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

 

“CRITICAL STRATEGIC PLANNING” …

John said “Strategic Planning” is CRITICAL! He chuckled when I asked him if he had a “system” to keep organized. John states emphatically, that “good staff makes my job a lot easier”. He is prepared and “does his homework”!  Mr. Terence gets the “lay of the show and other details regarding lighting, sound, and then tucks these ideas away for a few weeks”. Then he re-visits to see if his thoughts and the thought process are the same. Certain “Acts” he pays more attention to than others. John explained how much planning, learning and expertise went into a show a few years ago. The Afghani soldiers were portrayed in a spectacular exhibit of bravery and courage. John said “the lighting was “pretty complex” and “was vital in the presentations itself”. In the performance for the Afghani scene, John realized he know very little about the people. He said he had no idea or experience on this subject, so, he hired and worked with an Afghani Show Producer to put the scenes together. John said … “You talk about emotional moments, the Afghani Flight of Soldiers was heart filled”. He was grateful for the valuable resources to help relate the Afghani Soldiers experiences.

(To Be Continued)

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

“BEHIND THE SCENES - PROBLEM SOLVING” …

I asked John... "As a producer, I would imagine you are good at problem solving and managing people! As hectic as it is with all the chaos and details, how do you maintain your professionalism and composure?

What goes on behind the scenes is truly remarkable. I had no idea how technical planning was required for such a larger scale show/performance. Here's what he told me… John has a large staff, with two “trouble shooters” who sit in the VIP booth on top of the concourse. There are just 3 technical directors who deal with lighting, sound and when required video technician. There are seven (7) entrances/exits to the coliseum floor John has and five (5) main players on the benches on the sidelines. Mr. Terence has a Production Staff and 4-5 others to assist with moving the podium on/off the coliseum floor and specific people to pull the curtains back on cue. I asked John how importance a job this was. Again, John said that he tells his team that no matter how small or minute their tasks may seem, they are critical in the grand picture. COMMUNICATIONS are Critical for a show of this magnitude. John told me he has two ear pieces in/on during the entire production. In his left ear he can talk directly to the Sound, Lighting technicians, in his right ear the headset he is in direct communications so he can speak. John can speak simutainuously or independently as required.

(To Be Continued)

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

“The IMPORTANCE OF SPONSORSHIP” …

With the economic challenges today, it would seem it critical to obtain/maintain Sponsor funding and Other Sources of funding. How you go about obtain funding? How do you keep “Sponsors” interested in supporting your efforts and “keep them happy”? As an aside, Mr. Terence reiterates how important Corporate Sponsorship is to the funding of this event (and festivals and events alike). Because of the scope of the show and the costs, this festival relies on sponsorship and grant funding to help make the shows viable. John shares his vision and sells the concepts and conveys his message to these groups because once they believe in what you are trying to accomplish they are more apt to assist.

“OUR YOUTH TODAY … OUR HISTORY TOMORROW” …

The Canadian International Military Tattoo & Festival encourages the youth of today to attend performances and take part. Mr. Terence tells me that the Canadian International Military Tattoo & Festival helps create Public Interest because “it tugs the heart strings a little for all groups and ages of people”. The Cadets are very involved in this Festival. John tells me “the youth of today are learning from the efforts of this Festival”. They give opportunities for secondary school and university students to volunteer and learn about history and music through their commitment. On the Friday prior to the “big day” all elementary schools in Hamilton are invited to bring the children to view a special dress rehearsal and meet the performers. They put on a show for the children where John (the Producer) and others (including the script writers) can answer some of the questions from the kids. It gives the children exposure to this unique educational technique of “history”.

(To Be Continued)

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

“VOLUNTEER’S FOR SUCCESS” …

For many festivals and events, it is critical to have volunteers! I asked Mr. Terence how many volunteers do they require for the Canadian International Military Tattoo & Festival and did he have any systems in place to “keep them happy”. Quite simply, Mr. John Terence said … “the show would not go on without Volunteers”! Approximately 40-50 volunteers work with John alone, not to mention all the other teams. There are various co-coordinators in place and co-ordinators that liaison with all the Cadet services. The Canadian International Military Tattoo & Festival holds a wonderful Volunteer Appreciation night. 

 I mentioned to John that I felt Volunteers are of the upmost importance to the ultimate success of a festival/event/production and John said “that’s absolutely it! It is important to keep the volunteers happy! You will ultimately end up working with higher quality people with high quality work ethics”. John says “these volunteers take a lot of pride in doing their job well, no matter how menial”. Again, John repeats his comment that “he tries to instill in his volunteers that no matter how small or menial a job might be, it most likely is critical to the intricacy of the overall performance. If the visual cues are not on time, it could affect in a major negative way”. I said to John, there must be a “Lot of Trust”! He replied … “no kidding!”

A lot rides on the tasks taken during a performance by the team and volunteers. Mr. Terence “encourages his volunteers and team to use their initiative. He shows them how to and when to use their initiative. He gives them the freedom to make decisions themselves, but, he does encourage them to call for assistance to be guided by him”. Once John “gives them the answers and directions, he trusts them to do it!” He states that he “deplores micro-management”. He feels “that by micro-managing people all you are doing is demonstrating to them that you do not trust them. Again, he encourages initiative! If you see a situation that needs to be addressed you do it!” Sometimes mistakes do occur. John feels “it is important (repeating during our interview several times) “that“ it is important to always end a discussion on a positive note”. A situation/person may need to be addressed for their error, but, John feels “it is critical to always offer a solution!”

Part of his leadership and in getting others to take leadership depends on this important step in managing Volunteers! Mr. Terence says “it is important to give your volunteers/team instructions and the tools, whether it is psychical tools or words or pictures and diagrams. John relies heavily on diagrams coordinates during a performance. It is also important to let them do their job, then it is equally important for them report back to you”!

(To Be Continued)

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

“HISTORICAL AUTHENTICITY & ACCURACY ... ?!” …

I understand that producing a quality show such as the Canadian International Military Tattoo & Festival can be challenging. I wrote a Blog article for our War of 1812 Celebrations website (Link) that spoke of “The Ten Foot Rule”. Basically, it reflected on the challenges of “authenticity” depicting War of 1812, battles, reenactments, living history alike. My question to Mr. Terence, in particular, with the War of 1812 being part of the focus for the Canadian International Military Tattoo & Festival, how do you meet (or overcome) some of the challenges presented by the unique criteria to keep the “authenticity” and “historical accuracy”?

Mr. Terence does extensive travel, reading and research. With the War of 1812 being part of the performance this year, John recognizes that he will need to enlist assistance when needed, saying that “nobody has that much knowledge”. John Terence and Canadian International Military Tattoo & Festival work diligently on being as true to accuracy as possible. He feels you can overcome some of the “challenges” of “staying true to authenticity” by “diverting them in the first place”. Again, do your homework! He said that “some of the challenges are in the context of presenting history today, but, at the same time entertaining the audience. After all, it is a show!” He goes on to say that in his opinion, “history can be dry and factual”. (I have to agree, although through reenactments, Tattoo’s and many other documentaries and visual aids, history is becoming exciting for me personally). Last year John said it was a bit risky trying to not bore the audience. They did a scene last year of a Veteran from Hong Kong depicting a story. John’s idea was that during the narration by the Veteran, a single music piper would play in accompaniment. This added to the entertainment value while still getting this Soldiers message out!

(To Be Continued)

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)

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, Producer, Canadian International Military Tattoo & Festival

 

WAR OF 1812 & the Canadian International Military Tattoo & Festival

IS THERE A DIFFERENCE?

I understand there is a difference between a “Military Tattoo” compared to a “Scottish/Irish Tattoo”? During our interview, Chief Warrant Officer (Ret'd) John Terence explains… “Actually the Tattoo was started by the British army some 300 years ago. Fighting battles in the Low Countries in Belgium was a lot like a chess game, moving around, back and forth. Sometimes a move was made out of annoyance of the behaviors or minuet actions of the other side. The soldiers would go into the small towns and drink the local pubs. In order to get the soldiers back to camp, a tradition began called “Doe den tap toe”. A song was sung by a soldier who walked down the main street of the local town. This was the instruction for the German innkeepers to turn off the taps. The bugle and band would then put on a show as the soldiers returned to camp. Over the years, the term “Doe den tap toe” was anglicized to the word TATOO. This has always been a Military thing!”

I did some further research, in this context, to understand what John told us.  The original meaning of military tattoo was a military drum performance, but subsequently it came to mean army displays more generally. It dates from the 17th century when the British Army was fighting, just as John told me. Here's what the article said... “in the Low Countries (Belgium/Netherlands). Drummers from the garrison were sent out into the towns at 21:30 hrs (9:30PM) each evening to inform the soldiers that it was time to return to barracks. The process was known as doe den tap toe (Dutch for "turn off the tap"), an instruction to innkeepers to stop serving beer and send the soldiers home for the night. The drummers continued to play until the curfew at 22:00 hrs (10:00PM). Tattoo, earlier tap-too and taptoo, are alterations of the Dutch words tap toe which have the same meaning.”

Over the years, the process became more of a show and often included the playing of the first post at 21:30 hrs and the last post at 22:00. Bands and displays were included and shows were often conducted by floodlight or searchlight. Tattoos were commonplace in the late 19th century with most military and garrison towns putting on some kind of show or entertainment during the summer months. Between the First and Second World War and the elaborate tattoos were held in many towns, with the largest in Aldershot.
(To Be Continued)