Chief Tech Barry Stringer joined the RAF in August 1986 successfully completing basic training at RAF Swinderby, Lincolnshire. He arrived at RAF Uxbridge in October of that year were he joined the RAF Salon Orchestra of the Central Band of the RAF as a violinist, the only post available to him. Twenty two years in the ensemble has taken him all over the world performing at various venues and events. The Orchestras primary role is to provide musical support for the Royal family, state visits and high ranking engagements within the Military. Throughout his career he has performed as a soloist in all the major concert halls of the UK and abroad, and appeared on many recordings with the Central Band. His most memorable occasion while touring with the massed bands was performing the Ashokan Farewell at the Royal Festival Hall with his wife (Justine), while their three month old little boy sat backstage. Most recently he was leader of the Salon Orchestra at the Festival of Remembrance in the Royal Albert Hall, were the Orchestra and the RAF Squadronaires performed with Russell Watson during his wonderful version of That’s Life.

A keen sportsman throughout his career, he has represented the RAF at Inter service level at Table Tennis, and for the last 16 years played for the RAF Tennis Team, Competing as far a field as Hong Kong and nearer to home at the All England Club, Wimbledon. In august 2004 he served a four month detachment in Basrah, Iraq. Based on Basrah Air Station he was assigned to an army force protection unit. His duties required him to travel all over the southeast of Iraq providing armed protection for various convoys. His section escorted fuel tankers, contractors, VIPS and various personnel moves on a daily basis. An extremely dangerous job, this period was the most challenging of his whole career but among the most rewarding. Barry is married to the deputy leader of the Orchestra Justine. They live in their own home and have two wonderful children, Freddie and Saffron.