Rudyard Kipling said that “No one, not even the adjutant, can say for certain where the soul of the battalion lives; but the expression of that soul is most often found in the band.”
The Royal Canadian Artillery Band, whether found on the parade square, marching on the streets, or performing for soldiers, has been instilling a sense of Canadian pride locally and abroad for more than 100 years.
These fine musicians are based at Canadian Division Support Base in Edmonton and perform at more than 250 events annually.
The Okanagan Military Tattoo Society is pleased to announce that the Royal Canadian Artillery Band will be performing at the Okanagan Military Tattoo at Kal Tire Place in Vernon Aug. 1 and 2.
“Traditionally, tattoos have provided an opportunity for civilians to witness the precision and professionalism of those who have dedicated their lives to the defence and security of their country,” said Norm Crerar, with the Okanagan Military Tattoo Society. “2014 marks a special year for Canada as we reflect with pride and gratitude on the contribution of our servicemen and women as we commemorate the 100th anniversary of the outbreak of the First World War.”
The Okanagan Military Tattoo will showcase local musicians and dancers together with world class performances by the Royal Canadian Artillery Band, the RCMP Pipes & Drums, the RCMP Ceremonial Troop, the Calgary Stampede Band of Outriders, and Massed Pipe Bands, as well as a choir, from the Okanagan area with a special Salute to our Veterans.
Joining the massed band will be Vernon’s very own Kalamalka Highlanders Pipe Band and the Arran Campbell Memorial Pipe Band, who just competed in the 36th annual Spring Fling event held in Kamloops.
Winners of the Revelstoke event last year, the KHPB was a close second behind the Vancouver Police Pipe band this year.
“The event, comprised of 10 bands, traditionally includes piping, drumming, ensemble, dress, drill and deportment (the three Ds), a fun dance, and skit,” said Reg Scott, with the KHPB.
Besides playing at Fintry Provincial Park and at the Falkland Stampede in May as well as Vernon’s Relay for Life and the Lumby Days parade, the bands will perform next with the Argyll School of Performing Arts at the Vernon Performing Arts Centre Wednesday, and at the Canada Day celebrations in Polson Park.
Both bands will be at the park Mondays and Thursdays at 7 p.m. preparing for the Okanagan Military Tattoo, and the public is welcome to come and hear them play.
Tickets for the Okanagan Military Tattoo are available at the Ticket Seller box office in the Vernon Performing Arts Centre. Order at www.ticketseller.ca or call 250-549-SHOW (7469). Special rates are available for families, seniors and veterans and all seats are reserved.
For more information about the tattoo check out the website at www.okanagantattoo.ca
