Page 161 - Rifles 2017 Issue No 3

Sjt Jessup assisting the Ugandan Peoples Defence Force percussion section
Uganda Short Term Training Team
As the trawl for a Short Term Training Team (STTT) in Kampala Uganda came through, I was keen to apply as I knew little about Africa and the culture and wanted the chance to visit such a rare and diverse place. The aim of the tour was to provide musical support and training to the UPDF Band, assisting them in general musicianship, music theory, instrument repair, maintenance as well as drill and deportment. The band were based in Bombo, which was about an hour commute from our accommo- dation. Bombo was a very basic camp and facilities and shelter were limited but we were hosted well. We weren’t so sure, however, that the wine a local Colonel presented us with at 1000 each day was a good idea in the 30-degree heat!
The UPDF Band comprised of around 60 musicians, mainly Brass and were reasonably equipped with instruments in various states. We split the band down into instrumental sections and, loaded with our training aids, each instructor met their section. With 12 very hesitant and nervous percussionists stood in front of me I gave a con dent introduction of myself and expressed what targets I wanted to achieve.
A visit from the Army’s Defence Attaché was scheduled for the end of our trip to demonstrate what we had been working on. Due to the short time we were deployed our timetable was tight. To motivate the musicians the training team put together a brief performance demonstrating our performance skills in military music and included a jazzy number appro- priately named ‘Swinging Safari’.
The Ugandan enthusiasm and application to everyday life was very apparent. This was evident in their desire to better themselves and always aiming to impress by practising during their breaks and after working hours. As my percussion team had very little knowledge of reading music I decided to work on a Corps of Drums display which they had never heard of or seen before. After lots of memorising and a few bursts of frustration they pulled it together. This was performed to their commander, who seemed speechless and almost emotional from the
progress they had made. We also worked on a short marching band display every morning which was to be performed at the end of the trip. This focused on dressing, slow marching, quick marching and various drill movements. Through the hard work from the instructors and the discipline of the band, this made for an almost awless display.
On the nal day, the nervous but well prepared UPDF Band performed to a large group of senior Ugandan of cers and the Defence Attaché. This included a selection of military marches and also ‘Swinging Safari’ to lighten the mood. Following their demonstration and a very complimentary speech from the senior guest they were presented with certi cates. The band personnel were overwhelmed with their achievements and were soon asking when we would return, which was a great compliment for the team.
Sjt N Jessup
WE WEREN’T SO SURE, HOWEVER, THAT THE WINE A LOCAL COLONEL PRESENTED US WITH AT 1000 EACH DAY WAS
A GOOD IDEA IN THE 30-DEGREE HEAT!
The attendees received certi cates to mark the end of the course
Sjt Jessup found a fellow Southampton football supporter
THE RIFLES
THE BAND AND BUGLES OF THE RIFLES 159