Bands 2010
ITALY
Central Band of the Navy
Conductor Antonio Barbagallo
The Music Corps of the Military Navy is one of the most ancient italian band and its establishment took place in 1870 through the creation of an organic and stable structure at the naval department of La Spezia. From 1966 to 1991 this band was dependent on the Naval Deparment of Taranto and, subsequently, it was moved to Rome, where it is now located. This music corps is composed of 102 musicians; all of them are non-commissioned officers in permanent and effective service and they are also graduated from the conservatory. The repertory includes every musical genres: from the original music for band to classic, lyrical-symphonic and jazz.
The Music Band of the Military Navy is engaged in its institutional activity both in Italy and abroad. In 2004 it was decorated among the Popoli di Assisi del "Cavalierato di pace" thanks to its specific capability of representing the strong engagement of the navy in social issues and in relief supplies. Currently this band it is commanded by the Capitano di Fregata Giacomo Polimeni and it is conducted by the Capitano di Fregata Maestro Antonio Barbagallo.
Band of Brigata meccanizzata Aosta
Conductor Fedele De Caro
Formed in Messina in 1977 as Musica d'Ordinanza, the Band of Brigata meccanizzata Aosta adopted this name in 1988, and put his residence in the Brigade Reparto Comando e trasmissioni.
The current organic is of about 40 musicians. The Band participates at military ceremonies and national and international meetings. In the last years, it performed in Prague (1999), at Nato Music Festival of Kaiserlautern in Germany, in Hungary (2001) and in Mons, Belgium (2002).
The repertoire is very expansive: not only marches and pieces, typical of the Military forces, but also the Band plays several musical genres as pop, opera, symphonic and holy music.
At the Modena Military Tattoo, the Band will wear the historical Brigata uniform.
GREAT BRITAIN
Band of Her Majesty's Royal Marines Plymouth
Conductor Richard Harvey
The Band of HM Royal Marines Plymouth is based at Hms Raleigh in Torpoint, Cornwall the premier training establishment of the Royal Navy. The primary role of the band is to provide musical support to the Naval Service in establishments and at venues in the UK and abroad. This encompasses a wide variety of engagements and requires numerous musical ensembles.
A typical working week for the band could include a ceremonial parade for a visiting Head of State, a Beat Retreat display alongside a Royal Naval ship, a concert in support of Seafarers UK, a dance band performance at a corporate ball, recording a cd or the provision of music for a dinner hosted by a member of the Royal Family or senior naval officer. The Plymouth Band also provides the music for the weekly passing out parades within Hms Raleigh. Such varied musical output requires musicians to be multitalented with most being required to play at least two instruments to a very high standard. The remarkable reputation of the Royal Marines Band Service is built on this unique and versatile capability and the band can provide ensembles ranging from a pop group featuring the latest chart hits to a full symphony orchestra, or from a Corps of Drums or Fanfare Team to Big Band sounds from the 1940s.
In recent years, the Plymouth Band has participated in a number of significant events including a Concert Tour and The Bay of Plenty Military Tattoo in New Zealand, the famous Edinburgh Military Tattoo and accompanying Her Majesty the Queen on her recent state visit to Istanbul.
The band maintains the skills for its secondary role by completing regular military training and exercise operations, with 10 ranks deploying to 'Op Herrick IX' with the Commando Logistic Regiment Royal Marines.
RUMANIA
Representative Music of Terrestrial Forces of Iasi
Conductor Viorel Cibotariu
The Representative Music of the Terrestrial Forces of Iasi is a component of Romanian Music life, with professional acitvities that exceeded the military sphere. The first mention of the military music in Iasi, the cultural capital of Romania, appeared in the first Romania newspaper, in 1830, when by the pen of the passionate scholar Gheorghe Asachi, the newspaper Albina Româneascǎ published the news on the creation of the first military music with modern brasses.
The foundation, 180 years ago, of the first band of Romanian military music represents an important moment in the history of Romanian music which marks the beginning of a period of autochthonous cultural enthusiasm. Besides the military duties (defiling, parades, etc.), the military fanfares cultivated and propagated the values of Romanian and universal music, representing a true school of musical education. The Represented Music of the Terrestrial Forces of Iasi of Romania participated to various festivals and national and International competitions. Concerning the professional training of the fanfare members we may say that all of them have graduated the Military Music School, and half of the members have graduated the "George Enescu" University of Fine Arts of Iasi.
The Representative Music of Terrestrial Forces of Iasi - Romania often collaborates with the troupe of professional dances "The Sky" of the cultural House of Students Iasi. There is also a very good collaboration with the Philharmonics and Opera of Iasi.
UNITED STATES
Band of University of Washington
Conductor J. Bradley McDavid
The Band of the University of Washington, called Husky Marching Band, is composed of 240 musicians and in 2010 it celebrates its 81st birthday. Since 1929 this band has entertained an international audience and has achieved success all over the world: from the lake Washington to Australia, China, Japan and Europe. Since its birth the Husky Band has undertaken numerous changes but today it is still characterized by a high quality in terms of music, accuracy in the march and shared pride and sense of belonging to Huskies.
The University of Washington Husky Marching band attends many sports events taking place at the University of Washington and it also performed in several events around the world: during the summer of 1998, a part of the Band went to Sidney in Fiji islands and New Zealand. In the summer of 2001, the Band reached China where the favourite and most appreciated pieces of Huskies were performed on the Great Wall. In 2005 the tour in Scandinavia included concerts in Sweden, Norway and Denmark. After the Modena International Military Tattoo 2010, the Husky Band will participate in the Midousuji International Festival of Osaka in Japan.
SWEDEN
The Gothenburg Home Guard Band
Coductor David Lundblad
The Gothenburg Home Guard Band was formed in 1941 as a military band organised within the Swedish Army. Since 1996 the band has a navy profile. In 1974 the band was extended to a full symphonic band.
Today the Band consists of some 55 musicians, takes an active part in the musical life in Gothenburg and has participated in several big events. Each year since 1975 the band performs well attended concerts in the Gothenburg Concert Hall. Since 1978 the Gothenburg Home Guard Band yearly performs the ceremonial music of the Changing of the Guards at the Royal Palace in Stockholm. At these occasions concerts are normally given, often in the Cathedral of Stockholm. This year (2010) the band has received an invitation to be a part of the arrangements concerning the Royal Wedding of H.R.H. the Crown Princess of Sweden.
Throughout the years the Gothenburg Home Guard Band has made many tours abroad: the Modena International Military Tatoo 2010 is the first time to Italy. On several occasions the band has had the honour of representing the Swedish Defence Forces at official event (the 350th Anniversary of the Norwegian Army in Oslo 1978, the 300-year Celebration of the Russian Navy in Kaliningrad 1996 and the 50th Anniversary of the German Armed Forces in Bonn 2005). The band has also performed at several Military Tattoo and produced many records.