the Virginia Children’s Chorus, the US Navy Ceremonial Honour Guard Drill Team and many more; all contributing to an unforgettable experience. The diversity of acts created an exciting show including individual performances and a massed band opening and a most moving and patriotic finale including the music of Mahler. Arguably 29 April was the most important day of our tour because not only was this the opening night, but back home the Nation was celebrating the Royal Wedding. Despite the distance we were still able to see on the television some of this wonderful spectacle, which the American people embraced with equal enthusiasm. That evening the Scope Arena came alive to a capacity audience. The atmosphere was absolutely amazing. The roar of the crowd, the call of the pipes, the pulse-pounding beat of the drums, the heart-swelling display of precision drill teams and marching bands were just incredible. As always our band gave of its absolute best, enjoying favorable comments about both the speed at which we march and the musicality with which we performed (the locals could not believe the ‘piano’ dynamics we could achieve as a Marching Band). Although we had a very tight schedule throughout the whole week, we managed to visit many beautiful places. On the Atlantic Ocean we saw the world’s largest Naval Base where we were able to capture our memories on film. Probably one of the most beautiful beaches in the Southern States of America is Virginia Beach and it is definitely a place worth spending a few moments - which was probably the reason some band members nearly missed the transport home. A ferry trip from the South Point Park across the river to Portsmouth was also unforgettable - an historical place with its own beauty and importance. Of all visits, however, apparently the most loved place by the band during our time in America was the ‘Grand Chinese Buffet’ and the opportunity to eat as much food as you could manage. The Tattoo was not just a musical event but provided a much broader experience and education with its many different elements defining a truly great occasion. Additional experiences included a live interview on the local television channel ‘FOX 43’ for the DOM, ADOM and SSgt Indra to promote the event. Then there was the ‘Cast Student Meet’, an educational programme for local school children which gave them the chance to meet the band members from many different countries to share their thoughts and knowledge before taking pictures and signing autographs. The Student Matinee performances offered this amazing spectacle to all the local school children and the ‘NATO Festival’ and the March through Norfolk, with some 75 bands & groups, was just one other important part of a varied and interesting programme. The Band of the Brigade of Gurkha felt immensely proud and honoured to be invited to America representing the UK on the international stage. In all respects this proved a very successful tour and all band members were very grateful for all the work undertaken, not just musically but also administratively in making the opportunity possible. I would also like to extend our gratitude to the many members of the Virginia International Tattoo for their friendship and for making our stay such a wonderful experience. Jai Gurkha Band!