Ceremonial Guard in Ottawa is full of purple talent

When the bright red tunics of the Ceremonial Guard flash across Parliament Hill, there is a lot of purple woven into them - Western University purple. Each summer, several Don Wright Music students play in the parades, Guard of Honour, military function dinners and concerts.

The Ceremonial Guard is more than a top Ottawa attraction for three million visitors. It is a Canadian Armed Forces unit, and the 90 brass and reeds, and 30 pipers and drummers must complete basic military qualification (BMQ), or training.

For many students, and musicians, the early mornings, physical training and intense schedule would send them in another direction. Not so for about a dozen Western students and alumni this summer. Read more to hear their perspectives.