The Band and Bugles of The Rifles entertain pupils at Newport school - with pictures and video
A military wind band entertained pupils during a day of music at a Newport school.
The Band and Bugles of The Rifles performed at Adams Grammar School.
Pupils were treated to a performance by the band at their whole school assembly followed by workshops for a number of the school’s musicians, culminating in a special shared performance for all of Year 7.
Head of Music Malcolm Brown said: “It has been a really fantastic day and we have all thoroughly enjoyed meeting and working with the band. Over 40 of our brass, wood wind and percussion players have had the opportunity to learn a variety of pieces alongside some truly inspirational musicians while giving our Year 7 pupils an amazing start to their musical journey at Adams. “
The Band and Bugles of The Rifles is a Wind Band based at Sir John Moore Barracks in Winchester, Hampshire, and is part of the Corps of Army Music. The Band performs at a variety of settings providing sounding retreats, freedom parades, tattoo's, community events and other diverse engagements. They also perform as a concert band, church band and have several small ensembles.
The band’s assistant director of music Lieutenant Bethan Waters said: “It has been a real pleasure to come and perform at the school and to work with the pupils. We’ve played a variety of songs we know the students will like and they have all worked really hard. Hopefully they had some fun and learnt a lot too about music and other career opportunities within the army.”
The afternoon concert was a big hit with the Year 7 pupils who were treated to a number of pieces including the Pirates of the Caribbean, a 1930s Big Band piece called Sing Sing Sing, and an arrangement of one of Ed Sheeran’s new songs.
Upper Sixth pupil and percussionist Michael Lloyd said it had been an amazing day.
“I’ve played in a couple of professional bands before but this was incredible," he said. "Having the opportunity to play the drums with The Band while performing one of my favourite jazz pieces has made this the best day of term so far.”
