• The Royal Corps of Army Music

Band of the Coldstream Guards

Active from: 

1685

Role: 

Music

Specialism: 

Symphonic wind band

The Band of the Coldstream Guards is comprised of musicians from The Royal Corps of Army Music and is one of 14 Regular Army Bands in the British Army. Based in Central London, our main tasks include Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace and performing for The King's Birthday Parade.

The band’s history traces the early years of military music. From providing an accompaniment to the duty of guarding Royal Palaces and entertaining the officers, to the very important morale-raising role that a band played to both Service Personnel and civilians, particularly during the Victorian era. This culminated in the support Guards’ Bands provided to the troops at the front during the Great War.

On an annual basis the band continues to perform at high profile engagements such as Trooping the Colour and the National Act of Remembrance at the Cenotaph, both of which are broadcast internationally to millions of viewers across the globe, projecting British heritage, tradition and influence.

The band undertakes an annual St George's Day concert which grows in success each year. As part of Household Division Bands, they take part in the annual concert, Scarlet & Gold, which showcases the enormous talent from within The Royal Corps of Army Music.

The Royal Corps of Army Music can offer full time employment as a musician within the British Army. A pensionable career potentially to the age of 60. Fantastic travel opportunities with the chance to perform at great venues and events around the world.

The Royal Corps of Army Music is interested in your performance and potential rather than just music qualifications. 

Not all musicians have recognised musical qualifications so you may be able to join us based on merit at audition. If you have the required skills or can demonstrate you have the potential we are looking for, we can help maximise your musical development. Interested? Please get in touch here.

Lance Sergeant Mott - Trumpet

Lance Sergeant (LSgt) Nick Mott grew up playing trumpet in brass bands, both in the Salvation Army and for the GUS Band. He joined the Band of the Coldstream Guards in 2010 on completion of his training and is now the principal trumpet player. 

LSgt Mott recently completed a Bachelor of Music degree at the Royal College of Music whilst serving in the band. “I was very fortunate to be able to complete a degree alongside my job. This is something I wouldn’t have achieved without the Army’s support. Not only did the Army help financially, but my chain of command within the band helped me manage it all alongside a busy work schedule”.

During recent years he has had the opportunity to work with the Philharmonia, BBC Concert Orchestra, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra and the Ulster Orchestra. “I’m so fortunate in my current position. Not only do I love being the principal trumpet of the Coldstream Guards Band and the Household Division Orchestra, I also enjoy the opportunity to make music with some of the finest musicians around. The Army offers such great support both financially and pastorally and I wouldn’t be where I am now without it”.

I was very fortunate to be able to complete a degree alongside my job.

LSgt Mott

Recruiting now

British Army Music is recruiting right now. For more information about joining the British Army as a musician, get in touch with the Corps Engagement Team.

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