Nicky Astle from Rayburn Tours reflects on a recent virtual corporate member meetup.On 25 November we were lucky enough to be invited to a...
Our corporate member Rayburn Tours share their guidance on how to tour historic destinations with musical military ensembles.
Military music groups can create a special connection through musical storytelling. It produces melodies that transport people back in time, fostering harmony through sound and society. Across the world, military bands and choirs play a valuable role in the remembering and representation of soldiers. Destinations with historical ties to the armed forces, such as Belgium, Arnhem, Normandy and Berlin, demonstrate how military music is respected globally.
At Rayburn Tours, we take great joy in watching the variety of music groups who aspire to tell their story and spread the joy of music far and wide through touring.
From the battlefield to ceremonies
We’re going back to ancient civilisation, where musicians were used during battle to signal movement on the battlefield and boost the troops’ confidence. This is where military musicians and music evolved! Today, music performed by military bands and choirs is used for ceremonial purposes and enjoyment as a community. Whether performances are for parades, special occasions, or a remembrance service, the music symbolises unity and pride.
Evolving from practical battlefield needs for communication, to formal ensembles that contribute to military tradition, musicians in the forces play a significant role when it comes to serving both within a unit and at community events.
The impact of military music on society
Music within the military can be seen as powerful, creating emotional impacts on individuals. It creates connections between the audience and their past, generating a moving atmosphere of remembrance.
Becoming part of a music group is a safe space for anyone who feels alone, anxious, isolated etc. It’s an opportunity for people to come together and express emotions through music. For example — the Military Wives Choir, who are experiencing the deployment of partners, or soldiers being part of bands to create a sensation of unity. It’s a community that feels like one big family.
Research your destination
Once your group leader has chosen a destination, it’s worth doing some historical research, especially if you’re visiting remembrance sites. Visit the Commonwealth War Graves Commission website to find any family or friends that you’d like to pay your respects to during your tour. All concert tours will include time for exploration of the destination, including free time for souvenir shopping and guided tour excursions. Be sure to take the time beforehand to research your past to create a memorable and sentimental trip.
Think about a tour guide
Think about bringing a guide on your concert tour. Even though your tour has a music purpose, we recommend a historic tour guide to fully immerse you into the historic events of the past. Visiting sites such as the Commonwealth Graves in Belgium, D-Day beaches in Normandy, the Arnhem cemetery in the Netherlands and more, is where a tour guide can bring the stories to life!
Opportunities for military groups
Military music groups provide an opportunity for people to express their creativity and service for the country they are associated to. It is a great combination of using music for power, remembrance and celebrations. There are a wide range of destinations suited for military groups to perform to new audiences on behalf of their country. These locations offer an opportunity for your group to delve deeper into history and pay respects, whether individually or collectively, through a performance that remembers together, both as members and as an audience.
We’re focusing on locations that are central to military music! Experience the key moments of the Great War and World War II, paying your respects and connecting with a community that cherishes the stories and memories they hold. Nearby tours include Normandy, Belgium and the Netherlands, where there are plenty of opportunities for groups to take part in ceremonies such as the Last Post ceremony in Ypres, and perform at a variety of venues suited to specific repertoires. Whether you are performing a full set or taking part in a ceremony, the audience is there to listen to your story.
Tour and inspire globally
Transform performances into acts of remembrance and immerse yourself into the rich history of the Wars. Take part in ceremonial events, perform, go big and perform at the Edinburgh Fringe and watch the spectacular show from the Edinburgh military tattoo, and perform across the globe. Wherever your military music group goes, you will be representing unity and strength to your nation. A military music spectacular!
Get in touch with Rayburn Tours to start your touring adventure
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We hope you find this Making Music resource useful. If you have any comments or suggestions about the guidance please contact us. Whilst every effort is made to ensure that the content of this guidance is accurate and up to date, Making Music do not warrant, nor accept any liability or responsibility for the completeness or accuracy of the content, or for any loss which may arise from reliance on the information contained in it.
