The first day of rehearsals for the South African Tattoo began yesterday and I must say that it had never quite hit me how big and popular a production this is until I walked onto the performance ground! I arrived at Monte Casino amidst the distant hum of bands tuning up that usually greets me when arriving at Gatherings. The sound was louder due to the walls and grand stands surrounding the arena, giving it the feel of a big athletics stadium. There were over 200 bandsmen scattered throughout the stadium in addition to about the same number of brass band members and over 50 highland dancers… there was even a camera crew running around filming the rehearsal (a camera man snuck up on me at one point, giving me such a frigh that I forgot which tune we were playing!).
We spent the whole day going through the various formations and tunes that would make up the 90min show, and I found myself having an absolute blast despite the sunburn and stiffness. It was a 
new and enjoyable experience playing with the brass and percussion bands of Springs Boys High and the SAPS (South African Police Service), and the African drums.
One of the reasons I enjoyed it so much was that my pipes worked perfectly! I was worried (really worried!) that I’d have a hard time playing with the drones since I haven’t really found an air-efficient setting for them yet, but after deciding only to use one tenor and a bass they felt and sounded amazing. I managed to play from 9am to 5pm with a reed that I consider quite ’challenging’, so I’m ecstatic about how yesterday went. I honestly can’t wait for the first show on Thursday. I’ve got all my kit from the band (borrowed mostly from those who aren’t doing the Tattoo) and after a few major repairs to the kilt I was given, I should be ready for anything!
Rehearsals continue this evening and tomorrow evening with the dress rehearsal on Wednesday. I’m going to love every minute!
If you want to read more about the show, click here or here…
