HISTORY
 In the old days field musicians were vital to commanders as the means of relaying orders during battle. For marching, the bands kept the company or regiment in proper cadence, and they served to beat the daily duty calls and ceremonies such as Reveille, Taps, the General, the Assembly and the Retreat. The distinctive and colorful uniforms worn by the musicians were necessary to distinguish them easily on the battlefield, and they were often the reverse color of those worn by the line soldiers.
The term “tattoo” derives from the cries of 17th and 18th century Low Country innkeepers who would cry “Doe den tap toe!"—“Turn off the taps!” as the fifes and drums of the local regiment signaled a return to quarters. The sound of the town crier and the drums signaled the innkeepers' customers to depart and return to their barracks. A custom unique to the United States Armed Forces is the sounding of a bugle call entitled “Tattoo.” This bugle call, the longest call in the U.S. Manual of bugle calls is normally sounded one-half hour before “Taps.” Like its European cousin it is the signal for soldiers to return to the barracks and prepare for lights out. Tonight, in American forts and camps here and around the world the “Tattoo” bugle call will sound. The word “Tattoo” is now also applied to a pageant of world-class military music performances, precision marching, and displays of military prowess featured in tattoos around the world. Serving in both times of war and times of peace, these highly acclaimed military bands travel to nations of the world to perform for world leaders, dignitaries, members of the military and their companions. The Rochester International Marine Tattoo will showcase all this talent under one roof for two spectacular performances and promises to deliver an unforgettable explosion of musical firepower. |
