The pomp and grandeur that characterizes centuries of British military tradition will be on display as two of Great Britain’s most respected military musical institutions perform in full regalia.  

For nearly 250 years, the Band of the Royal Marines has supported the British naval service. The Band of the Scots Guards was founded three centuries ago to boost morale for these elite British troops and today is perhaps best known for its performances at Buckingham Palace as part of the daily Changing of the Guard. Together, the distinctive sounds of their bagpipes, brass, drums and stirring anthems, combined with the spectacle of regimental marches and spirited Scottish Highland dancing, bring to life the magnificent pageantry of British tradition.

The Band of The Royal Marines and The Pipes, Drums & Highland Dancers of The Scots Guards perform on Tuesday, February 23, 2016 and Wednesday, February 24, 2016 at 7:30 pm. Tickets for each show are priced at $29-$49; Premium $55; Students with ID and Children 12 & Under $25. Tickets are available online at www.harriscenter.net or from the Harris Center Ticket Office at 916-608-6888 from noon to 6 pm Monday through Saturday, and two hours before show time. The Harris Center is located on the west side of Folsom Lake College campus in Folsom, CA, facing East Bidwell Street.

In their distinguishing white helmets, Royal Marines Bands are celebrated for the quality of their music, visual grandeur and precision drill. In concert, they enjoy a similar reputation. The Band's repertoire includes popular classics, big band music, stimulating contemporary works and entertaining solo features. The Corps of Drums bring movement, color and the tradition of ceremonial occasions integral to the Royal Marines. Most members of the band play at least two instruments and perform in wind band, marching band, big band, orchestral and dance band combinations. They also provide jazz, string and woodwind ensembles.  Tthe Royal Marines musicians some of the most versatile and adept in military music.

As with all Royal Marines Bands, their principal role is to provide musical support to the Naval Service, but within their secondary role the Band’s men and women undertake a variety of duties by sea and land on active service. Members of the Royal Marines Band Service have been deployed on active duty in all the major conflicts of the last century. In October 2014, members of the Scotland Band were deployed for six months on board the Royal Fleet Auxiliary Ship ARGUS in support of the global effort to combat the Ebola virus.

The Scots Guards were formed in 1642 to act as bodyguard to King Charles I. Today, in addition to their musical role, pipers and drummers are fully operational Infantry Soldiers and carry out the roles of Infantry Assault Engineers & Tactical Intelligence Specialists.  On operations or training, the tradition continues with each Company having at least one Piper attached to it.

Scots Guards Pipers wear full highland dress in Royal Stewart tartan and blue doublets. The Drummers wear Bearskin Caps and Scarlet Tunics embroidered with the "fleurs-de-lis" as a battle honor from the 18th century, this being unique to the foot guards.  The drums are emblazoned with all the principal Battle Honors of the Regiment.  The Pipes & Drums travel around the world and are regularly seen on the esplanade at Edinburgh Castle in the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.

Fifth Anniversary Season of Great Shows. Up Close. In Folsom! 

Now in its Fifth Anniversary Season, the Harris Center for the Arts at Folsom Lake College brings the community together to share in cultural experiences featuring the work of artists from throughout the region and around the world.  Built and operated by the Los Rios Community College District, the $50 million, state-of-the-art regional performing arts center boasts three intimate venues with outstanding acoustics, an art gallery, a recording studio, elegant teaching spaces, plenty of safe parking and all the other amenities of a world-class performing arts venue.  Each year the Center hosts over 400 events attracting more than 150,000 annually.  

Event Summary

What:   The Band of The Royal Marines

and The Pipes, Drums & Highland Dancers of the Scots Guards

 When:   Tuesday, February 23, 2016 at 7:30 pm

Wednesday, February 24, 2016 at 7:30 pm

Where: Harris Center for the Arts at Folsom Lake College

10 College Parkway

  Folsom, CA 95630

Ticket Price:  $29-$49; Premium $55

Students with ID and Children 12 & Under $25

Tickets are available online at www.HarrisCenter.net or from Harris Center Ticket Office at 916-608-6888 from noon to 6 pm, Monday through Saturday, and two hours before show time. Image and information courtesy of the Harris Center.