"While Slitrig and Teviot sweet music raise, When their waters join in a hymn of praise"

For Hawick Saxhorn Band, leading parades and processions is one of the reasons for its existence.  The return from Mosspaul rideout is an added attraction for many townsfolk with the presence of the band. 

 

The beat of the big drum as the Cornet and his mounted supporters are led from the Volunteer Park to the Tower Knowe surely "stirs the bluid" and sets spirits rising in anticipation "o' the big picter which lies ahead".  The band has and will continue to play an active role in the Common Riding calendar and the stirring music of the Hawick songs is enjoyed by both young and old.

 

In 1911 the Moat (mote) was formally handed over to the people of Hawick and the band led a procession of Provost, Magistrates and Town Councillors from the Town Hall to the Old Parish Church for a service. 

 

The Civic Party then walked to the Moat where the land was presented to the town by a representative of the Duke of Buccleuch.

 

In 1914 the Saxhorn Band took a leading part at the unveiling of "The Horse".  To complement this great event an historical pageant was presented - the words and music were provided by J.E.D. Murray and Adam Grant.  "Invocation", a gracious hymn-like piece, was one such compostion, and provides a fitting tribute when the Cornet return the Flag to the Honorary Provost "unsullied and unstained" at the end of the Common Riding ceremonies on the Saturday.

 

In 1937 a number of events at the Common Riding were recorded and transmitted on the World Service of the BBC.  6,000 miles away in Rio de Janeiro, an exiled Teri rejoiced in hearing the Saxhorn Band play "Up wi' the Banner", and prompted him to write to the Hawick Express.