HMS Collingwood Volunteer Band takes part in Musikparade Germany

The HMS Collingwood Volunteer Band recently returned from performing as part of the international tattoo, Musikparade.

The band was invited by the organisers through one of the Volunteer Band members, ex Irish Guards musician, Rich Croydon, who suggested the Volunteer Band to them.

This event featured amateur and professional bands from around Europe including musicians from Ukraine, Holland, Germany and Moldovia.

Thirty seven members of the HMS Collingwood Volunteer Band performed over three nights to a combined total audience of 12,000 people at three arenas in Dortmund, Cologne and Hamburg. 

The music and display was in the traditional British style and included the Corps of Drums performing a display before finishing with an exciting finale of “Invincible” complete with added drum kit and keyboards.

The band was also involved in the massed bands finale which featured Germany’s own answer to Frank Sinatra, Jens Sorenson singing “My Way” and the massed pipes and drums featuring in “Highland Cathedral”.

Despite the workload of the weekend the band found plenty of time to socialise and enjoy the experience of being away representing the Royal Navy in Europe.

The Volunteer Band Instructor, Colour Sergeant Rich Sharp said, “Special thanks must go to members of the Royal Naval Volunteer Band Association who helped us out and Musician Mike Thorold from the RM Band Collingwood who stepped in at the last minute to cover a gap in the band.

“The band thoroughly enjoyed the experience of both playing in such a prestigious event and having a foreign trip, something which does not happen very often.”