During a parade when soldiers were marching in review, the general on the stand
noticed that the band was not putting out a full effort. Some of the musicians
were obviously goldbricking, merely holding their instrument while the others
were playing.
The general called up the bandsmaster and berated him for allowing such malingering.
The bands master explained that some instruments had 'rests'.
"No rests while on duty. Only work. You heard my orders," insisted
the general. "Carry out."
The ensuing music was peculiar but nobody could complain about weak volume.