[London. Photo credits to Pixabay]

On June 24, 2024, the Round Rock High School Marching band set off on a historic journey, being the first high school music program to travel internationally.

The school traveled to one of the most well-known and respected cities in all of Europe: London, famously known as “The Big Smoke.”

Ninety-four students from Round Rock participated in this landmark trip, representing one-third of the band’s total membership, as the trip was optional.

The highlight of the visit was the London Tattoo, a prestigious festival featuring multiple groups from around the world.

The London Band Week is an annual celebration of marching bands from across the world in the King's Garden.

With its iconic landmarks - palaces, parks, museums, bridges, cathedrals, squares, galleries, concert halls, theaters, markets, and castles - London provided a fitting backdrop for the event.

Round Rock High School was one of many groups that attended the 2024 International Band Week, along with the Royal Marines for his Majesty, Romford Band from London, Ohio University, and various other schools and organizations from across the globe.

The word 'Tattoo' originates from the Dutch phrase 'Doe Den Tap Toe', meaning 'to close the tap (of the cask),' an evening drum or bugle signal used to recall soldiers to their quarters.

As time passed, the phrase shortened to the word, ‘tattoo,’ now commonly used in the UK to describe a marching band performance.

The event, held at the London ExCeL Convention Centre, attracted hundreds of audience members and fans eager to experience the full Tattoo.

The performances were the result of months of preparation, beginning as early as April, with invited schools and organizations enduring rigorous rehearsals under the summer sun to perfect their routines.

Some of the key elements such as foot timing, balanced shoulders, and good posture were crucial, all of which are reasons for extensive practice.

The actual Tattoo performance took place indoors, a welcome reprieve for the performers who had trained tirelessly outdoors.

The event commenced with higher-level brass players playing the “Opening Fanfare,” a majestic tune designed to captivate the audience and set the tone for the ensuing performances.

Each group then had a time slot to put their own marching show onto the field.

London Band Week spanned three days: Day 1 featured a concert portion, Day 2 was dedicated to the full Tattoo marching performance, and Day 3 was a parade.

The parade, though the shortest and least eventful segment, was a powerful display of each ensemble’s musical culture.

As bands marched a short distance, playing their best songs for the crowd.

Beyond the main events, a drumline battle by the King’s Palace raised spirits and stoked competition.

A panel of three diverse judges across the world were the graders of this contest, ensuring that no bias would take place.

Going back and forth, drummers from each band would play their hearts out, rousing cheers from their fellow bandmates.

Ultimately, only one school could claim victory and the King’s Shield trophy, marking a dramatic end to the competition.

Throughout this eventful week of fun and camaraderie, musicians from around the world forged further bonds and shared their musical cultures, making London Band Week a memorable experience.