Ceremonial Music

Vice-Regal Salute

At official events, it is customary for a band, orchestra or pianist to play the Vice-Regal Salute, which consists of the first six bars of "God Save The King," followed immediately by the first four and last four bars of "O Canada." The Vice-Regal Salute is not played while the Lieutenant Governor and party are walking but is played once they have arrived at their table or seats, and while standing. Guests do not sing during the Vice-Regal Salute. It is the usual custom for the Master of Ceremonies to remind the audience of this prior to the entrance of the Vice-Regal Party. The Vice-Regal Salute can be omitted if it cannot be rendered well or if it places an inconvenience on the host through the cost of hiring a pianist, renting a piano, etc.