Pipes and Drums in Historical First at the Kremlin

Four members of the 12 Wing Shearwater Pipes and Drums, as part of a Canadian Forces Composite Pipe Band, have recently participated in an historical first at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia. For the first time in history, foreign troops have marched en-masse, out of the Kremlin's famous Cathedral of the Saviour gate, onto Red Square. Rather than bearing arms, these troops were carrying musical instruments. At the invitation of the Russian Federal Government, Canada, along with Britain, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Germany and Denmark sent bands to participate in the First Annual Kremlin "Zoria," or Tattoo. Before crowds of up to 9000 per night, a spectacular show was assembled to entertain the citizens of Moscow, effectively creating a musical bridge in support of international relations. Five performances, plus a parade in the city centre occurred between 13th and 16th of September, 2007.

Pipe Major Dan Smith, Lead Drummer/Sergeant Joe Kiah and Major Allan J. MacKenzie, of 12 Wing, along with Petty Officer Mike Daine from HMCS Iroquois, all from the 12 Wing Shearwater Pipes and Drums were selected for this national tasking and became members of the Canadian Forces Composite Pipes and Drums. Other band members were assembled from Greenwood, Gagetown, Ottawa, Trenton, Petawawa and Borden, and included both Regular Force and Reservist Musicians as well as volunteer/secondary duty pipers and drummers. Led by Pipe Major Ian Ferguson of the Air Command Pipe Band in Ottawa, this 24-piece band performed traditional Tattoo Pipe music as well as a number of Russian national pieces of music with the Brass and Reed bands, getting a very warm response from the Moscow populace.

"It was a great honour to be involved on such a unique show," said Pipe Major Smith. "We have worked with Brass bands in the past, but this was a first for playing Russian Music." Pipe Major Smith, a former member of the 2nd Battalion Royal Canadian Regiment had visited Russia in 1995 on a similar multi-national cooperative effort. "Things are much more open and commercialized now," he added.

Another first was achieved on Thursday 13 September 2007, when Lieutenant-Colonel Scott Attridge, Director of History and Heritage/Music and Chief Warrant Officer/Pipe Major Ian Ferguson participated in a Wreath laying Ceremony at the Eternal Flame to the Fallen, outside the Kremlin Wall, near the gate to Red Square. "This was a very moving ceremony," noted Lieutenant-Colonel Attridge, who stood alongside the Canadian and British Attachés. "Although the Western allies absorbed many casualties during World War II, the Soviet Military suffered greatly, and show the greatest respect for their fallen."

During the finale, a very colourful version of Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture was conducted by Major-General Valery Khalilov, the Russian General of Military Music. It culminated with fireworks and some harmonizing notes by the massed bands Pipe corps.

The CF Composite Pipes and Drums returned to Canada on Monday evening, 17 September 2007, and the members have re-joined their respective units and bands after completing this once-in-a-lifetime experience. It is hoped that a similar tasking may come to the CF Pipe Bands in 2009, if not next year.

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