Arborfield Old Boys Association
AOBA
Arborfield Life
The Drum Major
You gaze at the assembled band. In solitary splendour, there you stand.
The
sword hangs heavy on your thigh, the dress chords, tassels, sashes lie
In great profusion
on your chest, the gauntlets glow white, softly rest
Upon the Mace, all burnished
bright, encrusted chain, reflecting light.
They wait; anticipate command, the Pipes
and Drums and Military Band.
And in the rear, parading there, the Companies set to
prepare
To march to their allotted place, rehearsed, and ready then to face
The approbation
of the crowd, The Mums and Dads and Girlfriends proud.
You turn about, become aware
you're all alone, there's no-
No serried ranks in front to guide your marching
feet, or at the side
No markers there within your sight, you're in the lead, just
get it right !
So take a deep breath, (silent prayer,) it's time to march on to the
Square.
"Quick March!" You step out. Watch the pace, no need to dawdle or to race,
Don't
make them step short, or outpace them, keep to a good firm steady rhythm.
The Bass
Drum Beat, the Snare Drum roll, the soaring Pipes invade your soul,
The measured swing
of six-
You grip the Mace; flourish with
style, but carefully listening all the while,
Prepared to signal change of tune, as
previously planned, in the Band Room.
And, constantly watching the line, to execute
the turn on time,
Then, wheeling left, take up your place, facing the saluting dais.
You
hold the Mace aloft, a sign to end the march, then realign
Yourself by turning right-
Of NCO's, as they take post. Then all is still,
as the great host
Of soldiers now upon the Square, come to attention, waiting there.
That's
how it goes; it's just the start of all parades, when you take part,
Behind the swank
and glamour there, you're centre stage, so have a care
To get it right for all to
see, and try to avoid the calamity,
The horrendous, ultimate disgrace, which happens
if you drop the Mace !
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Arborfield Old Boys Association 1999 -