Hull Music Service is proud to congratulate Toby on his outstanding royal performance last term in The Military Musical Spectacular.
Here’s what Toby had to share about this incredible experience.
The Horse Guards Parade
(The Military Musical Spectacular)
My experience of that week was like nothing I could ever have imagined. I played the tuba for the Humberside and South Yorkshire army cadet band. We began as a handpicked band of 40, practicing in the Wellington Barracks with people from all around the UK. As a group, we mastered the art of a true marching band and we wore a special uniform known as ‘ones’. We played an eclectic mix of music, from military marches to pop.
What’s really special to me is that on the second night of performing, I had my 15th birthday. In front of all of the guests, I had my own special mention. I’d never experienced anything like it. Thousands of people were there to listen to the music and I got a mention! I played three nights overall.
Before every performance, the band had a pep talk from one of the best players in the household division. I was so nervous before each one but knew this would be an opportunity of a lifetime so I was really excited too. As we would step off into the street from Wellington Barracks, we just saw people lined up for quite some way, just to see us perform. It was wonderful to see! Spectators watched us from the stands and there were even more onlookers nearby too. Marching down Bird Cage Walk was one of the highlights for me. It was a truly special moment along with the feeling of being on the drill square.
The event concluded with a trip to Colchester Zoo and being given an amazing tour around. I’ve never had anything like this whole experience in my life and I will never forget the opportunity and experience it gave me.
Toby
