Over 200 Pipers and Drummers
at Europe's Most Prestigious Tattoo
By DAVID ROBERTS
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A CAPACITY CROWD gave performers a standing ovation at the finale of the fourth Basel International Military Tattoo in Switzerland. Over 200 pipers and drummers took part in the massed bands at the opening of the show forming the Swiss flag with the cross formation. It was an intricately choreographed movement and executed with total precision performance after performance.
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A lone piper stood on the ramparts of Basel's medieval barracks, the Kasserne, and the strains of Amazing Grace rose to the sky.
The tune was taken up by the pipes and drums of the over 200 members of massed pipe bands from England, New Zealand, Australia, Switzerland, Oman and, of course, our own Delta Police Pipe Band from Canada.
They were then joined by brass bands from England, Germany, Canada: the mounted band of the English Guards, The Blues and Royals, the Australian OzScott dancers.
The audience then added their voices to what has become the world's most recognized finale piece. The emotional content that adds to the poignancy of a tune is that it was written by a former slave and slave master, John Adams.
The Massed Pipe Bands were the last to leave the arena playing Scotland the Brave and Black Bear. The crowd literally roared their approval as over 200 pipers and drummers resplendent in a variety of colourful uniforms, marched off, leaving a very satisfied and appreciative crowd.
The fourth Basel International Military Tattoo in Switzerland continued the tradition established by its predecessors in becoming Europe's most prestigious Tattoo, after the famous Edinburgh Tattoo.
The 85,000 seats over a week of public performances were sold out in 19 days when released for sale in January 2009.
A uniquely Swiss marketing procedure ensures that tickets are available right up until the time of performance. If a person is unable to attend the event, they need only appear at the ticket office to find someone who is seeking tickets. Ticket scalping is rigorously prosecuted by authorities, an example of the Swiss attitude to fairness.
For the Delta Police Pipe Band, led by Drum Major Moe Coll and Pipe Major Colin Abel, it was a gruelling, but satisfying experience.
Arriving in Basel, on July 13, they were co-opted, with three other bands, into a performance the following evening at the nearby French Alsace town of Illzach.
This was the first time that performers from the Basel Tattoo had featured at the Bastille Day celebrations and they were met with appreciation and enthusiasm by the audience of over 2,500.
Then followed two full days of intense rehearsals, culminating in two full-dress rehearsals before invited audiences. Eleven performances later, the Delta Police Pipe Band had completed one of their most successful and satisfying international appearances.
During the entire lead up to the event, during the event itself, and in all dealings with the Tattoo organization, and indeed everyone the group came in contact with in Basel, there was an air of competence and friendliness.
The accommodation at the Basel Hilton was superior and the inter-connected bus and tram system makes getting around and across the city a pleasure. The hop-on, hop-off ability makes sight-seeing a breeze and no doubt some of us will return to make a holiday in picturesque Basel.
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