|
Bandmaster Course
The aim of the Bandmaster Course is to provide students with a broad musical training that will enable them to embark on a career as a Bandmaster of a military band. The course is also designed to develop their educational, intellectual and administrative powers, as well as their comprehension, judgement and problem solving skills. Students will be instructed in the following subject:
Advanced Musicianship - This will include techniques in conducting, analytical skills, arranging, orchestration (including tuition on all instruments of the wind band), harmony and history of music.
Development of creative ability - This is encouraged throughout the course and culminates in all students submitting a series of projects that have been undertaken during the course. These projects include an original quick march, a selection of modern music, an original composition and a fanfare.
Teaching Techniques - Opportunities will be given to put these into practice.
Administrative and management procedures - In addition to their musical studies all students are expected to complete certain administrative management tasks whilst at Kneller Hall. Experience has shown that this broadens their ability to work and communicate with others and develops self-esteem in the individual.
The Bandmaster Course is of three years duration. At the end of the second year students are examined in all key subjects having been assessed throughout the interim period. The final year is one of validation to ensure that students are capable of putting to good use the skills they have been taught. Students that reach the appropriate standard may be eligible for the award of Bachelor of Arts Honours degree in music from Kingston University.
Places are only granted on the Bandmasters' Course subject to the passing of an entrance examination in harmony, aural perception and orchestration.
Band Sergeant Major Course
The aim of the Band Sergant Major Course is to equip senior Non-Commissioned Officers with both advanced managerial and administrative skills and furthering their general musicianship training to enable them to perform the role of Band Sergeant Major. Each student on this course should already be able to perform as an accomplished musician and will receive instruction in the following areas:
- Supervisory Management.
- Band administration including the supervision of administrative functions, organisation of daily work programmes, maintaining disipline/welfare and administering engagements.
- Advanced Conducting techniques. Students will receive instruction designed to build on the basic conducting skills taught on the Band Sergeant course.
The Royal Military School of Music run one Band Sergeant Majors course each year, which lasts for three weeks. On successful completion each student will be qualified to take up the position of Band Sergeant Major within a band and be able to administer and manage accordingly.
Band Sergeant Course
The aim of the Band Sergant Course is to give Non-Commissioned Officers the necessary skills and knowledge to carry out their administrative, managerial and musical duties within the bands. Students on this course receive instruction in the following areas:
- Musical Leadership skills - The principles of leading a section or ensemble, how to conduct with a baton and how to rehearse a musical ensemble.
- Harmony, Aural Perception, Orchestration and History of Music structured to enhance their general musicianship.
- Instrumental Coaching techniques - instruction on how to develop the instrumental potential of their subordinates.
- Solo Performance - Students will be appraised on their principal instrument and given professional direction forthe future.
- General managerial and administrative skills within a band.
The Royal Military School of Music runs two Band Sergeant Courses each year. Each lasts for five weeks and on successful completion students will be qualified for promotion to Sergeant to assist in the training and administration of the musicians of a military band.
|
