Life Guards Band dazzles Modena

The Band of the Life Guards

 MODENA -- The Band of the Life Guards will climax the 21st Modena International Military Tattoo being held this week in the central Italian city. Part of the proceeds of the extravaganza has been earmarked to help Italians hit by the earthquake that struck the region around the city at the end of May, leaving thousands homeless, organisers said.

 The history of The Life Guards began in 1659, at the court of the exiled King Charles II in Holland. A number of loyal gentlemen, led by Lord Gerrard of Brandon,
formed themselves into The King's Life Guard. Today the Band ride black horses, the Drummer by tradition riding a piebald or skewbald horse.

  The Drum horses are named after Classical Greek Heroes, and carry solid silver Kettledrums, which weigh 80 lbs each, and which were presented
to the 2nd Life Guards, in Home Park, by HM King William IV on 6 May of 1831.

 Today, the Band has nearly three dozen musicians, and within its ranks there are many fine soloists. Most of the members play two instruments
and have a very varied repertoire from Bach through to music from the latest West End shows.

 The Modena Tattoo started Thursday and concludes Saturday with the main all-bands show at the Modena Soccer Stadium starting at 9:15 a.m.