Active from:
1716
Role:
Music
Specialism:
Symphonic Wind Band
The Band of the Scots 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, its roles include musical support to Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace and performing for The King's Birthday Parade.
The band was formed when the Regiment was brought into the Order of Battle (ORBAT) in 1716 and entertained troops during the First and Second World Wars.
Often working alongside the Pipes and Drums of the Battalion, the Scots Guards are distinguishable from the other Foot Guard regiments by the thistles on their collars, the lack of plume in their Bearskin Caps and their buttons being grouped in threes.
The band has delivered British military music across the world, taking a central role in the formative years of the renowned Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo and was also part of the Tattoo’s first international tour to New Zealand in the year 2000.
Recently, the band has performed in the renowned Royal Albert Hall, Blenheim Palace, for the arrival of the President and First Lady of the United States of America. Internationally, the band has performed at the Menin Gate in Belgium, toured in Canada, and has also spent time in Cyprus. Members of the Household Division Saxophone Quartet were honoured to perform at the World Saxophone Congress in Croatia and the band has also recently supported Short-Term Training Teams in Jordan and Ethiopia, as part of broader Defence Engagement activity both consolidating partnerships with allies and projecting British influence across the globe.
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 Corporal Kendall - Saxophone
Music has always been an important aspect of Lance Corporal (LCpl) Rachael Kendall’s life, starting as a flautist and pianist as part of the North Lincolnshire Music Service in her hometown of Scunthorpe. She later transitioned onto saxophone, completing an Undergraduate Degree at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire under the instruction of Naomi Sullivan with a First-class honours (BMus Hons).
Having served in the British Army since 2017, LCpl Kendall now has the privilege to sit as Principal Saxophonist of the Band of the Scots Guards, and has performed at high profile events including Scarlet and Gold at Cadogan Hall, Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall, and more recently, as part of Her Majesty the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Celebrations.
As a keen traveller, LCpl Kendall is regularly known for jetting off to foreign countries to experience new cultures. This travelling aspiration is encouraged through opportunities with the British Army, visiting countries such as North Macedonia and Ethiopia as part of soft power Short-Term Training Teams, as well as Malaysia, Vietnam and an upcoming trip to Washington DC in tribute to Queen Elisabeth II’s birthday celebrations.
LCpl Kendall enjoys working as an ambassador for music in the British Army, encouraging young musicians to pursue their love of music in workshops and engagements with the band. She volunteered as part of Mental Health Week to deliver an interview discussing anxiety, revealing the positive impact music can have for those suffering with anxiety driven challenges.
See her video
Music acts as a language, helping us to communicate emotions
