Army Musicians Play For The Queen
Trooping the Colour is one of the Army’s most high-profile ceremonial events. It takes place through the streets of London and sees hundreds of soldiers in their best uniforms parading to celebrate the Queen’s birthday. At the heart of the ceremony are 400 skilled and well-drilled Army soldiers – including Glen Little.
Glen is a Lance Corporal in the Army and a drummer in Band of the Scots Guards. “It’s an extremely special day,” he says. “The music is really powerful and it gives you a buzz to know that the crowds are listening. The TV cameras are rolling as well, and you’re being broadcast on TV all over the world.”
But if you think that Army music is all about ceremonial events and playing in a brass band, you’re missing out a big part of the story. When musicians have finished rehearsing for the day, they’re given the chance to learn other instruments and play in other groups. “The chance to play all sorts of instruments is a great part of being an Army musician,” Glen says. “I play bass drum for my regiment’s band, but I play all sorts of other music in my spare time. I play drums for a group that does cover versions, I’m in a jazz trio and I’m even in a Salvation Army choir. I love it. I get to do my hobby as a job.”