The Wounded Warrior Project Tattoo on the evening of February 6^th was a first-ever show in the coastal town of Punta Gorda FL.  It was a cool Florida night with the temperature in the low 50s. The show began with a a clear-voiced announcer welcoming the over 2500 in attendance.  He then provided a brief history of a “Tattoo” then called for the drummers. With the crowd standing, two colour parties – one comprised of local ROTC cadets and the second, the National Party of the Preston Scout House Alumni Band formed up front and centre followed by a bugle platoon from the Virginal Military Institute (VMI) entering from the left and the Preston Scout House Silver Leaves Brass Ensemble coming from the right.  The Silver Leaves Ensemble played “O Canada” which was followed by the VMI rendition of “The Star Spangled Banner”.

The first performing unit was the Charlotte High School marching band the Silver Tarpons.  Though small in numbers, under the direction of their enthusiastic conductor the Band produced a good clean sound and drew deserved applause from the hometown audience.

Next, dressed in kilts, the Dunnedin High School Band – complete with pipers and Scottish dancers put on a “first-class” musical and visual performance.

The Harp & Thistle Pipe Band from Naples, FL followed.  The Band formed up on the track at midfield to showcase their formidable piping talent with a solid, Scottish-themed presentation.

Next to come on to the field was a silent drill squad, the Summerall Guard from The Citadel in North Carolina.  Under the direction of their gravel-voiced, slow to speak commander, with minimal instruction, the “Guard” had the quiet audience’s full attention while it performed a traditional marching and rifle drill with utmost precision in close order formation.  Impressive work by this unit!

The President’s own “Old Guard” was then introduced and its long and glorious history was explained by the announcer.  These skilled buglers accompanied by period-correct, rope drummers all dressed in authentic independence-era military uniforms; played a selection of historic pieces including “Chester” an American national anthem prior to the adoption of “The Star Spangled Banner”.

To the delight of the audience, a 1960s style, full field show by the Preston Scout House Alumni Band was next.  Over 90 members of the Band had traveled the 1200 miles from Cambridge, Ontario, Canada to perform in the Tattoo.  The Alumni Band’s recognizable music had the crowd clapping along to “The Colonel Bogey March”, “Brazil” and “Oklahoma!”. The colour presentation selection “The Wayward Wind” with the Band pushing forward in a huge company front brought the crowd to its feet.  This piece concluded with the two nation’s flags side by side in salute as the Band performed in slowed tempo played Canada’s second anthem, “The Maple Leaf Forever”.  The percussion feature with some slick stickwork, box sticking and cross-drumming was greeted with deserved applause.  Following two final selections, “One” from “A Chorus Line” and the traditional “Wish me Luck”, the Band formed up in parade formation to pass in review playing signature piece, “Waltzing Matilda”.

The VMI Regimental Band and Pipes was the final unit in the Tattoo.  This large Band played a variety of styles of music – from classic Scottish bagpipe pieces, full band march tunes and even a contemporary selection featuring two accomplished soloists.

All units returned to the field for a stirring “Retreat” presentation.  “Armed Forces on Parade” was performed by these massed bands.  This was followed by several massed bagpipe selections with the VMI Band joining in the playing of “Amazing Grace” which powerfully ended with a sole piper playing the final verse.  A thrilling end to a great Tattoo.