RAF MUSIC SERVICES

Since the Spring edition of the Northolt Approach, Royal Air Force Music Services has undertaken a variety of engagements. From the exhilaration of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee in June to the sombre occasion of Her Majesty’s funeral in September, we could not have been prouder to take part in these historic occasions. Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations saw RAF Music participate in a range of events that included performing at St Paul’s Cathedral and marching past Buckingham Palace as part of the spectacular Pageant Parade.

The Platinum Party at the Palace was a starstudded event taking place on a purpose-built stage in front of Buckingham Palace. Crowds of over 20,000 joined Their Royal Highnesses The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and other senior royals for the concert. The Fanfare Trumpets of the RAF took to the stage for Gordon Jacob’s National Anthem, performing to the live audience and a global audience of 13.3 million television viewers.

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations culminated with a spectacular Pageant Parade. A combined band of 70 RAF Musicians under the direction of Senior Drum Major (SDM) RAF, Warrant Officer (WO) Paul Phelan and Principal Director of Music Wing Commander Piers Morrell OBE, provided the marches for the 250 strong RAF contingent. A second combined RAF band, under the command of Drum Major Flight Sergeant Jeanette Scott and Commonwealth Contingent, including representatives from 21 Commonwealth countries.?

In the Summer, the Central Band of the RAF and the Queen’s Colour Squadron carried out ceremonial duties for the Buckingham Palace Changing of Guard. Throughout the two-week period, the RAF contingent changed guard with various Army Battalions and Regiments across the London District. As the formal handover of responsibilities takes place on the forecourt of Buckingham Palace, a musical concert is provided by both military bands, providing an opportunity to entertain the crowds. The Band performed repertoire by John Williams and Barry Hingley as well as arrangements of ‘Queen’ songs and themes from the movie ‘Top Gun’. Classics such as 633 Squadron and Dambusters also made an appearance.

June 2022 saw the Band of the RAF Regiment set out on tour to Cyprus. The Band enjoyed performing at a variety of venues, from Akrotiri Primary School to Limassol Wind Orchestra Festival on the seafront. The Earl and Countess of Wessex attended one such event, along with the President of Cyprus. During their spare time, members of the Band opted to partake in various activities including go karting, scuba diving, a day trip to the water park, hiking in the Troodos mountains and sea swimming. Corporal Joe Kemp deserves a special mention for playing

volleyball for the RAF Akrotiri station team and winning the tournament on Families Day.

On Monday 19th?September 2022, the nation said a final farewell to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. RAF Music Services were privileged to be part of the occasion, with musicians from the regular RAF bands, the Band of the Royal Auxiliary Air Force and RAF Salon Orchestra involved in the procession from Westminster Abbey to Wellington Arch, and route lining bands in London and Windsor.

At Wellington Arch, the Combined Bands of the RAF joined the massed tri-Service bands to play the National Anthem for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and His Majesty The King as the bearer party raised the coffin from the gun carriage to the waiting hearse, beginning the final procession to Windsor Castle. RAF Music Services is deeply saddened by the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. As the head of the Armed Forces, we feel her loss deeply and we are proud to have performed for Her Majesty over the years and feel privileged to have played a part in this final tribute to her on behalf of the nation.

The Royal British Legion’s Festival of Remembrance celebrated its 100th anniversary last year. This year, the Festival included a tribute to Her Majesty The Queen’s unwavering sense of duty, and her devotion to a lifetime of service. Members of the Central Band of the RAF led by SDM WO Paul Phelan formed part of a tri-Service Band to open the Festival. The RAF Squadronaires performed a stunning arrangement by bandleader, Sergeant Matt Walker to accompany vocalist Hannah Waddingham. With choreography by Matt Flint, 16 dancers jived and lindy hopped around the auditorium to this high energy tribute to the war years of the 1940s.

The Band of the RAF Regiment were on parade on Remembrance Sunday for the National Act of Remembrance at the Cenotaph in Whitehall, London. It was an honour and privilege to perform during this Service, which was attended by His Majesty King Charles III. Playing whilst the veterans march past the monument which was erected in 1920 is always a humbling experience.