Remembrance Services
Exemplar Notes
The Stalham Brass Band has provided the music and trumpeters at Remembrance Services since their inception. Correct protocol for these high profile events has been handed on from one director of music to the next. As such we are often asked to provide direction for these services, for the bands attending, or for the Vicar who may not have had any previous experience at conducting such services. The following provides some do's and don't's that may help. Experienced directors however will have picked up most of these points and would make sure not to put their band in an embarrassing situation.
The Royal British Legion produces an order of service for Remembrance Sundays, and some groups produce their own. These can be very helpful but in most cases are not adhered to on the day.
Band Dress.
On such an occasion, full ceremonial dress uniform is worn. The band do not wear
caps during the service. However, caps ARE worn while the band STANDS for the
playing of the TWO verses of the National Anthem. Medals and decorations may be
worn in the correct order. Players should be encouraged to wear those of family
members on the opposite chest side.
If the band does not have a full uniform, uniform jackets, or a blazer should be
worn, with collar and tie. On no account should open neck collars be worn as
it is disrespectful. If no jackets are available, as a last fall back white
shirts with ties may be worn. Be careful with colours! Garish colours should not
be worn and NEVER, EVER, make the mistake of wearing black shirts. They have
historical connotations which can cause great distress to war veterans, and
those who remember the era before the Second World War, and should always be
restricted to orchestra pits.
Band Placement.
Placing a band can be difficult in a Church given size restrictions. The band
should be facing the War Memorials, with the director of music able to conduct
the band and the congregation at a slight angle. A passage may have to be made
through the band to enable the Standards (Legion etc) to be laid upon the altar.
Depending on the placement of the Memorials, those placing wreaths may need to
move through the band. Wreaths are always placed on the memorials [or at foot
of] and never on the Altar or Font. The Altar is always reserved for the
Standards.
Buglers/Trumpeters.
Last Post & Reveille may be sounded by one player, although it is usual to
have more. It sounds better as a group, and hides the mistakes which will always
occur. It takes years of experience to sound these calls correctly. There are no
players - even professionals, who will freely admit it - who give a faultless
performance in this situation. Players must stand directly facing the Memorials,
or at a slight angle to them, but NEVER with their backs to them. In some
situations the Memorials are placed at the rear of the Church. This may mean
that the congregation must turn around to face the Memorials during the Act of
Remembrance. Again, members of the congregation are NEVER allowed to stand with
their backs to the Memorials, during the Act of Remembrance. The lead bugler
will time the two minutes silence. Never be tempted to shorten it, it will cause
distress to many! Reveille may be one of a number depending which instrument -
bugle, cornet or fanfare trumpets - is being used.
Music.
The Hymns used during the Service follow a standard format each year. A band
will need to be well rehearsed by an experienced director to play at the correct
volume and tempo and TO THE WORDS of the hymns. Many a professional band has
been heard to play a hymn leaving no space for the congregation to breath, or to
turn a lively hymn into a dirge. Any band would do well to play at a number of
Church services before attempting to play at one of Remembrance. Music before
the service should be calm and sympathetic. It is a solemn occasion. At the end
of the Service, where possible, the band should play the British Legion March.
This can then be followed by rousing war-time song selections. Do not play too
loudly after the congregation move from their seats. They will be meeting old
acquaintances and want to be able to speak over the band. It is their day.
Nov. 2006
