A YOUNG Peebles musician has enjoyed dream visit to the Royal Bermuda Regiment’s Warwick Camp to see the Band and Corps of Drums tune up for a performance at Harbour Nights this week, writes Raymond Hainey.

James Grassick, who plays for the Peebles Burgh Silver Band, was invited to see the soldiers practise after a chance meeting in Hamilton with a serving soldier.

The nine-year-old, who was born in Bermuda while mother Lee worked here, told us: “This is the best part of my holiday.”

And the youngster, who joined his local band when he was just six and who last year was awarded a trophy for most improved young player, added: “The Regiment band is better than the Peebles one.”

James watched the soldiers practise their routines with his mother and Bermudian uncle, Vaughn Davis.

Mum Lee said: “He’s loving it – he’s fascinated looking at all the instruments. He likes the drums because he likes the Royal Marines band as well. But his favourite is the euphonium.”

Major Dwight Robinson, Director of Music for the RBR, said he was delighted to welcome a visitor – and encourage a love of music in young people.

He added: “They say the band is the forward face of the Regiment and we’re happy to play that role.

“It’s a very important part of Bermudian culture – we don’t take that lightly and we want to show the Regiment in a good light. That’s what we’re here for.

“It’s good to play for our visitors and that’s one thing the band has been known for over the years – whether it is locally, in the hotels or overseas.”

The RBR Band and Corps of Drums were the star attraction at Harbour Night on Wednesday.

The troops are also preparing for a trip next month to perform at a major music festival and tattoo in Estes Park, Colorado.

Major Robinson added that the band included trained medics, chainsaw operators and instructors in other areas in the RBR.

He said: “We’re very versatile – it’s hurricanes one week and music the next. It highlights the adaptability and capabilities of our soldiers, who are a valuable resource for Bermuda, whatever the occasion.”