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The Royal Marines Band, the world-renowned military musical masters, will be marching into Bahrain with a series of performances in the kingdom next week as part of the bicentenary celebrations of British-Bahraini relations.
They will be entertaining shoppers outside the Lulu Hypermarket in Hidd on Sunday and other appearances are in the planning stage.
Lancashire-born Sergeant Bugler Neil Lowe, 33, will be in the travelling party of five Royal Marines buglers / drummers and a brass quintet playing a tuba, trombone, French horn and trumpets.
“To me military music in the UK is such a British thing and it is a part of our culture,” he said. “The Corps of Drums will be performing a ceremonial display alongside the brass quintet who will have a selection of marches as well as an eclectic mix of military and classical pieces.”
The Royal Marines Band Service is the musical wing of the British Royal Navy. Its headquarters is at HMS Excellent in Portsmouth and there are currently five serving bands, in addition to the Royal Marines School of Music (RMSoM). It is the only branch of the Royal Marines which is open to women.
It holds a special position among military bands. The rigorous musical training at the RMSoM and its members’ signature precision marching has seen them perform at prestigious venues and events across the UK and around the world. From the Royal Albert Hall and Horse Guards Parade in London, to the military tattoo in Basel, Switzerland, and other engagements.
Now a hypermarket in the Middle East can be added to the list. Is it a first? “I am unsure about this one. Many combinations have played all over the world and I’m sure this won’t be the last!” said Sergeant Bugler Lowe, who started playing the drums and bugle at the age of 11 in a local youth band, turning what was a hobby into what he describes as ‘a fantastic career’. He is currently serving as an IC Corps of Drums and has achieved several performance diplomas and academic qualifications.
It’s not his first time performing in the kingdom. “Whilst under training a few members of the Corps of Drums were flown out to entertain at an embassy cocktail party,” he said.
When called upon, members set aside their instruments to provide military support on operations. As part of a medical team on board a casualty receiving ship, or supporting 3 Commando Brigade Royal Marines, their military role is just as vital as the musical one.
Travel at home or abroad for musical engagements provides some upbeat moments to treasure. “The Royal Marines give you endless opportunities to travel, be part of a team, take part in sporting events along with a feeling of, in my opinion, being a part of the best military band in the world,” he added.
“Just recently I and one other bugler had the honour of playing during the November Remembrance Service held in Mumbai, India. I also had the privilege of taking part in the 350th anniversary of the Royal Marines Beating Retreat on Horse Guards Parade, London.
“The Royal Marines Band is continuously striving for excellence and they put themselves at the forefront of military music achieving world-renowned results.”
Major General Dr Mubarak Najem, director general of the Bahrain Police Band, also has close connections to the outfit. He undertook training with the Royal Marines and achieved his Director of Music qualification at the RMSoM. He is one of the foremost musicians in the country, responsible for turning the 185-strong band into the pride of the kingdom’s police force.
Today, the Police Band serenades the country performing for everyone from His Majesty King Hamad and dignitaries to schoolchildren. Characterised by their unusual bagpipe section, the Police Band are some of the kingdom’s most recognised musicians
“We have enjoyed our links with Bahrain and hope they will continue,” said Major Jase Burcham stationed at the headquarters of the Band Service Royal.
More BHUK 200 events: Leisure Guide
