The first Â£10,000 bandsman is revealed by British Army

Former Cory percussionist Jamie Nuss becomes the first brass band recruit to qualify for a Golden Hello payment of £10,000 by joining the Corps of Army Music.

Former Cory percussion player Jamie Nuss has become the first direct brass band recruit to join the British Army and qualify to receive a £10,000 'Golden Hello' bonus.

The ground breaking scheme is offered by the Corps of Army Music in order to attract the very best players to become Army Musicians — and includes those who wish to join one of the three professional British Army brass bands.

Opportunity of a lifetime

Captain Stewart Halliday of The Band of the King's Division told 4BR: "This shows that the British Army offers a wonderful and generous opportunity to reward musical talent. The 'Golden Hello' scheme really is an opportunity of a lifetime!

It's great news for Jamie, our first £10,000 candidate, and of course for Army music — and we are actively looking to see if we can help other talented brass band recruits follow in his footsteps.

We will be on hand at the National Finals at Cheltenham to explain more to potential recruits and to tell them about our open days and concerts that enable players to check out our 'try before you buy' experience."

Get in touch

4BR was informed that if players are interested the they can also get in touch directly with Staff Sergeant Dave Sanderson through the CAMUS website or with the British Army Brass Band MDs, Captain Stewart Halliday (The Band of the King's Division), Captain Paul Collis-Smith (The Band of the Prince of Wales's Division) and Captain Shane O'Neill (The Band of the Royal Corps of Signals).

New career

Meanwhile, there was little doubt that Jamie was delighted at the decision to sign up for an exciting new musical career.

"I've been playing drums and percussion since I was 12 years old throughout both my primary and secondary school years.

In 2014 I relocated from my home in Australia to come to the UK and play for Cory — and that experience helped my enormously in being able to take the decision to join the Corps of Army Music.

Joining the British Army will allow me the opportunity I've always wanted — to play music for a living, and the bonus of £10,000 will come in very handy too!"

Helpful

He added: "I found the entire recruitment process to be absolutely brilliant.

Everyone has been so helpful and encouraging and I feel so fortunate to be starting out on a musical career that holds so much excitement and career possibilities. I would recommend it to anyone."

Cory congrats

Cory MD Philip Harper also added his congratulations to Jamie on his successful and lucrative appointment. "Jamie has been a great addition to Cory and I'm sure he will now be the same within the ranks of the British Army.

He is a very talented musician, dedicated and committed to his career. We wish him well and hope he will come back and work with us at some time in the future: I'm sure he can buy us a few drinks now as well!"

Everyone has been so helpful and encouraging and I feel so fortunate to be starting out on a musical career that holds so much excitement and career possibilities. I would recommend it to anyoneJamie Nuss