More To Military Music Than Marching

 

The South African Army Band Cape Town is the oldest Regular Force band in the country. It originated in 1915 as the regimental band of the 1st Battalion, The Cape Corps, a famous fighting unit of World War 1. When the Cape Corps was de-activated in 1919 the band continued on a part-time basis as a living memorial. At the outbreak of World War 2 the Cape Corps was re-activated and the band was the first element to return to full-time service.

The Cape Corps was de-activated in 1992 but the band was retained as one of the five regional Army bands and was renamed to SA Army Band Cape Town under the directorship of Major Chris Nicholls. In 2002 Lieutenant Martin Chandler, the youngest qualified Director of Music in the Corps of Musicians, was appointed as the Assistant Director of Music. Major Chris Nicholls retired in 2006 and Major Martin Chandler was appointed as Director of Music.

Since the inception of the Chief of the Army annual Military Band competition in 1996, the SA Army Band Cape Town has won the best Military Concert and Marching Band Awards and is widely regarded as one of the foremost military bands in Africa. In 2000 the SANDF initiated a music-training program at the SA Army Band Cape Town, to assist young recruits of the Military Skills Development System and various African countries such as Namibia, Rwanda, Zimbabwe, Congo and Botswana in training military musicians. This program was later outsourced to the University of Stellenbosch.

The Army Band Cape Town has performed extensively at various events, including the Grahamstown National Arts Festival and the Klein Karoo National Arts Festival amongst others, The band has also received much acclaim from the Presidents Office for their involvement in the Opening of Parliament and the inauguration of former President Nelson Mandela as the first democratically elected President of the Republic of South Africa.

The Band has performed for a myriad of dignitaries and Heads of State, including the Queen of England, former President Bill Clinton, Colonel Muhammar Gadaffi and former Prime Minister Tony Blair to name but a few. The band now has 42 members and enjoys, perhaps more than any other band in Africa, an unsurpassed reputation for versatility and excellence.

Director of Music: Maj Martin Chandler (021 7871992)
Assistant Director of Music: Capt Vernon Michels (021 7871990)
Bandmaster: WO1 Pieter Jacobs (021 7871991)

 

Gunners Memorial Service 20 March

The annual Gunners Memorial Service was held at the Gardens in Cape Town on Sunday 20 March 2011 by the Gunners’ Association (Western Province Branch). The Gunners’ Association was founded shortly after the Second World War in order to assist needy gunners returning from war. The Association is a founder member of the Council of Military Veterans Organisation, which governs matters regarding military and disability pensions, legislation concerning military matters and the care of veterans in general.

SA Army Band Classic CD 2008 Download NOW!

http://rhythmmusicstore.com/music/6917/S-A-Army-Band---Cape-Town/Classics-2008

This CD can be downloaded at http://rhythmmusicstore.com/music/6917/S-A-Army-Band—Cape-Town/Classics-2008

Serving the Community – Concert in the Park

The Lions clubs of Cape Town presented “Concert in the Park” at De Waal Park in Cape Town on 20 February 2011.  The weather was absolutely perfect with no wind!  A great appreciative and supporting crowd turned up with our Rainbow Nation represented from 2 – 100 years. (Truly amazing to see all across the board having a great time)!

“The crowd awaits in anticipation””

 

 

The SA Army Band Cape Town played a varied program with something for all.  From the well-know military march Thunderer, to “The Prayer”, Amazing Grace, Highland Cathedral, Waka-Waka and Do-Be-Do made famous by Freshly Ground.

Andrew Imrie shined as guest Pipe player and wowed the crowds with his playing, also including “My Sarie Marais” on the pipes.

Andrew Imrie and Maj Martin Chandler (Director of the Band)

The Band impressed with beautiful playing holding to their reputation of Best Military Band in South Africa!

The Lions Clubs certainly did a fine job in putting this event together.  After the concert coffee, tea and biscuits were served to all.

The Lions preparing coffee and biscuits

Such a performance does not happen on its own.  The setting-up of the sound is time consuming and hard work.  Thank you to the “sound-team” and their transport!  Also to all the band members who packed out and up quickly to make way for another artist.  It is evident that team-work is a concept well illustrated by this exceptional group of musicians.  The Army can be very proud to have you as an representative of the SANDF.

Teamwork

If any organization would like to book the Band please contact:

Director of Music	Major Martin Chandler 021 787 1992
Booking agent	WO1 Pieter Jacobs 021 787 1991
Press contact	Capt Vernon Michels 021 787 1990

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

To view more photo’s please visit our Facebook Group at:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/SA-Army-Band-Cape-Town/109082745826764

 

 

 

Opening of Parliament 10 February 2011

Opening of Parliament Today 10 February from 17:30 in Cape Town
SA Army Band Cape Town welcomes all our visiting bands participating in the Opening of Parliament:
SA Medical Services Band and their Pipers (playing in front of Parliament)
SA Army Band Kroonstad (from Castle of Good Hope marching flag bearers to Parliament)
SA Army Band Cape Town (Leading Army Regiment from Castle of Good Hope to Adderley Street)
SA Airforce Band from Pretoria (Leading Airforce Regiment in Adderley Street)
SA Navy Band (Leading Navy Regiment at lower part of Adderley Street)
National Ceremonial Guard Band (Leading the Ceremonial Guard and playing National Anthem in front of Parliament)

Cape Field Artillery Pipes & Drums entertaining crowds in Adderly Street

SA Army Band Kroonstad

SA Navy Band

SA Airforce Band

 

 

 

 

 

SA Army Band Cape Town

Cape Field Artillery Pipes and Drums

A Must Have in your CD Collection

The word “tattoo” is derived from a centuries-old military ritual which originated in the Low Countries during the 80 Years War in the 16th and 17th centuries, when patrols would be sent out near nightfall to warn off-duty soldiers in the taverns that it was time to return to their barracks.

At each tavern the tavern-keeper would be told: “Doe den tap toe!” (close the taps on your beer-barrels.)  All the armies fighting in the Low countries adopted this practice, and as the centuries passed the nightly ritual became known by various names – such as “tattoo” in English and  “taptoe” in Dutch and turned into a unique form of millatary show.

Cape Town Military Tattoo

The tattoo is structured on the same lines as tatoos elsewhere in the world, but its avowed aim is to grow into a truly South African Military event that is structured on traditional lines but will concentrate on acts from Cape Town, South Africa and the rest of Africa.

Please read more about the Cape Town Tattoo at:  http://www.capetattoo.co.za/

This CD can be downloaded from Rhythm Online at: http://rhythmmusicstore.com/music/6911/Cape-Town-Military-Tattoo/A-Taste-Of-The-Tattoo

You can also listen to clips on Rhythm.  Below is a list of tracks on the CD.

1. Fanfare & Soliloquyby Cape Town Military Tattoo	R 7.00($1.01)
2. Umbutho Umvokeloby Cape Town Military Tattoo	R 7.00($1.01)
3. Rock Fantasieby Cape Town Military Tattoo	R 7.00($1.01)
4. Scotland The Braveby Cape Town Military Tattoo	R 7.00($1.01)
5. The Red Hackelby Cape Town Military Tattoo	R 7.00($1.01)
6. Anchors Aweighby Cape Town Military Tattoo	R 7.00($1.01)
7. Sarie Maraisby Cape Town Military Tattoo	R 7.00($1.01)
8. 79th Farewell To Gibraltarby Cape Town Military Tattoo	R 7.00($1.01)
9. Last Of The Great Walesby Cape Town Military Tattoo	R 7.00($1.01)
10. La Baumby Cape Town Military Tattoo	R 7.00($1.01)
11. Radetzky Marchby Cape Town Military Tattoo	R 7.00($1.01)
12. National Anthemby Cape Town Military Tattoo	R 7.00($1.01)
13. Nightfall In Campby Cape Town Military Tattoo	R 7.00($1.01)
14. By The Waters Edgeby Cape Town Military Tattoo	R 7.00($1.01)
15. Auld Lang Syneby Cape Town Military Tattoo	R 7.00($1.01)
16. Khayelitsha Beatby Cape Town Military Tattoo	R 7.00($1.01)
17. Col Bogeyby Cape Town Military Tattoo	R 7.00($1.01)
Album Total:	R 119.00($17.20)

The SA Army Band Cape Town has 6 other CD’s available.  Contact the Band directly at the number below for more detail:

Director of Music: Maj Martin Chandler (021 7871992)

Assistant Director of Music: Capt Vernon Michels (021 7871990)

Bandmaster: WO1 Pieter Jacobs (021 7871991)

The Rwandan Defence Force Army Band receive training from the SA Army Band Cape Town

Friday, 12 November 2010 by Regine Lord

After the silent drill team in their striking blue and black uniforms had finished their routine, and the echoing boom of their bass drum had faded away, theArmy Band of the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) strode into the arena. (under training at the SA Army Band Cape Town)

The Rwandan Army Band is participating in the Cape Town Military Tattoo for the first time

The powerful beams from the light-clusters mounted above the walls glanced off their shiny brass instruments, which flashed brightly, as they marched past the spectators, giving their salute. They played some unusual pieces of music that I hadn’t heard before, including one very slow march, which sounded almost like a funeral processing – it was deeply stirring and hauntingly beautiful.

The program notes give a little bit about the history of the Rwandan Army Band, which is in charge of ceremonial functions in the RDF:

“The band was established during the Liberation War in 1992, and its first performance was on 8 March 1992 with only 16 members. After the Liberation War in 1994, the band was re-established with 46 members.

In 2002, Lt Col Lemeul Kayumba was appointed Commanding Officer and introduced intensive band training programs, which included building relationships with foreign bands and military music schools. The RDF Army Band maintained its own training program, but was also assisted by neighbouring countries, such as Uganda and Ghana.

In 2008 the RDF Army sent the first contingent of 20 Military Musicians to attend the South African Army Military Music Course, presented by the SA Army Band, Cape Town with the assistance of the University of Stellenbosch. The students do external examinations which include UNISA theory examinations as well as Trinity/Guildhall College London practical examinations. Many of the students achieved distinctions and appear on the role of honour for achievements in UNISA examinations.

Tattoo Pipe-Major, Staff Sergeant Andrew Imrie of the CFA Pipes and Drums, with two members of the Rwandan Army Band

The RDF Army Band consists of four components: Head Quarters and Workshop, Arranging and Harmony, Ceremonial, Jazz and Vocal. They perform throughout the African continent, where members are deployed on peace keeping missions.

Under the leadership of Lieutenant Leonard Ndayambaje, it will be the first time the band will perform at the Cape Town Military Tattoo.” (Program notes

 

SA Army Band Cape Town features at Cape Town Military Tattoo 2010

Friday, 12 November 2010 by Regine Lord

After the high-energy performance by the drummies of Curro Private School, it was the turn of the popular SA Army Band of Cape Town (more here) in their red tunics and dark-blue pants to wow the audience. Led out by Drum Major WO2 André van Schwalkwyk and under the baton of Director of Music Major Martin Chandler, they gave us a glimpse of their wide-ranging repertoire.

The SA Army Band Cape Town in their striking red tunics marches past the spectators

The Army Band CT is also closely involved with youth development, by fostering the musical skills of talented youngsters from previously disadvantaged areas. More recently, they have also given intensive drill instruction to the Drill Squad of the Western Province School Marching Drill and Exhibition Association, whose members were selected from numerous schools in the Western Cape, and particularly from the area of Mitchell’s Plain (a description of their most recent training camp, held during the mid-term September holidays, can be read here).

WO2 André van Schalkwyk is the Tattoo Drum-Major

In the months leading up to the 2010 Tattoo, the Army Band has also forged a close relationship with the Rwandan Army Band, whose members spent several months in South Africa, receiving musical training (more info here).

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The Drill Squad of WP SMDEA trains at Youngsfield Military Base

Tuesday, 26 October 2010 by Regine Lord

As explained in the previous posts (see SA Army Band CT trains Drill Squad, Visit to the Naval Dockyard and Visit to Fort iKapa), the drill squad of the Western Province School Marching Drill and Exhibition Association  (WP SMDEA) recently participated in a week-long training program at Youngsfield Military Base.

They underwent some intensive drill training under the watchful eyes of Staff Sergeant Jerome Mecloen and WO2 André van Schalkwyk from the SA Army Band Cape Town. The aim of this was to prepare them for their participation in the pre-show program of the Cape Town Military Tattoo to be held at the Castle of Good Hope from 03 to 06 November 2010.

On Friday morning, neatly attired in black pants, white shirts and yellow waistcoats, complete with white gloves, the drill squad marched confidently out onto the parade ground near The Train Restaurant at Youngsfield Military Base to the rhythmic drum-beats generated by their entourage of drummers.

The Drill Squad in their snazzy uniforms proudly march onto the parade ground

Their dramatic, energetic and highly polished performance was witnessed by representatives from the SANDF, the Defence Reserves, the Western Cape Education Department and the South African Police Service of Mitchells Plain. Their teachers and drill instructors, as well as Ssgt Mecloen and WO2 Van Schalkwyk of the SA Army Band Cape Town, looked on proudly, as their charges proved that the long hours of intensive drilling and the repeated rehearsals of the routines had been worthwhile.

WO2 André van Schalkwyk welcomes the invited guests

With backs straight, chins up, chests out, and arms straight, the troop marched in perfect sync with each other and with the beat of the drum, demonstrating a marked improvement from their first rehearsals at the beginning of the week.

The intensive training by WO2 van Schalkwyk and Ssgt Mecloen has definitely paid off

After this stirring display, we returned to the restaurant for the formalities. Ssgt Mecloen, in his capacity as MC, introduced Colonel Pieter Kobie, the Commanding Officer of Army Support Base Youngsfield, as the first speaker. Col Kobie praised all the youngsters who had willingly given up their free time to participate in the week long training camp during the school holidays. He said that their discipline and hard work had impressed him greatly and that he hoped many of them would join the Defence Force when they left school. Mrs Lyrice Trussell from the Western Cape Education Department echoed Col Kobie’s sentiments.

Col P. Kobie hands a Certificate of Appreciation to Lt Col Johan Conradie

Thereafter, it was time to hand out certificates of attendance to all the learners who had attended the training, in acknowledgement of their commitment and hard work, as well as to the invited representatives from the Defence Reserves, from SAPS Mitchells Plain, and from the school. The SA Army Band Cape Town will continue with the training in the next two weeks to ensure that the marching band remains sharp for the Tattoo.

SA Army Band Cape Town prepares the Drill Squad of the Western Province School Marching Drill and Exhibition Association for the Cape Town Military Tattoo 2010

Tuesday, 26 October 2010 by Regine Lord

During the school holiday week of 27 September to 01 October 2010, the drill squad of the Western Province School Marching Drill and Exhibition Association (WP SMDEA) received some intensive training by members of theSouth African Army Band Cape Town, in preparation for the Cape Town Military Tattoo to be held at the Castle of Good Hope from 03 to 06 November 2010. The drill squad will form part of the pre-show entertainment on each night of the Tattoo, to illustrate the involvement of the Defence Reserves with youth development and skills training.

The drill squad is made up of learners from various schools around the Western Cape, including primary schools and high schools in Mitchell’s Plain, and high schools in Manenberg, Beaufort West and the Strand.

The drill squad performed at the Castle during the 2010 FIFA World Cup

Background

To give you a little of the background of this program (all the information here was extracted from the handout kindly provided by Mr Saeed Ruiters):

The Marching Drill Programme is an initiative of Portland High School in Mitchell’s Plain; it was introduced by Mr Saeed Ruiters as a Physical Education Task in the Life Orientation Subject in 2007, with the assistance of Mr Dawood Davids, a community member. It culminated in the First Interclass Marching Drill Competition held at Portland High School.

In 2008, the South African Police Service of Mitchell’s Plain was involved in a youth programme called the ‘Twinning Project’; it was decided to incorporate the Marching Drill Programme into that, and to roll this out to as many schools in the area as possible. They were, after all, pursuing the same objectives: improving discipline in the schools, generating pride in the school uniform and in being part of a team, teaching leadership abilities, among other things.

This roll-out proved very successful – so much, in fact, that the British Metropolitan Police and the British High Commissioner from London came to visit Portlands High School to witness the programme first-hand. Duly impressed, the British Embassy in Cape Town pledged their support for the programme, even sponsoring a trophy. This led to the Second Interclass Marching Drill Competition at Portland High School, and the First Interschool Marching Drill Competition held at Westridge Sports Complex.

The Defence Reserves of the Western Cape had put together a special program of performances by various youth groups in the Western Cape

In 2009, Mr Kader Miller and Mr Nazeem Davids of S.A. Drumline became part of the Marching Drill Programme. They sponsored the bass drums at the participating schools, and also donated a floating trophy for the highest points obtained. The Second Interschool Marching Drill Competition was duly held at Westridge Sports Complex.

In 2010, the South African National Defence Force became involved, when the Portland High School was invited to perform at the Castle in Cape Town. A Mitchell’s Plain Zonal Team (or drill squad) was assembled, and they gave numerous eye-catching performances at the Castle as well as at the various Fan Parks during the FIFA 2010 Soccer World Cup.

And now, the drill squad is scheduled to perform at the Castle during the Cape Town Military Tattoo. Isn’t that marvellous?

The youngsters’ energetic performance was very entertaining for the spectators

Training camp

In order to prepare them for this event, Staff Sergeant Jerome Mecloen and WO2 André van Schalkwyk of the SA Army Band CT took the youngsters under their wing for the duration of the mid-term school holidays.

After a long, hard Monday spent drilling on the parade ground at Youngsfield Military Base in Wynberg, Cape Town, and practicing their routines, on Tuesdaythe youngsters were given a special treat in the form of a visit to Simon’s Town and the Naval Dockyard. See Visit to Naval Dockyard.

The whole of Wednesday was spent on the parade ground once more, with the learners being put through their paces and rehearsing their routines.

On Thursday, as a reward for their hard work and discipline, they were given an interactive and educational tour around Fort iKapa in Goodwood, which is currently the only base in the country where all the Reserve units in the province are located. See Visit to Fort iKapa.

All the training of the previous days culminated in a stirring performance onFriday morning, when the entire band in their striking black and yellow uniforms proudly showed off their skills in front of teachers, military personnel and invited guests. See Training at Youngsfield.

The Portlands High School Field Marching Band gives a final salute

SA Army Band Cape Town at V&A Waterfront 14 December 18:00

If have not had the pleasure of listening to this excellent band, this is your last chance for 2010.  They will be performing at the V&A Waterfront at the Amphitheatre at 18:00 -19:00.  A varied program with something for everyone, will be presented.  Perfect to get you into the holiday spirit.

The Band has 42 members and is conducted by Major Martin Chandler.  Below they are in action at their waterfront performance in 2009 with the Delft Big Band under directorship of  the Ian Smith.