Syston Scout and Guide Band at Windsor
On Sunday 23rd April, Syston Scout and Guide Band, pictured above, had the honour of providing the principal Scout Band at the Scouts ‘Day of Celebration and Achievement held inside the Windsor Castle grounds. This is a very high honour for a Scout Band and is something the Band has wished to do for a very long time.
Each year The Scout Association bring together various Scouts and their invited guests to enjoy this prestigious and special event.
The event has the pleasure of recognising Queen’s Scouts and King’s Scouts, who’ve achieved the highest youth award in Scouts. Celebrate Gallantry and Meritorious Conduct award holders, who’ve been nominated for their bravery and heroism. Also recognise adult award holders, who’ve been nominated for their outstanding volunteer contributions to Scouts.
The Band for the event needed to arrange three different sets of music for the day of which the Band started working on whole year before hand, ever since they were told they had been selected.
During the event around midday, the Quadrangle of Windsor Castle (a private area, which the Scout association had the privilege to use) fills with around 2,000 award holders and guests. The band’s first performance was a marching musical display to entertain the guests who were in the Quadrangle before the event started. Before and during the marching musical display, the weather wasn’t very kind, and the Band had to wear clear ponchos to try and keep dry. After this though, the sun came out and it was a nice day.
Once everyone was in place the Band played and marched with the Queen’s Scouts and King’s Scouts into the Quadrangle. While the parade was being reviewed by the Duke of Kent, the representative from The Royal Family, Bear Grylls (Chief Scout and TV Star) and other Scout ambassadors. The Band had the honour to play a selection of pieces opposite the Household Cavalry Band while the Parade review was taking place.
Once the review had been completed, the Band lead the Parade and marched through the Castle and down to St George’s Chapel, for a National Scout Service. The Band had the honour of paying their respects to the late Queen and Prince Phillip by viewing their final resting place.
Finally, the Band lead the Parade once again and marched within the Castle grounds and back to Mews Road.
The 30 Band members (including four trainee members) all did a fantastic job. They sounded and looked brilliant, and all the leaders were so proud of the effort and work they had put in.
A few of the band members wrote about their experience of the whole thing.
“It was a really cool, one-off opportunity to get to play at Windsor Castle. I really enjoyed the experience and being able to perform the display in the Quadrangle in front of so many people. It was a very memorable day and was a different experience.”
Sophie- Aged 16
“As one of the under 18 members of the band, I thoroughly enjoyed the Windsor weekend. We had been working very hard every week to make sure everyone was feeling comfortable and confident with what they were doing. The build-up was quite nerve wracking but to have the band be
around you was comforting.
The day before, when we drove down, was a nice and relaxed day where we corrected any imperfections in the music and display. Then we had a big dinner and made sure our uniforms were up to standard so everyone was ready for the big day.
The weather on the Sunday could have been better at the start but it suddenly warmed up as the day went on. I think the band played beautifully and did very well. It was a very enjoyable experience, and I would definitely do it again if we got the chance.”
Jaime- Aged 16
“I had an amazing experience and the opportunity for me to perform in front of hundreds of people was incredible.
I think that our overall display and performance was excellent, and I am so glad I was able to experience that atmosphere and the support from our family, friends and spectators.
It was amazing.”
Izzy- Aged 15
Syston Scouts and its Band are always looking for new members and adult volunteers to help make Scouting in Syston great. If you can spare a few hours a week, why not get in touch and help young people develop #SkillsForLife. www.systonscouts.org.uk?
Contact us on?0116 326 6908?or email?info@systonscouts.org.uk?
