4 July 2012

NZ Army Band’s Swiss Role

The New Zealand Army Band is preparing to take to the international stage once more, as a representative of both New Zealand and the NZ Defence Force as part of the 4th Annual Basel Tattoo in Switzerland.

This is the second time the NZ Army Band has been invited to perform at arguably one of the world's most prestigious gatherings of military musicians, and Director of Music Captain Graham Hickman is delighted to be given the opportunity to participate.“It is a huge honour for us to be asked to play at the Basel Tattoo,” says Captain Hickman. “Being able to go out and help represent both our country and our Defence Force in an event like this really demonstrates just how well thought of New Zealand is on the international stage.”

Considered among the top three military marching bands in the world, the NZ Army Band will take its place among close to 1,000 performers for 15 shows over nine days, playing to capacity crowds of about 8,000 people.

In purely logistical terms – physically getting the band to the performance and back is just as impressive.

“Thirty four band members carrying 87 pieces of band luggage (excluding personal luggage) weighing in at a little less than 900 kilos, travelling for well over 30 hours, is just the first step to getting there, and we are extremely proud to be part of the event,” says Captain Hickman.

The New Zealand Army Band will be playing in Basel, Switzerland from 13 to 21 July 2012.

For more information on the NZ Army Band’s attendance, go to the NZ Army Facebook page at www.facebook.com/#!/OfficialNZArmy

ENDS