Pomp, pageantry and stirring music from Great Britain’s esteemed military musical institutions will command attention with their extraordinary sights and sounds as they perform at the George Mason University Center for the Arts.

The performance will be bursting with bagpipes, brass and drums in a spectacle of precision marches. There will also be spirited Scottish Highland dancing and surprises.

The Band of the Royal Marines and the Band of the Scots Guards have both been in existence for several centuries. The Royal Marines band was originally established to provide the beat for columns of marching soldiers. The Scots Guards band was founded to boost morale for elite troops while engaged in conflicts. Today, in these contemporary times, the bands perform throughout Great Britain, including London’s Buckingham Palace, and tour around the world.

With over 40 musicians performing, audiences can expect a “mixture of traditional music coupled with some more up to date entertaining works. It is important for me to get a good balance,” said Captain Daryl Powell, director of music, Her Majesty’s Royal Marines. “We pride ourselves on versatility so there will be plenty of different aspects to keep the audience engaged. Music will range through traditional marches, standard wind band repertoire, film music and music from the stage.”

Asked about particular musical tunes, Powell mentioned different sets of music representing English, Irish and Scots music, along with additional ensembles including strings, singers and, of course, a Drum Major. He also mentioned an Irish set of “Lord of the Dance” and the Gael from “Last of the Mohicans” with its distinctive pipers sounds.

“I would hope that the audience feels the enjoyment and pride that we get from performing to them. All of our musicians are passionate about what they do and this is reflected within their performance.” said Powell. I hope that they get a good sense of what the musical traditions offer through our representation of the countries within the British Isles, but most importantly I want them to be entertained by what I believe is a really good show.”

The performers, in their full military regalia, marching in unity along with magical lighting effects, will fill the Mason Center for the Arts with power and entertainment providing audiences with “the very best of British military music. A combination of good drill and high quality music, in an inventive and imaginative show,” added Powell.