by Mike Hall

The Guild is perhaps largely unknown to the general world of military musicians, however, it is a band which recorded on the Bandleader label a remarkable evocation of British soldier's music of yesteryear. It has seldom appeared in public.

It comprises mainly professional percussion and flute players from the capital's principal orchestras, augmented by a few Corps of Drums Society members. The Guild, accoutered  in 16th Century uniforms, play music ranging from the earliest of these isles, to music of today, together with the occasional, amiable foray into the re-established, internationally famous tradition of drum and fife in Basle, Switzerland; (whence Britain is thought to have copied the fife). The Guild's Basle fifes are compatible with concert piccolos and its melody instrument otherwise, is the 16th Century, keyless fife.

During 1966 on BFBS (Forces Radio) their music was to be heard in some stunning recordings, introduced by noted percussionist and Guild President, Professor James Blades. Today the Guild's music is available on Bandleader CD BNA 5O13 (Cass CBND 61044). The music includes:

Drummers Call/ Drum demonstration/When the King enjoys his own again/ Warwickshire March/ Prince Ferdinand's March/ General Wolf's March/ Chester Castle/ Downfall of Paris/ To Danton Me/ The Rogue's March/ Grenadiers March/ See the Conquering Hero Comes/ Toledo/ It's a long way to Tipperary/ San Lorenzo/ Wandermarsch/ Morgenstreich/ Sans Gene/ Come Lasses and Lads/ Glopfgaisht/ Stainlemer/ Windischi/ Dritt Varrs/ Arabi/ Septem Juncta in Juno/ Der Vaudois/ S'laggerli.

The Guild always needs recruits: players, (particularly flute players twixt the ages of sixteen and sixty who are able to sight read pretty well, who are reasonably fit and very enthusiastic) or researchers and even non-players who are willing to take over some of the administrative tasks. If interested, contact: Mike Skinner (principal percussionist to the Royal Opera), 138 Springband Road, London 5E13 65U (081.698.7885).