The Royal Marines Band Service On-line Community

DanielLockhart · Posted: Mon Jan 16, 2006 5:50 am Post subject: BandMaster Requirements

Greetings, I have a question regarding the requirements for bandmaster. According to my mum, her father had to master two classes of instruments in 1927 to qualify for bandmaster class. This seems a bit extreme so I'm just posting the question. Thank you,

Co-admin · Site Admin Joined: 05 Nov 2005 Posts: 1811

Daniel,
All RM musicians have to master two instruments apart from the solo categories. One instrument is Parade/concert and the other orchestral.

Bandmaster is a Rank, Warrant Officer 1st or 2nd class and to get to that rank they had to pass through 4 musical courses; Musician 3, Musician 2, Musician 1 and then the Bandmaster course. The current Bandmastrers' course is 1 year and undertaken by Band Sergeants who will then go onto become Volunteer Band Bandmasters or back to their band as a performer until they get promoted.
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DanielLockhart · Posted: Mon Jan 16, 2006 10:27 pm Post subject: follow-on question on BandMaster

This leads to two follow-on questions. Could you expand on the definition for Parade/concert and orchestral instruments. I can see not taking a piano on parade, but would a bugle only be for parade?

The second question is based upon rank now that I have now found out that my grandfather was a Bandmaster 1st class. Is there a major difference between a 2nd and 1st or is it mainly a promotion level.

Thirsty for knowledge, and a good pint.....

Co-admin · Site Admin Joined: 05 Nov 2005 Posts: 1811

Parade/Orchestral
Oboe / Cor Anglais (Cymbals or bass drum on parade)
Clarinet / Violin
Clarinet / Viola
Bassoon (Cymbals or bass drum on parade)
Cornet / Piano
Cornet / Violin
Clarinet / Piano
Euphonium / Violoncello
Flute /Bb Saxophone
Saxophone / Violin

Parade AND Orchestral
French Horn
Solo Cornet
Percussion
Solo Clarinet
Basses

Parade or concert but NOT used on orchestras
Bugle & Drum

In years gone by there were Bandmasters (Class 2) and Staff Bandmasters (Class 1)
Bandmasters would be in small bands, the bands afloat etc
Staff Bandmasters would be in the larger Staff Bands and Divisional Bands

There are loads of articles here or if you are serious about the research there is a book here that should cover most of your questions.
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bootybandy · Posted: Mon Jan 16, 2006 11:22 pm Post subject:

I quite like the combination of Bugle and Piano!!!
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FFoglamp · Posted: Tue Jan 17, 2006 12:00 am Post subject:

I notice in all the above categories that you have French Horn and Solo Cornet twice. Have we been recruiting twice as many as necessary all these years? Is that why there are so many of the b*ggers !!!!
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bootybandy · Posted: Tue Jan 17, 2006 12:05 am Post subject:

Ther's also a mention of Cornet/Violin Trombone. That's a new one on me Deli....
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Co-admin · Site Admin Joined: 05 Nov 2005 Posts: 1811

No but Trombone & Cello was one... Oboe and Vocals another!

The cats are far more flexible these days. If we can use them... they can get in.
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Aaron Aardvark · Posted: Tue Jan 17, 2006 12:29 am Post subject:

right......im sending my neighbours cat immediately. It howls like a bloody dog. You are welcome to it.

bootybandy · Posted: Tue Jan 17, 2006 12:33 am Post subject:

Well who will you be sniffing round now then Aaron?
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Aaron Aardvark · Posted: Tue Jan 17, 2006 12:36 am Post subject:

Well not you matey....Im fussy who or what I sniff. Im allergic to you anyway.

FFoglamp · Posted: Tue Jan 17, 2006 12:38 am Post subject:

Cat / Alto Sax ?

or is that the same instrument
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bootybandy · Posted: Tue Jan 17, 2006 12:38 am Post subject:

What in a S*xual kind of way, or more personal????
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bootybandy · Posted: Tue Jan 17, 2006 12:40 am Post subject:

Violin was definately Cattish...
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DanielLockhart · Posted: Tue Jan 17, 2006 1:56 am Post subject:

Can't beat the American Army, they believe the 105mm howitzer is an instrument. They don't care what they play, just play it loud !