In this episode of the Made to Parade Podcast, Glenn Millar sits down with Will Casson-Smith, retired British Army Warrant Officer Class 1, former Band Master in the Corps of Army Music, professional musician and military music historian.

Together they explore the rich tradition of the Corps of Drums, discussing its history, unique musical style, ceremonial role and the skill required to perform within one of Britain's most distinctive military musical traditions.

Will also reflects on his passion for preserving military music, including the story behind his album My Father's Drum, released in support of Armed Forces charities.

As a special feature, this episode includes one of Will's Corps of Drums arrangements, allowing listeners to experience the music being discussed throughout the conversation.

Whether you're involved in marching bands, military music, pipe bands, or simply have an interest in musical heritage, this is an in-depth discussion you won't want to miss.

Topics include:

Arranging and performing ceremonial music

My Father's Drum

Corps of Drums performance

If you enjoy this episode, please Like, Subscribe, and let us know your thoughts in the comments.

For years, we've been told that certain cultural traditions are relics of the past, destined to fade away as Northern Ireland moves towards a different future.But what happens when even critics begin to acknowledge the strength of the community, identity and belonging that exist within those traditions?In this episode of Made to Parade, Glenn explores the growing recognition of unionist and loyalist cultural identity and asks whether the narrative of an "inevitable future" stands up to scrutiny when confronted with the reality of living, breathing communities.Drawing on culture, politics, history and previous conversations with sociologist Colin Coulter, this episode examines:🔹 The difference between political aspiration and political reality🔹 Why community and belonging matter more than political slogans🔹 The resilience of cultural identity in Northern Ireland🔹 What marching bands tell us about continuity, heritage and community life🔹 Whether a United Ireland is truly a priority beyond political circles🔹 The challenge of reconciling competing identities in a shared society🔹 Why recognising one culture's legitimacy means recognising another'sThis is not an episode about hostility or division. It is an invitation to think critically about the stories we tell ourselves, the assumptions we make about the future, and the role that culture continues to play in shaping life across Northern Ireland.Because if culture is as meaningful and resilient as many now acknowledge, perhaps the future is not as inevitable as some would like us to believe.Join the conversationDo you think cultural identity is properly understood in Northern Ireland?Can a future be described as "inevitable" when large sections of society remain deeply connected to their traditions and heritage?Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

Subscribe to Made to Parade for conversations on marching bands, music, culture, identity, history and the issues that matter to our community.#MadeToParade #NorthernIreland #Culture #Identity #Community #MarchingBands #UnionistCulture #LoyalistCulture #Politics #ColinCoulter #Heritage #Belonging #Podcast #CommunityMatters #NorthernIrelandCulture

So it’s culture now?

For years, loyalist marching bands have faced the same criticism — “what culture?” or “that’s not culture.”But this year in Belfast, something shifted.

A Protestant marching band took part in the city’s St Patrick’s Day parade, a moment that, for some, signalled progress, and for others, raised serious questions.

Now, that conversation has moved even further, with the Belfast Bands Forum involvement in one of the biggest festivals of traditional music coming to Belfast for the next 2 years.

So where does that leave us?In this episode, we’re joined by: Representatives from the band who took part in the St Patrick’s Day parade, Members of the Belfast Bands Forum, and a sitting City Councillor.

This isn’t a conversation about theory, it’s about real decisions, real leadership, and a changing cultural landscape in Belfast.

We explore:Why bands were included in St Patrick’s DayThe thinking behind potential involvement in the Fleadh

.Why this is seen as progress by some and controversial by othersAnd the bigger question: who gets to define culture in Northern Ireland?

Because if this isn’t culture… what is?Join the conversationThis is a topic that challenges long-held views, so we want to hear from you.

Do you see this as progress?

Should bands be part of events like the Fleadh?

What does shared culture in Belfast look like to you?

Drop your thoughts in the comments.

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