Squadron Leader Chris Weldon LRSM ALCM RAF

Squadron Leader Chris Weldon joined the Royal Air Force in 1979 as an Aircraftsman, having studied trumpet under the tutelage of Bernard Brown of the Guildhall School of Music. Upon completion of his studies in the Royal Air Force School of Music he was posted to the Central Band of the Royal Air Force in 1980.

In 1982 he was selected for a posting to the Band of the Royal Air Force Germany with which he served for four years, returning to the Central Band of the Royal Air Force in 1986. An appointment as one of two SNCOs responsible for the Publicity and Marketing of Royal Air Force Music followed in 1990. During this period, outside of his Service commitments, he voluntarily undertook the Orchestral Administrator’s role with the Hatfield Philharmonic Orchestra.

In 1994 a move of office within HQ Music Services saw him appointed as the Engagements’ Co-ordinator, responsible for the allocation and organisation of all bands in the Royal Air Force. During this appointment he was tasked to undertake the management and promotion of a highly successful 36 date, six week, "coast to coast" concert tour of the United States by the Central Band of the Royal Air Force.

Following promotion to Flight Sergeant in 1996, he received the award of the Silver Medal of the Worshipful Company of Musicians as the most outstanding student Bandmaster of 1997, also gaining a Licentiateship to the Royal Schools of Music. He was subsequently appointed as Band Sergeant of the Band of the Royal Air Force College Cranwell, and in the Millennium New Year's honours list was awarded a commendation for services to Royal Air Force Music by the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief. In the same year he completed the Flora London Marathon helping to raise £2500 in aid of Visually Impaired Children.

Upon promotion to Warrant Officer in 2001, he was appointed to the Band of the Royal Air Force Regiment as Bandmaster. After successfully completing Initial Officer Training in April 2003, he returned to the band as a Flight Lieutenant. In November 2006 Chris was appointed Director of Music of The Band of the Royal Air Force College.

In January 2010 he was promoted to Squadron Leader and served as Director of Music, Headquarters Music Services at RAF Northolt where he was responsible for all aspects of training, budgets, allocations and administration within Royal Air Force Music Services. In January 2012 Chris was delighted to return to The Band of the RAF College for his final tour of duty.