THE BAND OF THE CORPS OF ROYAL ENGINEERS

www.army.mod.uk/bands/royal_engineers/

Why Choose Army Music as a Career?
Do you fancy a career as a professional musician? Well look no further. The Band of the Corps of Royal Engineers is one of 29 bands within The Corps of Army Music: offering a diversity of music unparalleled anywhere else in the musical world, performed by a versatile and talented group of professional musicians.

Career Security
Unlike most musical organisations, the Army offers the complete package, from career structure to pension, health care to housing, adventure training to world travel, life-long learning.

Versatility & Diversity
 

Concert Band Marching Band Fanfare Trumpets Orchestral Ensembles Woodwind Quintet Brass Quintet

Saxophone Quartet Dance Band Pop Group Big Band Dixie Band Barbershop Quartet

Musical Education All musicians have the opportunity to gain an ATCL diploma in performance as part of their ongoing musical training. However, those chosen for the Bandmasters Course will receive a BA(Hons) on the successful completion of the degree course. All musicians are given life-long learning opportunities through adult education programmes, but with the added bonus of financial assistance.

Sport & Adventure Training
The Engineers Band is a very active band with many of the musicians involved in a wide variety of sports. Through the Army, you will be able to undertake such activities as skiing, sailing, tennis, squash, football, cricket, rugby, kayaking, rock climbing and a whole host of others. There are also numerous instructors’ courses available to band members covering sports and adventure training.

 

A World of Opportunities The Royal Engineers Band has performed at an array of State occasions, Royal Tournaments, Military Tattoos and National Sporting events, including the FA Cup Final. We have also played for the opening of the Channel Tunnel and the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge. We have toured extensively throughout the world to countries such as USA, Australia, Europe, Hong Kong, South Korea, the Middle East and Uzbekistan. We are also expecting to travel to destination as varied as New Zealand, Italy, Denmark and Poland.

Historical Background
The Band of the Corps of Royal Engineers was formed in 1856, with the uniform including at that time the famous bearskin. In 1880 a full RE orchestra began to emerge.

During the First World War, the Band toured the forward areas in France and Belgium, giving some 175 concerts to the troops and travelling over 1800 miles.In 1936, the Band played at the funeral of King George V, and it was at this

time that busbies replaced the bearskin, all in time for the Coronation of King George VI. In 1952, the Band played for the funeral of King George VI, also the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II.

Early in 2003 the Band played a major role within the Army Medical Services during military operations in Iraq, on Operation TELIC. The Band were deployed as a Casualty Decontamination Team with 16 Close Support Medical Regiment, medical support for 16 Air Assault Brigade. Following hostilities the band undertook several musical engagements including retreat parades and troop concerts.
 

Who Can Join? The earliest you can enter the Corps of Army Music is straight from school at the age of 16. As part of your enlistment process, you’ll be required to attend a formal audition at the Royal Military School of Music in Twickenham. Formal music qualifications are not essential as you’ll be judged on your own merits, but you should have achieved a competent standard on your chosen first-study instrument. As a basic guide, we look for Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music Grade 5.

Entry Routes
If you join at 16, you’ll join the Army Development Course, introducing you to Army life. We also offer a limited number of bursaries, sponsoring musicians through University. Work experience placements are also available at our band locations throughout the UK, including the Royal Military School of Music.

Training
After successful enlistment you’ll attend Phase 1 military training at one of our Training Regiments. You’ll learn how to take care of yourself and your equipment, and study field crafts such as map reading and first aid. After your passing out parade, you’ll undertake Phase 2 training at the Royal Military School of Music, Kneller Hall. This will last up to 48 weeks, during which time you’ll receive instrumental training from some of the world’s best teachers before taking your place in one of the Army’s 29 bands. Our training is renowned throughout the world, and civilian institutions accredit the majority of our courses.
 

Job Description Duties will include State and Ceremonial occasions, military parades, Regimental dinner nights, and band concerts. In addition, all bands have a full and varied programme of public relations engagements, ranging from sports meetings to recording sessions and occasional radio broadcasts. There is also an opportunity to perform in the many different musical combinations of an Army band, such as fanfare trumpets, chamber orchestras, dance bands, jazz and Dixie bands, and folk groups. At times of conflict, the Corps of Army Music assist the Army Medical Services in their operational role.

Qualifications
Must pass and audition and interview at Headquarters Directorate Corps of Army Music, Royal Military School of Music, Kneller Hall, Twickenham. They should preferably be a competent performer, ideally on one of the following; a Wind instrument, Brass, Percussion, Keyboards or Strings.

Bursaries
With the Armed Forces Bursary scheme, students who are undertaking a musical course that has an emphasis on performance can apply for a bursary of £1,500 per year. This can help with the expenses of study for a period of up to three years or in some cases four years, for a course that leads to a nationally recognised diploma or degree.

Work Experience
The Corps of Army Music offers Work Experience placements at band locations and at the Royal Military School of Music in Twickenham. Candidates can expect to gain a good insight into life as a Musician within the Army. Work Experience placements are run throughout the year in the form of one-week residential courses, taking part in all forms of military and musical activities. You could be playing in a Symphonic Wind Band, orchestra, small ensembles or even marching band. Musicians visiting us need to be the equivalent of ABRSM 4/5 or above on their chosen musical instrument to gain the most benefit from the week.

Personal Qualities
Applicants must prove at audition that they have the potential and necessary drive to achieve the very highest of musical standards required. A high degree of personal fitness and a pride in one’s appearance is also essential.

Personal Disposition
A high standard of personal discipline, musical versatility and a willingness to make music as his or her chosen profession. He or she must be adaptable and resourceful, as an Army musician’s life can be varied and at times extremely hectic.

If you are interested in finding out more please contact:

The Bandmaster
Band of the Corps of Royal Engineers
Brompton Barracks
Brompton
Chatham
Kent.    ME4 4UG

Tel: 01634 822321
Email: bm.reband@gtnet.gov.uk
Website: www.army.mod.uk/bands/royal_engineers

www.army.mod.uk/bands/royal_engineers/