Soldiers of the Royal Bermuda Regiment (RBR) shared their excitement and enthusiasm as they looked forward to taking part in the world’s oldest civic procession alongside other military and civilian bands in London.
The RBR Band & Corps of Drums will this week travel to the United Kingdom where musicians will join the Band of The Royal Yeomanry (Inns of Court & City Yeomanry) for the annual Lord Mayor’s Show.
In a tradition that dates back to the 13th century – when King John granted that the City of London could appoint its own Mayor, but stipulated that each newly elected Mayor should travel to Westminster and pledge loyalty to the King – those officials have made the journey upriver and a vibrant procession has evolved around them.
Over time, the parade became known as the Lord Mayor’s Show, in which the RBR band last took part in 1984.
The procession is among a number of activities planned for musicians during their twoweek overseas camp, when they will also perform in a concert entitled “Carnival” at The Royal Military Chapel, known as the Guards’ Chapel, which is part of Wellington Barracks, and take their places in front of Buckingham Palace for a Captain’s Inspection.
Captain Sheldon Fox II, the RBR Band Officer, said: “The band, over the past couple of years, has been in a building phase and now we’re ready to execute internationally.
“We’re preparing music that has a Bermuda and Caribbean feel and stretches the musicians – this is a great opportunity to switch our focus from being a marching band to working on more long-form pieces.
“This will be a re-introduction to the United Kingdom for us, a reintroduction to what the Royal Bermuda Regiment musical fraternity looks like.”
He added: “One of the beauties of being in charge of this band is that we always rise to the occasion. This is a development opportunity for us, particularly for the young musicians. They will get to play alongside people that we typically only see online.
“We are going to soak up everything and bring back a lot of enhanced skills.” Junior Leader Corporal Liam Figureido, 16, a cornet player and pupil at The Berkeley Institute who has been in the band for more than two years, is excited to take part in the Lord Mayor’s Show.
The Devonshire resident said: “It’s a very big parade that I’ve watched multiple times throughout my life and now I’m going to be in it.
“What’s impressive about it is the quality of the music while the band members also keep in step – it’s mesmerising and inspiring.
“I am pretty nervous, which is to be expected, but I’m excited at the same time because this is a once-in-a lifetime opportunity.”
Meanwhile, Colour Sergeant Gerald Swan will make a second appearance at the Lord Mayor’s Show after first taking part with the Regiment’s band 42 years ago – and will even be wearing the same helmet as he did then. He sees his upcoming participation as a chance to set an example for younger musicians.
“It was a great experience,” recalled the tuba player from Pembroke, who is a customer service manager at Bermuda Container Line.
“I was 20 years old, just a youngster, and I was very inspired by some of the older persons in the band at that time – you’re there, you’re cold, you’re not wanting to do this, that and the other. However, I looked up to those people who were more senior to me and thought, if those persons at their age can do it, so can I. I have to show that same sort of thing now.”
The band will fly to the UK on Wednesday, after the Remembrance Day parade, with the Lord Mayor’s Show taking place on Saturday, the Guards’ Chapel concert on 19 November and the Captain’s Inspection on 21 November.
Between events, training will take place with other bands, including that of the Royal Military School of Music.
Corporal Chanara Smith-Rookes, a piccolo and flute player who is a personal trainer in civilian life, looked forward to working alongside people with different skill sets as she sets sights on further developing her own.
The 27-year-old from St George’s, who has been in the RBR band for almost ten years, also reflected on how the soldiers will have the opportunity to represent Bermuda.
“Even though we are a small country, we have a huge reach in that you can find Bermudians anywhere you travel,” she said. “This will continue to showcase that our small island has a lot of talent within it and help further strengthen our connections.”
For information on joining the Royal Bermuda Regiment, visit rbr.bm, call 238-1045 or contact the Recruiting Team at rbr.recruiting@gov.bm
