Photos and story by Mike Bousquet WEST MILFORD 1400 spectators were instantly transported back to 17th century Scotland when the first band, The Pipes and Drums of the Atlantic Watch led by Drum Major Ed Brett, marched onto the floor. On Saturday, November 18, the West Milford High School Highlander Marching Band hosted its Seventh Annual Military Concert And Tattoo. It has traditionally been dedicated to a person or group of people. This year, it honored volunteer firefighters and EMS workers. Seven drum and pipe bands, plus the West Milford color guard and the Mustang Majorettes participated in the concert held in the high school’s gymnasium. The Tattoo represents “all of our hard work summed up into one performance,” said Drum Major Michelle Kachler. “Every time we perform, I want my band to look perfect,” said Brett as he inspected his band’s uniforms. Atlantic Watch performed traditional drum and pipe music before asking Fire Chief Fred Stewart for permission to leave the floor. Clan Na Vale Pipe Band and Kenmure Pipe band followed with equally impressive sets of Scottish music. The first half of the Tattoo concluded with a performance by the Clifton High School Mustang Marching band and Mustang Majorettes. They performed rock hits such as “Johnny B. Good” while dancing with members of the audience. The Clifton Mustangs have participated in every Tattoo held at the West Milford high school and usually dine with the West Milford band before each performance. A band that can best be described as a carnival side show with bagpipes, Mag 7, opened the second half of the Tattoo. Dressed as a skeleton, a wizard, a fireman, the Phantom of the Opera, and other creative characters, Mag 7 rocked the auditorium with hits such as Billy Idol’s “Dancing with myself” and the Ramones’ “I Wanna be Sedated.” Tenor Drummer Ed Werfelman (the Phantom) said, “we like doing this show because we get to break loose.” After a fife and drum performance by the Colonial Musketeers, the award winning West Milford Highlander band marched out to an eager crowd. Once again, the Highlanders proved why they are consistently number one. The color guard’s vibrant array of flags was orchestrated with the music and the band marched in perfect unison. Their performance is unique in that they are the only high school band in the state to incorporate bagpipes. At the end of the performance, the Highlanders invited the Clifton Mustangs to play along with them as they honored the armed services. For the grand finale, all seven bands returned to play “Amazing Grace.” The word Tattoo dates from the 17th century when the British army was stationed in the low countries. A military band and drums would parade through a garrison town shouting “Doe den tap toe” (turn off the taps). This signified the curfew for soldiers and pubs were required to turn off the beer taps. Over the years, Tattoo has evolved into a dazzling display of drum and pipe marching bands. The largest Tattoo takes place annually in Edinburgh, Scotland attracting over 10,000 pipes and drums.