4BR understands that proposed changes to the future structure of the Corps of Army Music within the British Army is likely to see the creation of three professional brass bands over the next few years.

Review

The review entitled ‘Future of Army Music 2020’ has produced a report that seeks to improve personnel retention and provide new musical capabilities over the period 2014 – 2018.

It also envisages that the new structure will provide sustainable musical support to the Army both in the UK and abroad by supporting operations and defence diplomacy.

Regular army bands will be used to improve flexibility and efficiency as well as providing a more professionally stimulating career for musicians and a wider range of military music.

Brass bands

For the first time, this is set to include the full range of traditional brass band instrumentation for full time professional army musicians.

Trio

4BR understands that included in changes that will also see the provision of 18 marching bands, a State String Orchestra and three contemporary specialist bands, there is a proposal to provide three professional army brass bands with strong regional connections.

there is a proposal to provide three professional army brass bands with strong regional connections4BR

Bases

It is understood that these will be based at the King’s Band at Weeton, the Royal Signals Band in the West Midlands and the Prince of Wales’s Band in South Wales, with the aim is to maximise the opportunity to recruit from a hitherto untapped pool of potential brass band musicians to ensure a more resilient and sustainable long term career structure.