Although based in Edinburgh, as a member of the prestigious Royal Corps of Army Music, Sergeant Martin Slater’s musical talent has allowed him to perform globally representing the British Army.
The list of countries Martin has performed in is exhaustive. In 2007 he performed at the Australian Tattoo whilst serving with The Band and Bugles of The Rifles, and 2012 saw his first performance in the Edinburgh Tattoo as part of The Band of The King’s Division, returning in 2022 with The Band of The Royal Regiment of Scotland (Band SCOTS). Martin has also visited Uganda, Canada, the Falkland Islands, France, Italy, Austria, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Jordan to participate in multinational parades, Beating Retreats, Queen’s birthday parades and regimental events.
And how adaptable is a musician in the Army? Having changed location several times throughout his career, Martin said: "It is always a bit daunting going to another band and settling my wife and children into a new location, but I enjoy the challenge.”
“I also enjoy going abroad representing the UK at various engagements, from tattoos to being part of short-term training teams.” One occasion saw him assisting with the training of the Jordanian Armed Forces Band, and another with the Ugandan Defence Force, working with Ugandan Drum Majors. During the same deployment he also had the opportunity to work with the charity Brass for Africa which helps deliver music and life-skills education to disadvantaged children and young people.
Martin said: “I have learnt valuable skills along the way including developing my communication skills, managing people, and being managed myself. Problem-solving and project management also stand out.”
I have learnt valuable skills along the way including developing my communication skills, managing people, and being managed myself. Problem-solving and project management also stand out.
"I have had some great times, meeting members from across the Armed Forces and working alongside them."
Lancashire born Sergeant Martin Slater, 40, proudly owns the title of Drum Major of the Band SCOTS.
The role of Drum Major involves leading the band whilst musically supporting high profile ceremonial events, participating in military tattoos, pass off parades and community engagement activity.
This month Sgt Slater had the honour of leading the band on the forecourt of The Palace of Holyroodhouse for the Arrival of His Majesty The King and the Ceremony of the Keys. Martin had the opportunity to speak to His Majesty The King whilst on parade and said: "It was a very proud moment for me and for my family who were in attendance."
Royal Week in Scotland was an exceptionally busy period with His Majesty The King also receiving the Honours of Scotland. Martin once again proudly stepped off on parade with the band for the procession from Edinburgh Castle. He said: "It was a great honour to lead The Band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland in this historical event. It was well rehearsed, so we knew exactly what was happening."
Prior to these events, Martin also performed in the Coronation ceremony in London and said: “I felt very privileged to be involved in something so historical. Marching down The Mall with crowds waving their flags and cheering was a great feeling. The proudest moment for me was playing the National Anthem as a combined mass band in the Gardens of Buckingham Palace."
When asked how it feels to be a part of so many recent historical events, Martin said: "I am very proud, to think in years to come, when you see clips on the TV or the internet, I can say I was there on parade."
Martin aspires to become the Band Sergeant Major of Band SCOTS.