Talented musicians from The Mountbatten School, Romsey have been rubbing shoulders with some of the best military musicians in the business, in a master-class, at the prestigious Royal Marines School of Music in Portsmouth.
Keen to inspire musicians of the future The Royal Marines Band Service invited 48 secondary aged pupils from Hampshire and West Sussex, to join a one-day workshop for a taste of life in the Royal Marines Band.
These events are run throughout the year to give an insight into the exceptional educational and career opportunities offered by the Royal Marines Band Service, whilst providing inspiration to the young musicians of future.
The keen pupils received word-class tuition and performed alongside new recruits and experienced musicians from the Portsmouth-based Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines, also known as The Royal Band, who regularly perform in front of the Royal family and at prominent venues in the UK and around the world.
Major Pete Curtis, Director of Music Training at The Royal Marines School of Music, led the students in rehearsal alongside recruits currently under training at the school.
He said: “I’m very happy to offer these opportunities to young musicians.
“Days like this are really important because we are all really proud of being in the Royal Marines Band and want youngsters to be aware of the great opportunities we offer for a career in music.
“The students were really engaged; they clearly had a good background in music and come from schools where music is flourishing, and that’s really good to see.”
Charlie, who attends The Mountbatten School, Romsey plays the tuba and took part in the day.
He said: “We play a bit of military music at school in the wind band, because of our connection to Lord Louis Mountbatten, but this is really different, it was more intense.
“It feels really good to be part of a big ensemble as it’s a much more extreme sound.
“The Director of Music Training was really precise, but fun as well, he came over to speak to us afterwards and gave us some pointers which is really good.”
Stu Marchant, Director of Music at Mountbatten School Romsey said: “A day like this is a fantastic opportunity for our students to perform amongst such strong musicians of a high level and they all got a real buzz from it.
“I hope it’s been inspirational for them and raised their awareness about the opportunities on offer.”
The Mountbatten School has close links to Lord Louis Mountbatten, former Admiral of the Fleet.
Royal Marines Musicians train for three years at The Royal Marines School of Music before joining one of the five Royal Marines Bands based around the country.
They are also trained to support on military and humanitarian operations across the globe.
During operations they work as casualty handlers, drivers and radio operators - giving vital support to troops on the ground and at sea.
