Happy Independence Day to all of my American listeners! For this week's episode I am joined by SSG Francis Franqui, a former band director and now a bugle musician with the United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps to talk about a variety of topics including the history and significance of the Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps, his experience during the audition process, and some discussion of historical instruments and marching styles.

Topics:

• SSG Franqui's background growing up in Florida as a young trumpet player including his time in Steve Davis' high school band.
• His experience in DCI, performing in Blast!, and as a band director and how it prepared him for his current role as a bugle musician in the Old Guard.
• The mission of the United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps and the history of fife and drum music in the United States Army.
• Why the Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps wears red and why the drum major is the only member of the United States military authorized to salute with his left hand.
• Insights into the rehearsals, instruments, and marching techniques specific to the Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps.

Links:

• The United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps (website)
• The Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps (Youtube)
• The Twilight Tattoo
• The National Muster
• Francis Franqui interview with the Texas Standard
• Blast!
• Percy Grainger: Colonial Song

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Everything Band is sponsored by Celtic Horizon Arts, the leading tour operator for the arts in the UK and Ireland. Celtic Horizon Arts host bands, orchestras, and choirs from around the world and are now taking enquiries for their 2020 band festival in Limerick, Ireland with Johan de Meij featuring clinics, masterclasses and cultural exchanges. Bands and individual musicians are all welcome to participate and can find out more by contacting Keith Kelly at [email protected] or find out more on Facebook at @CelticHorizonArts