Meet our 2023 Massed Military Bands
At our August Show, Stories, this year’s 2023 Lead Service, the Royal Air Force (RAF) will play the main character. In addition to providing our Guard of Honour and Stage Band musicians, the RAF will form our Massed Military Bands, supported by The Band of His Majesty’s Royal Marines Scotland. This summer, they’ll bring the world of video games to the Edinburgh Castle Esplanade.
Both the Royal Air Force and Royal Marines have a long-standing history with music that dates back to their beginnings. In 1918, Sir Walford Davies and Sir George Dyson recognised the need for music in the newly formed Royal Air Force, and thus the Royal Air Force Music Services was created. This service was established to inspire the early airman and give them a sense of pride in their new Service. Royal Air Force Music is now one of 10 Royal Air Force Display Teams, representing the RAF around the globe.
Likewise, music has accompanied the Royal Marines since their inception in 1664, when drummers were used to signal movements on the battlefield. Royal Marines would also sing shanties and play instruments to entertain and embolden the sailors going about their tasks on long journeys at sea. Divisional Bands within the Royal Marines were officially formed at major dockyards in 1767. 256 years on, Royal Marines Bands have become a staple of British military music and, the Royal Marines Band Service is widely regarded as one of the finest and most versatile military music services in the world.
So what does the life of a modern day British Military Musician look like? Like their fellow recruits all RAF and Royal Navy musicians must complete basic training before they join a band. Once they do, the fun starts! From ceremonial parades and historic events such as The Coronation of His Majesty The King, to music concerts raising funds for charity and even the odd film premier, a military musicians life is one of adventure, travelling the world and representing the British Military on a world stage.
In our year of Stories, the joint Royal Air Force and His Majesty’s Royal Marines Scotland will form our Massed Military Bands to tell the tale of the Royal Air Force’s evolution. From the early years of flight to the mechanical advances of the 21st Century, the Royal Air Force now leads the way as a technological and cyber force. Inspired by this new world of coding, their routine will take inspiration from video games, incorporating music such as the “Dragon Age: Inquisition” theme song and music from The Dark Tower series.
Their performance will also play tribute to the RAF roundel through precise complex formations. Be sure to keep an eye out for these if you attend our event this Summer.
You can watch their performance live from 4 – 26 August. Tickets for Stories are available here or by phoning us on +44 (0) 131 225 1188.
24 June 2023