British marching music welcomes Iran leader

Band members were punished if they hit a wrong note when playing for Saddam Hussein, but yesterday the music flowed with ease as they performed for the current Iraqi President and his guest President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad of Iran.
Surprisingly, old British marching songs such as “The British Grenadiers” were the order of the day, a hangover from the Saddam era.
“We have been playing this marching music since Saddam’s time,” said clarinet player Mahmoud Gazal, aged 42. “We have not received any new music though we did try to download some from the Internet. We need the British Government to send us some more marching music,” he said.
Marching in formation up the drive of President Jalal Talabani’s residence in Baghdad, the red-coated military band bashed symbols, honked trumpets and blew into clarinets, adding to the sense of occasion surrounding the Iranian visit.
Lined up in rows, some with a music score attached to their back for those behind to read, they rehearsed a short playlist next to a red carpet that stretched into the palace as the minutes ticked down to Mr Ahmadinejad’s arrival.
The moment he drove into view, the mustachioed conductor instructed his men to let rip with Iran’s national song, followed by the upbeat Iraqi anthem and a selection of British marching tunes as well as an American number.
A guard of honour saluted the Iranian President, a little girl handed him a bouquet of white flowers and an assembled line of Iraqi ministers pumped his hand in a warm show of welcome, while the military music played-on.
Only stopping once Mr Ahmadinejad had disappeared into the palatial residence, the band appeared pleased with their performance.
“We were relaxed when we played before the President. This is our job,” said Mr Gazal, when asked if anyone had suffered stage fright.
“During Saddam’s time, however, we were not allowed to do a wrong note. If anyone did then he would be punished. Now this President always gives us money so it is great,” he said with a smile.

Comments

[Laith]

It's great that the British music is played in such occasions. By the way Ms Debbie you are choosing a various kinds of interesting topics.
you are very distinguished in your writings