The Band is pleased to announce the following provisional dates for its tour of America commencing January 2008 with the Pipes and Drums of the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards

Corps of Army Music Concerto Competition

In July last year LCpl Stones (French Horn)
and LCpl Casson-Smith (Bassoon) entered into
a Corps wide concerto competition joining
forces with CSgt Julian Kirk (Oboe, Welsh
Guards Band) and LCpl Chris Spencer
(Clarinet, Grenadier Guards Band). With this
line up the small ensemble elected to play
Mozart’s Sinfonia Concertante for four winds.
With the piece selected, rehearsals began in
earnest, each team member eagerly giving his
time to pursue this opportunity and create a
good performance.
The competition was held at Headquarters
Corps of Army Music, Kneller Hall and was
split into two stages. After getting through the
first round the foursome were invited back on
the 25th July (our precious leave time!) to take
part in the final which was adjudicated by
Principal Director of Music Lt Col Stephen
Smith and Deputy Chief Instructor Major
David Milgate. The final came at the end of a
long string of parade intensive duties in what
was arguably a very hot summer. The evening
itself was very warm, the anxieties of the
performers coupled with the pressure cooker
atmosphere of the hall made the performance
conditions arduous to say the least, however the
team played exceptionally well and in so doing
secured first place. First prize was to perform
with the CAMUS Sinfonietta, an orchestral
ensemble comprised of musicians from across
the Corps. The concert took place on the 14th
October at the Memorial Chapel of the Royal
Military Academy Sandhurst and was deemed a
great success. Having the chance to represent
their respective regiments, to win the contest
and perform well on the day made for a
proud occasion for all those who took part.