Andrew Brice
‘Last Post Porch Thoughts’
In military terms, the Last Post is the Bugle call that traditionally signified the day’s end of a soldier’s duty. It is also sounded at military funerals to indicate that the soldier has gone to his final rest and at commemorative services such as ANZAC Day and Remembrance Day. Yet, it remains so much more.
As the grounds at the Shrine of Remembrance is blanketed by the single Bugle sounding the first note at the Dawn Service Ceremony (timed to coincide with the landing of the ANZACS's in Gallipoli, 1915) the Last Post will invoke tears, feelings of loss, humility, hope, love, honour and respect; often accompanied with a shiver down one’s spine or a lump in the back of the throat.
The Last Post touches our souls, heavies our hearts and stills our bodies; whilst we reflect and connect with heroes who battled to win our freedom, honouring our servicemen who fell and did not return.
An expected 45,000 people will gather at the Dawn Service tomorrow at the Shrine of Remembrance to mark the 98th anniversary of the Gallipoli Landing at ANZAC Cove. Moments before the Last Post rings through the morning air, Able Seaman Andrew Bryce of the Royal Australian Navy Band, will hold steady his Bugle, draw his last breathe before releasing the tune of respect, thanks and praise. ‘Lest We Forget’.
Able Seaman Bryce has been a member of the Melbourne detachment of the Royal Australian Navy Band for thirteen years that is located at HMAS Cerberus on the Mornington Peninsula.
Under the Musical Direction of Lieutenant Matt Klohs, Able Seaman Bryce was happy to take a short break from his Dawn Service rehearsals, where I learnt he began playing the trumpet at the age of eight, having moved to Melbourne from Canada with his family when he was two years-of-age in 1975.
What inspired you to pick-up a trumpet?
When I was in kindergarten a trumpet player came to visit the school. He gave me the opportunity to blow the trumpet and I produced a note on the first try. From there the seed was planted and as soon as I was able, I began to play.
Were you a member of any performing bands or orchestras?
Prior to joining the Navy I was involved in various ensembles including school bands, local community Concert Bands, Big Bands and Brass Bands.
You furthered your musical studies at the College of the Arts and Box Hill TAFE, what musical career path did you have in mind before joining the RAN Band?
There was no path as such. I was just working towards being a better player and getting experience in as many different styles of music as possible. I also spent 3 years teaching instrumental music in the local community.
What is your Rank Able Seaman and what training did you undertake?
It’s the first of the fully qualified sailor ranks in the Navy. I undertook the 12 weeks initial entry recruit training course which is mandatory for all sailors upon joining the Navy. This was followed by 6 months on the job training within the RAN Band.
The Melbourne detachment currently has 32 members; apart from ANZAC Day, what role does the RAN Band play in educating the Australian community, particularly younger Australians?
We work most in the area of Public Relations and we fly the Navy flag in the Australian community. We also supply a high degree of training and ceremonial support to the RAN.
How many hours do you train and rehearse on the Bugle each week?
It varies from person to person but for me personally I do a minimum of about 4 hours per day of actual playing, but that will depend on what performances we have coming up.
You were selected and deployed to play at the Dawn Service at Anzac Cove, Gallipoli in 2001. Can you describe that experience?
I remember that it was very cold. It required a lot of focus but it was extremely memorable and was one of the proudest moments in my naval career.
Can you recall what went through your mind in the moments leading up to performing?
I played in the small band that year as I was only new to the Band. It is a goal of mine to return to Gallipoli in the future to play the Last Post on this special occasion.
What are some of your other memorable performances in Australia?
The ANZAC Day match at the MCG in 2006. Others include performances with James Morrison and Don Burrows, as well as Jazz at the Vines where I had the chance to play an original composition of mine.
The RAN Band has the privilege of sending a small contingent to Gallipoli for the Dawn Service every three years, what is the selection process?
The selection process focuses primarily on instrumentation and the desire to afford as many of our people as possible this once in a lifetime opportunity.
Is there a particular significance to the actual Bugle you will be using on the day?
Each Bugle used by RAN musicians is engraved with the name of a former member of the RAN Band who paid the ultimate sacrifice during WWII.
The ANZAC Dawn Service at the Shrine of Remembrance is a moving ceremony and many people have commented that when the bugle first sounds it sends chills through them. What will sounding the first few notes mean to you?
Respect to the fallen. I want to honour them in the best way I know how by sounding the purest possible call.
How will ANZAC Day begin for you?
I try to get an early night the night before. I get up about 3am to begin warm ups and to get ready for the day ahead.
You have sounded the Last Post at different ceremonies. What do the different atmospheres and mean to you?
The atmosphere at the MCG was electric and I tended to feed off the crowd’s energy. I actually find it easier to play the Last Post in front of large crowds rather than just a few at a memorial service or funeral. Nevertheless every time I play this call there is always an element of nerves involved.
What other official performances will you be involved with following this year’s Dawn Service?
After the Dawn Service I will be marching with the RAN Band through the city. We will be doing the march twice this year. Following that I will be doing another Bugle call at the Shrine of Remembrance for the Commemoration Ceremony after the march has finished.
The RAN Band will celebrate its centenary on June 23 this year. What other major events are you looking forward to being involved with?
The International Fleet Review will be held in Sydney in October 3-11. This will be a once in a lifetime career opportunity for Navy musicians Australia wide that will welcome warships and bands from around the globe.
What is your Porch Thought For The Day?
“To play a wrong note is insignificant; to play without passion is incomprehensible.”