The Black Watch Wednesday, February 20, 2013 - 7:30pm

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The legendary pipes, drums and highland dancers of Scotland's Black Watch will join forces with the Band of the Scots Guards for a celebration of four nations: England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland. This performance will feature bagpipes, traditional military marches, drum solos, Celtic dancing and beloved songs. The event promises a spectacular evening of pageantry and excitement for the entire family. The Black Watch, 3rd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland, is a light infantry battalion, which forms one of seven battalions within The Royal Regiment of Scotland.

The Battalion traces its roots from The Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment) and has a long and distinguished history dating back to 1739. The Black Watch gained a number of battle honors throughout this time, and has fought in major battles from the Peninsular War to the Iraq War.

With such a rich heritage, The Royal Regiment of Scotland has inherited a wealth of Regimental music for both the Pipes and Drums and the Military Band. Music is an essential part of Regimental life. Each battalion of the Regiment has its own Band of Pipes and Drums manned by soldiers who receive their musical training at the Army School of Bagpipe Music and Highland Drumming in Edinburgh.

Since 1745, the Black Watch's music has inspired troops and intimidated adversaries. Today, in addition to serving as musicians, the Scottish pipers and drummers serve in the elite British Army machine gun platoon.

In conflict situations the military bands' primary role is in support of the Army Medical Services (eg Iraq in 2003), importantly the band's musical contribution supports the moral component of fighting power.

The Band of the Scots Guards
The band boasts many of the finest instrumentalists and soloists to be found in the military services today. These musicians have appeared at many of the top concert venues in the United Kingdom and the world. The Scots Guards were originally formed in 1642 by King Charles and are currently stationed in London with duties including the daily Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace.

Bagpipes
Throughout history, Scottish bagpipers have lead soldiers into battle. This practice was banned in 1915 after many musicians were killed and injured.