The Christ's Hospital Band
Over 100 young musicians (aged between 12 and 18) form Christ's Hospital's famous band which contributes enormously to the life of all the pupils at the School.
Six days a week, the pupils assemble by the Quadrangle at lunchtime and march into Dining Hall to the accompaniment of the Band. Known as 'Band Parade' this is a unique and spectacular tradition at Christ's Hospital.
The origin of the Band dates back to the mid-nineteenth century when some of the pupils requested that instruments be purchased to enliven their marching drill. The Treasurer of Christ's Hospital agreed and, with money from his own pocket, purchased a few instruments and paid the salary of the first Band Master. Over the years, the Band has grown from a small static group to a dynamic and highly-trained group of musicians.
Today, the Band also has an impressive record of engagements. It accompanies the School on its annual parade through the City of London for a church service on St Matthew's Day in September and is no stranger to performing at Lord's and Twickenham (RFU) where it entertains the crowds during the interval of international matches. The Band also takes part in the Lord Mayor's Show and rounds off the academic year with an hour-long display of marching and countermarching as a tribute to those who are leaving.
Senior school posts in the Band include the Band Captain, Assistant Band Captain, Senior Drummer and Senior Drum Major. The Band Master, Terry Whittingham, joined Christ's Hospital in 1999 having formerly been Band Master of the Grenadier Guards and Queen's Own Highlanders. He also trained at Kneller Hall, the Army training college for musicians where he was awarded a record number of prizes.