New Look!
This time 12 months ago I wrote the first 'Marching Orders' blog. The time has flown by and it's been great letting all our readers know what's been going on at BDC HQ. To celebrate this we've given the Marching Orders covers a bit of a makeover. At the end of the year you'll be able to download the entire 12 months worth in one pdf so you can catch up during your daily commute or during your downtime. Each month the blog is a quick 2-4 min read to let you know what has been going on in the Marching Division during the previous months.
Royal Logistic Corps
October saw the Corps of Drums from the Royal Logstics arrive at BDC HQ for a tour of our facility.
The Corps of Drums have recently taken ownership of 20 RS1 Regimental Series drums which have been sent away to get hand painted.
It was good to give them the guided tour and show them how we make our drums by hand as well as some of the other products we make at BDC that many people aren't aware of. Drum Major Will Morris brought the drummers up from their barracks in Winchester, Hampshire
Society of International Rudimental Drummers Symposium ( SIRD)
In September, British Drum Co attended the 2022 SIRD symposium (originally scheduled for 2020) as one of their main sponsors. There were over 100 drummers and fifers in attendance from over 16 countries. The event was a mixture of presentations, tuition and just some general pad jamming. This gave the opportunity for our 3 newest marching artists to perform together.
Peter Vulpherhost also picked up his RS1G in military livery and his Cosmic blue sparkle burst Axial snare drum which he used with his performance with Jon Wooton. There were some great performances including a fantastic display by the Connecticut Patriots Fife & Drum Corps against the backdrop of the Spinnaker Tower and HMS Warrior, as well as a very informative presentation by the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force Central Band.
The Tambour de l'Amitie (Drum of Friendship) symbolises the passion, spirit and traditions shared by all rudimental drummers. By passing the Tambour de l'Amitie from one country to another at each symposium is a symbolic of their continued pledge to "share the tradition" across the globe.
This year it was handed over from one BDC artist to another as Russ Piner (Portsmouth lead 2022) handed it to Mark Reilly who will be the lead for the next symposium which will take place in Washington DC in 2024.
On The Sofa With...
Another "On The Sofa With..." has been recorded and is currently being edited ready for later on in the year. This time we managed to drag Russell Piner up from the sunnier climes of Portsmouth to BDC HQ. In this interview Russ talks about his inspiration for drumming and the history within his family for military drumming. We also find out that Russ was responsible for designing and naming an important part of the Regimental Series! Make sure you keep an eye on on our social media channels for his interview to find out what it was.
Well that's another blog done and I can't believe we've hit the 12 month since the first article back in 2021. The next newsletter will hit your mailboxes during the festive season by then I'm sure the BDC HQ office staff will already be sick of mince pies and Christmas tunes!
Until next time…
Stay safe
Stu