Lance Corporal Rebecca White

Where did you study music?
I was first made aware of specialist music schools at around the age of 9, and I begged and begged to be allowed to go! I auditioned for Chetham's School of Music when I was 11 and started there in September 1993, studying both violin and piano equally. At age 18 I went on to the Royal College of Music to study with Professors Maureen Smith and Rodney Friend, and after 4 years I completed a performance degree on the violin.

When did you first think of joining the Corps of Army Music?
I first considered joining the Armed Forces for a career before my final year at College, I seem to recall a trumpet player telling me at the time he was joining and this prompted me to look into it myself.
 
How did you find out about Army Music?
I mostly looked on the internet and I requested brochures from the MOD websites.

What were your experiences of the recruiting process?
I seem to recall the process as being fairly smooth from the Careers Office to going on Work Experience and to the actual selection. I was given a very warm welcome by members of the Royal Artillery Band and they allowed me to play in some of their Christmas Concerts before I applied to join the Army.

What have you done to further develop your musical skills since being in CAMUS?
I have taken an LTCL exam, and I try to push myself to perform solos with the Band as frequently as I can. Being in a Foot Guard's Band also pushes me to perform more frequently on my secondary instrument, which is the flute (and piccolo!).  I have had to learn a little bit 'on the job', as I hadn't done much before I joined the Army.

What were the musical highlights of your career so far?
I have really enjoyed the solo opportunities I have been given, and especially having the Mendelssohn Violin Concerto arranged for me to play with the Band of the Welsh Guards earlier this year. Other highlights include standing in front of the Massed Bands at Horseguards parade to play the Last of the Mohicans and being a part of the Royal Wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge

Would you recommend a career in Army Music and why?
A career in Army Music allows you to earn a regular salary which is something that shouldn't be overlooked in the present climate!  Being a musician in the Army is an active and varied career which takes you to all sorts of different places both in the UK and abroad.  No two days are ever the same, and the range of engagements we partake in is something that appeals to many of our musicians, some of whom are used to the struggles of freelancing and teaching.  Many of the musicians in the Army teach in their own free time and there is also freedom to undertake other civilian musical activities outside of the Army.
 
What are your career aspirations?
I rather like the idea of staying in the Army for another 15 years and seeing it through until I receive a pension at the end! The next step on the ladder however is the next promotion in rank, and I hope to continue to play music in support of the soldiers, Royalty and for my own personal gratification.