War of 1812 Introduces John Terence, Chief Warrant Officer (Ret'd) MMM, CD Producer

Photo by Gary McWilliams, Ontario Visited

"The Battle" at the Canadian International Military Tattoo & Festival
Interview with Mr. John Terence, Producer, Canadian International Military Tattoo & Festival

WAR OF 1812 & the Canadian International Military Tattoo & Festival

“IS THERE A DIFFERENCE?” … Part 2

Quote from the Canadian International Military Tattoo & Festival website sums this question up nicely … “Imagine yourself sitting in a tavern in seventeenth-century Holland. In these days, when British troops served in the lowlands, it was the custom for a drummer to march through the streets beating his drum to warn the troops that it was time to leave the taverns and return to their billets for the night.

The Dutch innkeepers, at the sound of the drum, would order "doe den tap toe" or "turn off the taps", the local last call equivalent of "time, gentlemen, please".
In English, "tap toe" became "tattoo" and over the years the drummer was accompanied by a fife or bugle player and, perhaps a piper. Such groups were the beginnings of the regimental band and, in an early exercise in public relations, the band regularly performed concerts for the local population.”

What started as a practical daily routine in army life is today the military tattoo, a show featuring lively rhythm of marching bands, elegant dancers, stirring cadence of the pipes and drums and breathtaking military displays. The Last Post is interesting … “It is said that the playing of the Last Post is derived from the old custom of beating Tattoo. When bugle calls were generally introduced two posts were written. First Post symbolizes stopping at the first inn to see that all soldiers had left and the Last Post symbolizes the inspection of the last inn in the town. The Last Post was to become associated with the end of the day and later, with military funerals.”

The final points John shares here, are that the Military Tattoo’s today have more Civilian Acts in them. Bag Pipes were added to the Military displays to add interest. One year, the Canadian International Military Tattoo & Festival had a challenge as part of their Performance. The soldiers were to strip down a jeep, modified for this purpose, and then reassemble it while they ran to the finish line. There are many wonderful activities planning for this year’s Festival.

Mr. Terence emphasized how intricate the Canadian International Military Tattoo & Festival is. He tells me “The first priority is to create and then decide on an “overall theme connecting Canadian Military through music”. The Sub theme this year is the War of 1812, adding the 70^th Anniversary on the Raid on Deep. Also, this year, performers from Quebec will add some variety to the show. The Canadian International Military Tattoo & Festival is not uniquely Military as Civilian Bands perform also. This Tattoo and Festival will also proudly have a marching band from Australia. The main focus is to try to keep the audience interest.”

(To Be Continued)