*
banner

Army bands help break down barriers

Cpt Paul Collis -Smith, the Director of Music for the Prince of Wales Division Band, has been honoured with the presentation of the prestigious Armed Forces in Wales Award for helping break down barriers with music.

Paul Collis Smith
  Cpt Paul Collis Smith has been presented with the prestigious Armed Forces Award.

Captain Paul Collis-Smith, the Director of Music for the Prince of Wales Division Band, one of the three professional brass bands within the Corps of Army Music, has been honoured with the presentation of the prestigious Armed Forces in Wales Award.

Greater understanding

The presentation (above) was made by Major General Richard Stanford and recognised his breadth of vision and for his ability to use music to break down actual or perceived barriers and promote greater understanding and unity where previously there has been hatred, mistrust and violence.

Captain Collis-Smith has been instrumental in creating the Balkans All Stars Band, bringing together Army players the previously warring nations of Kosovo, Serbia and Bosnia; instigating competitions in each country and creating a joint touring orchestra.

The wind orchestra made up of players from six nations recently toured Wales to widespread acclaim.

Leading the way

He told 4BR: "The three professional brass bands within the Corps of Army Music (CAMUS) are leading the way in these areas. We have great support from CAMUS and the players involved really enjoy being part of the ground breaking initiatives."

He added: "Music brings everyone together and also brings trust and respect. These are the elements that all bands within CAMUS strive to achieve, especially with our own work with the Prince of Wales Division Band in our community in Wales, or on the broader international stage."

Closer to home

Paul has also worked with the Government of Georgia, where he wrote a piece of music based on Welsh and Georgian folk music, which is now played on state television.

Closer to home he continues to work with youth organisations in Wales and was the driving force behind this year's inaugural Military Festival of Music which took place in Cardiff Bay.

Music brings everyone together and also brings trust and respect. These are the elements that all bands within CAMUS strive to achieveCaptain Paul Collis-Smith

Exciting times

"It's nice to be recognised for what military bands do,"he said. "We do more work than people think, and all three bands have full calendars and initiatives lined up for 2017. It's an exciting time to be an Army musician — and especially in one of our three professional brass bands."

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


Brighouse

Report & Result: 2025 British Open Championship

September 7 • A fait accompli for Brighouse & Rastrick and Prof David King as they are inspired by Shakespeare and Prokofiev to claim the happiest of Symphony Hall endings on 'Star Crossed Lovers'.


Band Supplies

Band Supplies at the British Open

September 6 • Go up and meet one of the best blokes in the banding business world and he will make sure you get all the help you need for the best deals.


4BR Review

Recap on the 4BR British Open preview

September 6 • If you missed the live broadcast British Open preview on 4BR then you can just click and enjoy it again ahead of the action at Symphony Hall.


Mead

Why not be a judge at the Open this year?

September 6 • If you are following the 'Sar Crossed Lovers' action at Symphony Hall today, let us know who you think has won.


Contest: 171st British Open

Saturday 6 September • Broad Street, Birmingham. B1 2EA


Contest: Lower Sections 1-4 National Finals

Saturday 13 September • Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham GL50 4SH


Contest: Lower Sections 1-4 National Finals

Sunday 14 September • Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham. . *Please note as of 24th August 2023 the date is provisional according to Kapitol Promotions website GL50 4SH


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Petworth Heritage weekend

Saturday 20 September • Centre of Petworth Town GU28 OAH


Cheltenham Silver Band - Holst Birthday Concert

Saturday 20 September • All Saints Church, All Saints Road, Pittville, Cheltenham GL52 2HG


Otley Brass Association

September 7 • Front Row Cornet. -. Otley Brass Band are keen to recruit a 5th member for their front row cornets (position negotiable).. . This is an exciting opportunity to join a thriving band of 30+ players under the leadership of our newly appointed MD, Martyn Beecham


wantage silver band

September 6 • Wantage Band (Championship Section) have vacancies for a Bb BASS PLAYER and THIRD CORNET to complete their line up. Plenty of great concerts from now until Christmas with the Welsh Open, L&SC Area, British Open Grand Shield and Whit Friday in 2026.


wantage silver band

September 6 • Positions vacant: wantage silver band: Wantage Community Brass (non-competitive) are looking to recruit a new Musical Director. The group is unique in that the average age is almost certainly around 70! They rehearse on Tue from 4pm and Thu from 7pm.


Alwyn Green

LRAM, LTCL
Conductor, composer, arranger, adjudicator, teacher and soloist


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd