On The Road To Sydney

Video from MCV performance at Tattoo now posted

MCV's February 7, 2010 performance at the Tattoo was captured on video by MCV's Matt Lug; the video has now been posted on youtube.

The official DVD of the Tattoo can be purchased from the Playbill.com website.

Thoughts on our Tattoo Experience

MCV departed Sydney on February 12th (and returned the same day, at least to San Francisco) and the group that was brought together for this event have scattered back to their home states (and countries), many not to see each other for some time to come.  Yet, despite many obstacles (including an unexpected Cyclone) the members of MCV achieved the ultimate goal of performing in the grand event known as the Edinburgh Military Tattoo in Australia.    We made many new friends along the way and hope to see them again in the future.  Sydney is a grand city and Australia a country bursting with unique architecture, seascapes, landscapes and flora and fauna.  A final thank you to the citizens of Sydney who welcomed the Tattoo cast into their midst for the duration of the show, and showed us every kindness.  No worries indeed.

Stay tuned to this space for additional photos and a video of our Tattoo performance, coming in the next few days.

Closing Night at the Tattoo/ MCV Storms the Consulate

The Edinburgh Military Tattoo Salute to Australia closed on Sunday, 7 February. MCV posed for an official group photo in front of the Castle and were then addressed by Major General Euan Louden, EMT Producer. We then prepared for our fourth and final performance of the Tattoo in front of a packed Sydney Football Stadium. We were sad to see the show end so quickly and to say goodbye to our new friends.

Monday, 8 February saw us wig up one last time Down Under for a reception and concert at the U.S. Consulate; the Consular General welcomed us and the invited guests enjoyed our concert presented on the tennis courts of the Consulate.

Due to Internet connectivity issues we will be unable to post video of our performance until we return to the States; stay tuned for that link next week!

 

Last Night of the Tattoo Has Arrived!

Is it possible that the Edinburgh Military Tattoo in Australia is nearly over? The Saturday night show was full of drama - would the remnants of a tropical cyclone drown out the the cast and audience or would it clear? All on the night of a live simulcast of the Tattoo! Fortunately the torrential rains stopped around 8:30 pm and by the time MCV hit the field it was just a bit of mist in the air. The Sydney Football Stadium was filled to capacity (28,000) and our show was well received. Stay tuned for videos of our performance coming soon!  

Tonight marks the official end of the Tattoo; however MCV will have one more public event Monday evening at the U.S. Consulate; a review of that performance will be posted later this week.

Opening Night a Success

MCV had a successful opening night at the Tattoo, delivering a solid performance for a large audience at Sydney Football Stadium. We had the privilege of rehearsing the show on the grounds of the Sydney Cricket Field prior to the show. The weather was warm and earlier acts had to deal with torrential downpours, which luckily cleared prior to our step off. Tonight is expected to be an even larger audience; stay tuned for updates.

Rehearsals Down Under

MCV had a very early rehearsal slot this morning for the producers (7:00 a.m.) and will be practising the Finale with the other bands at 9:45 a.m. Then on to lunch, an MCV only drill rehearsal this afternoon and back to the stadium for our last solo slot before the Tattoo begins. So far the weather has been holding, though it is very hot for us Northern Hemisphere types (at least 30C yesterday). Stay tuned for further updates and photos.

 

 

Sydney trip featured in Boston Globe article

MCV's upcoming Sydney trip was featured in the 27 December 2009 edition of the Boston Sunday Globe; an online version of the story can be viewed here.

Stay tuned for weekly updates as we approach our departure date and regular updates after we arrive in Australia.

Final list of Performers announced for Tattoo

 

The final list of performers for the 2010 Edinburgh Military Tattoo in Australia has now been posted to the Tattoo's website.  Check it out today.

The cast is truly global, stretching from the USA, the UK, Europe, Asia and of course Australia and neighboring New Zealand.

October Sydney Drill Camp a Spectacular Success

We finished our 3 day Sydney Drill Camp Weekend without a hitch - our cast members from several States as well as our two fifers from Basel, Switzerland gathered on Friday, 30 October at MITRE in Bedford, MA for a short rehearsal. Saturday, 31 October dawned sunny and WARM (approaching 70F), which was a relief for our outdoor drill session.

The group scattered for Halloween activities that night then were back at MITRE on Sunday, 1 November for another full session of music rehearsals and drill practice.   Stay tuned for photos from the weekend and further updates on the Tattoo itself! Less than 90 days before we depart for Down Under!

The MCV Sydney Team - we're from all over!

Just 3 weeks before our big Sydney Music Camp Weekend and it is probably a good time as any to talk about the massive undertaking this event will be. MCV will appear in Sydney with 30 fifers, 12 drummers, Drum Major, Guidon and a full Color Guard, along with several intrepid Support staff.

What will it take to turn out the largest ensemble in MCV's history?  Besides a great deal of preparation and rehearsal, the organization is drawing from the entire USA and our friends overseas.  We have members, alumni members and remote members coming in from the following home states:

• California
• Connecticut
• Massachusetts
• New Hampshire
• New Jersey
• New York
• North Carolina
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island
• Virginia
• Wisconsin

Finally, we have two fifers from Basel, Switzerland joining us in Sydney, Australia, quite the journey for them!