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."