Barrister and TV personality Rob Rinder has visited Army Musicians at The Royal Military School of Music (RMSM), based at His Majesty’s Royal Naval Base, Portsmouth, Hampshire.
Honorary Deputy Colonel Commandant of The Royal Corps of Army Music, Rob Rinder speaking to soldiers from the The Royal Military school of Music based at HMS Nelson Portsmouth.
Rob Rinder is Honorary Deputy Colonel Commandant, The Royal Corps of Army Music (RCAM) and, as part of his role, is keen to visit the places and spaces where Army Musicians work and to explain and share with others their extraordinary gifts and talents.
“It has been an enormous privilege to host Colonel Rinder at the Royal Military School of Music Initial Trade Training” explains Senior Instructor Capt Michael McGowan. “This was a vital opportunity for him to meet the newest musicians in the British Army and learn about their training and journey into the Army.”
Having Col Rinder here to share his experiences is a huge boost to developing the mental skills and resilience these musicians will need to succeed
From prison cells to practice rooms
Musician from the The Royal Corps of Army Music practicing in the former Royal Navy prison.
The RMSM is based at the Alford Schools of Military Music, a converted former Royal Navy prison originally built in 1843 as a Military Detention Quarters.
They share the facilities with The Royal Marines, which can host up to 100 musicians at a time.
Training the next generation of military musicians
Musician from the The Royal Corps of Army Music Performs outside the former Royal Navy prison.
This latest intake of musicians is currently undertaking their Phase two training. The next step for them will be the selection process and joining their preferred British Army band.
World-class performers on the global stage
Musician from the The Royal Corps of Army Music Performs outside the former Royal Navy prison.
Captain McGowan adds:
“Great musicians join the RCAM from every kind of background; from university graduates to exceptional amateurs, from Junior Entry soldiers to musicians enlisting from around the Commonwealth, all with aspiration to be world class performers representing the UK on the global stage.
What you do through your limitless hard work and talent is incredible. The fabulous performances you give, the national events you play at, what you do unites communities and give a sense of what excellence is
“For many of these young musicians their next performance will be on Horse Guards for the King’s Birthday Parade. Having Col Rinder here to share his experiences is a huge boost to developing the mental skills and resilience these musicians will need to succeed.”
The Army has 14 bands, playing a range of genres from traditional marching, jazz, classical and pop. Army Musicians play for the public as well as VIPs, including royalty and heads of state.
After watching RMSM soldier-performers march and play a short selection of music on the parade square, Colonel Rinder said:
“What you do through your limitless hard work and talent is incredible. The fabulous performances you give, the national events you play at, what you do unites communities and give a sense of what excellence is.
“My job over the next two years is to try and better educate the public and others so they can fully understand and celebrate the work RCAM does.”
If you've got the aptitude, the Army will grow it
Musicians use the former prison cell blocks as individual rehearsal rooms which are fitted with acoustic panelling sound proofing to create an ideal space for practice.
Colonel Rinder said:
“It’s brilliant to come here and appreciate how good these young musicians are and see how hard they work.
“It’s important to understand that you don’t need to start life as a great musician. If you’ve got the aptitude and a little bit of talent, the Army will grow all that into something that you and the whole nation can be proud of for years to come.”