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Have you ever wanted to know more about the glamorous gold-clad soldiers on their horses at the centre of The King’s Coronation? Have you ever wondered how it’s even possible to play an instrument and ride a horse at the same time? Have you ever wanted to know more about the history, stories and secrets of The Household Cavalry regiment? Have you ever wanted to make music with and get to know these incredible men and women, straight from the country’s grandest events?
In a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, The Band of the Household Cavalry is coming to Marlborough and you can get involved!
Set in the beautiful, light-filled surroundings of St John's' purpose-built theatre and atrium space, this is an all-day workshop experience made especially for teenagers – if you are aged between 13 and 19 and play an instrument, or are interested in the British Army, this is for you!
If you play a band instrument (full list below) to Grade 4 standard or above, you can play alongside the musicians and be conducted by their Bandmaster, as you learn some of their iconic repertoire together over the course of the day. You’ll be swept up in the power of the symphonic wind band sound as you are guided and mentored by the country’s finest military musicians. The day culminates with an informal performance to friends and family – this is an unforgettable experience for anyone musically inclined.
If you don’t play an instrument or aren't musical, you are also very welcome! The Band will be leading sessions letting you in on the secrets of every aspect of life in the regiment, from their historic, famous uniforms, the horses they ride, the complex marching and drill they do with ease, and what your experience might be like if you joined – basic training, riding school, and more.
There will even be a special appearance from the funky 'Loose Box' band, made up of musicians from the Band!
There are also limited places available for adults under 30 who play a band instrument to Grade 4 standard or above – you are very welcome to join us.
The Band of the Household Cavalry and the White Horse Festival will not be charging to attend this event in order to ensure it is accessible to all. However, there are some ancillary costs, such as insurance and staffing, which the Festival (which is a charity) needs to recoup. Therefore, to secure a place to attend, we request that you make a payment of £15, which will include a packed lunch; vegetarian and vegans option are available, please let us know any dietary requirements when you register.
In the case of financial hardship, the charity will facilitate attending the event free of charge. Please email julia@whitehorsefestival.co.uk.
The Family and Friends sharing performance at the end of the day is free to attend; the charity is grateful for a retiring donation.
Parents/carers are welcome to stay for the full day if they wish and do not need to register to do so (but will need to provide their own lunch); however, if you would prefer to drop off and collect your young person, the day will be managed in accordance with the charity's Safeguarding Policy, which you will be asked to read and approve at the point of booking. This event is being run in line with advice from Wiltshire County Council's Events Team.
When you arrive, please enter via the main entrance/Reception; please feel free to use the main car park (on a first-come-first-served basis).
Play With the Band
If you play one of the below instruments to approximately Grade 4 standard or above, you will be able to play side by side with the Band:
Flute
Piccolo
Oboe
Clarinet
Bass Clarinet
Alto Sax
Tenor Sax
Baritone Sax
Bassoon
French Horn
Cornet
Trumpet
Trombone
Bass Trombone
Euphonium
Tuba
Percussion
Please bring your own instrument (aside from percussion) and a music stand on the day.
You will be asked to select your instrument when booking; if you would like to participate on more than one instrument, please add a note to your booking and please do bring both instruments on the day.
The Band of the Household Cavalry
The Band of the Household Cavalry is comprised of musicians from The Royal Corps of Army Music and with over 60 musicians, a third of whom are female, is the largest of 14 Regular Army Bands in the British Army and the only Band to perform mounted.
The Household Cavalry Regiment is part of the Household Division, and is a union of the two most senior regiments in the British Army, The Life Guards and The Blues and Royals. Known as the Trusted Guardians of the Monarch, they have guarded the Sovereign and the Royal Palaces since 1660, and can often be seen Changing the Guard at Windsor Castle and Buckingham Palace. They provide a Sovereign’s Escort at all major state occasions such as the King’s Birthday Parade, the Coronation, and the State Opening of Parliament, wearing State Dress, their iconic historical gold livery unchanged since 1685. The State Trumpeters and famous Drum Horses are both distinctive parts of The Band of the Household Cavalry.
The Royal Corps of Army Music can offer full time employment as a musician within the British Army. Not all Household Cavalry musicians have recognised musical qualifications before joining; musical development opportunities as well as equitation training (riding school) are provided. There will be opportunities on the day to find out more about all aspects of joining the Household Division, as a musician or non-musician.
St John's, Marlborough
Set in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on Granham Hill, St John’s, Marlborough is where young people aged 11-18 are challenged and supported to become confident, capable adults ready for their next steps in life.
They are proud to serve the communities of Marlborough and surrounding villages with a relentless focus on high aspirations and outstanding outcomes for every student. Their state-of-the-art facilities provide an exceptional learning environment, whilst their distinct and ambitious Sixth Form welcomes both existing students and those joining from other schools.
As part of Excalibur Academies Trust, they benefit from shared expertise and strong governance, whilst maintaining their own unique identity, values and deep community focus.
Address: St John’s, Marlborough, Granham Hill, Marlborough, Wiltshire SN8 4AX
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https://www.stjohns.excalibur.org.uk/