The Jeppe Pipe Band performed at the world famous Basel Tattoo 2016, a show which is held annually in Switzerland.
The band received its invitation to Basel Tattoo two years ago and had to raise funds to attend the event this year.
Mr Damien Pitman, Master in Charge, said the band still feels like they are living a dream.
“The band has been together since 2011 and we started rebuilding the band to the point it is now.
“We were honoured when we receive the invitation as we had worked hard to be invited. We auditioned by sending videos.
“We were the only South African school band to be invited to the Basel Tattoo, as school bands are not invited because of the magnitude of the event. It’s only seniors,” said Mr Pitman.
Mr Pitman said the team has worked hard to able to participate at the event.
“When we received the invitation we knew we had to raise the money because a number of things had to be. We needed to change our entire uniform and cover the costs of the trip.
“We played at events and weddings. Every event we were invited to helped raise funds and the team was committed,” said Mr Pitman.
Grade 12 pupil, Drum Major and Jeppe Pipe Band Captain Mandlenkosi Ndabula shared the same sentiment about the band and experience of being part of the Basel Tattoo.
“The experience was amazing. The reception there was amazing. Everyone knew who we were and having our families and even old Jeppe Boys there was amazing. We were proud to be there, it was an experience of a lifetime because there is nothing to compare it to,” said Mandlenkosi.
“Performing there was amazing. Your nerves get to you but the minute you start you remember why you are there and tell yourself you got this. That was the attitude the whole band had,” said Mandlenkosi.
“We would like to thank everyone who supported us and made it possible for us to be there, and also the parents who came to support us – we appreciate it as the band. The support of the school has been amazing,” said Mr Pitman.
The Basel Tattoo is an annual military tattoo performed by international military bands, display teams, popular musicians and tattoo formations in Basel, Switzerland. Since 2006, the Basel Tattoo has had annual stage-arena performances within the Basel Kaserne (old barracks), which is now also known as the Basel Tattoo Arena, and hosts two parades in July.
The Basel Tattoo parade, with an estimated 125 000 visitors, is considered the largest event of its kind.
