Household Troops Band - The Troops Today

The Troops Today

Over a century later, in 1985, the then National Bandmaster, Captain John Mott, formed a new Household Troops Band with members drawn from the "A" Band at the National School of Music, at Cobham Hall. Major John Mott officially retired as Troops Bandmaster on October 16th 2010 and was replaced by Carl Saunders.

The band you see today is drawn from many different Salvation Army centres. The members are selected for their Salvationism, stamina, flexibility and their musical skills.

The band hold just a few rehearsals in preparation for the Summer Tour which is the backbone of the work undertaken. Hence the need for a high degree of skill. The tours, which usually take place during the last week of August, are conducted mainly in coastal resorts where the holiday crowds are largest and the local Corps resources are sometimes stretched because of the holidays.

One of the features of the band is that they march to the afternoon open-air venue. This is sometimes difficult because of traffic, but with good organisation and the co-operation of the local police, is usually achieved. Then, in the evening, a Festival is held in the local Citadel.

The band's tours to date have been: 1985 South Coast; 1991 Bournemouth area; 1996 East Coast; 1997 Essex, Kent & Dorset; 1998 Devon & Cornwall; 1999 Major Cities of England & Wales; 2000 the South Coast of England; 2001 Scotland; 2002 USA & Canada; 2003 Eastbourne and the South Coast of England; 2004 East Midlands; 2006 West Country; 2007 Singapore & Australia; 2008 Scotland; 2009 Bristol & South Coast; 2010 Norway; 2011 Southern California

The band also produces a CD recording most years and details on purchasing these can be found on our website.