Once upon a time
Military Fanfare to Start the Day
Reveille kicks off the day for every good soldier. Historically, the military uses music to set the pace of life on base. Wake-up calls at dawn, mealtimes, and training all start and finish to the sound of the bugle’s call. Today, this tradition – highly symbolic – lives on in many different forms.
The last remaining mountain infantry division marching band in France, the 27th Mountain Infantry Battalion marching band, has been based in Annecy for more than 100 years – a long history of heart and soul in the mountains!
In the Footsteps of the Mountain Infantry
Created in 1888, the mountain infantry division is a specialized unit within the French Army, with soldiers trained for combat in mountainous terrain and other extreme environments.
Of the twelve mountain infantry battalions that fought in World War I, three remain: the 7th BCA (Mountain Infantry Battalion) in Varces near Grenoble, the 13th BCA near Chambéry, and the 27th BCA in Annecy.
© 27th BCA
Haut-Savoyards know the 27th BCA well: the battalion is firmly rooted in the area and has played an important role in local history. The easily recognizable white uniform, white beret (referred colloquially as “la tarte” or “pie hat”), and the insignia boasting a tiger and a French horn proudly incarnate their well-known motto, “Live free or die.” For the general public, this army unit and eponymous marching band go hand-in-hand; as one of the last in existence, it accompanies and boosts morale at every military ceremony where the battalion is present.
A local institution, the 27th BCA marching band plays at all official ceremonies, from commemorations to changes of command, as well as at any occasion with troops in formation. It also has a much more festive arrow in its quiver. With over one hundred performances every year in France and abroad, the 27th BCA marching band participates in military music festivals, public events, and visits schools on a regular basis to introduce children to the various instruments the band plays.
Creating a Strong Bond between Army and Country
Since 2022, the 27th BCA marching band has been under the command of Chief Warrant Officer Alexandre Jous, who will pass the baton to a new conductor this summer.
Before his final concert on July 14, he told us of how proud he is to have worn the uniform of Savoie’s legendary battalion.
“We serve as the public face of the battalion, and in Annecy and throughout Haute-Savoie, we enjoy a great reputation—people recognize us and always offer their warm regards. We are an integral part of the region, and the bond between Army and Country that our role creates is especially strong here.”
© 27th BCA
Following a twenty-year career as a civilian and military musician, Alexandre Jous took over command of the marching band three years ago, when it celebrated its 100th anniversary in Annecy – symbolic. He followed in his predecessors’ footsteps, Chief Warrant Officer Eric Moron in particular, who led the marching band from 1996 to 2017.
Under his command, the band performed all over the world, reinforcing the specificities of mountain culture through his choice of instruments and by training musicians to play the alphorn. As a musician who plays the alphorn, Alexandre Jous was the rightful successor to a long prestigious line of band commanders, and continues to provide, through this unique instrument, the truly unmistakable tone and all the warmth of a unique sound that resonates far beyond the mountains.
Brass at heart
With around twenty musicians, iconic instruments like the hunting horn and alphorn, and a repertoire that spans military music, classical pieces, movie and cartoon soundtracks, as well as modern tunes, the 27th BCA marching band never goes unnoticed.
With their energetic stage presence, style, and enthusiasm, this unique marching band also features a talented group of arrangers who rewrite and adapt musical scores to fit the instruments they play.
© 27th BCA
Among their “signature songs” are Les Allobroges and La Marseillaise, music for the hunting horn, a mix of traditional and modern pieces, as well as songs performed as a choir. With the dignified presence of men in uniform, the marching band plays a powerful unifying role, one that brings people together and evokes deep emotion.
For those who have yet to meet the soldiers of the 27th BCA and its marching band, the battalion’s annual “open house” will be held on Saturday, May 24. Take the opportunity to learn all about their equipment, weapons, and vehicles, and for kids to enjoy a wide variety of activities like the commando obstacle course, target practice with a pellet gun, and a zip line.
Top of page photo credit:
- © Lac Annecy Tourisme
Journalist: Gaëlle Tagliabue
Translation: Darin Reisman