The Small Groups of The Band of The Royal Air Force College

Small Ensembles of the Band of the RAF College

The Band of the RAF College contains within in its repertoire several small ensembles of up to five players. These groups are sent all over the country to perform back ground music at formal functions, such as Officers Mess dining-in-nights and receptions or concerts in small halls or churches. These groups undertake upwards of fifty events per year which forms the bulk of The Band of the RAF College's engagements. A short description of these diverse groups follows. Pictures do not necessarily reflect the current group line up:

The Brass Quintet - Galliard Brass

Galliard Brass - The Brass Quintet of The Band of the RAF College





















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These two groups are standard brass quintets comprising two Trumpets, French horn, Trombone and Tuba each. Currently led by Cpls Richard Sandham and Warren Ringham these are very versatile groups who can perform many musical genre from arrangements of Baroque masterpieces through marches to popular songs and jazz standards. They perform at in-door graduation ceremonies as well as the usual dinners and receptions. The group produces a big sound making it suitable for larger venues and even out-door events such as garden parties. Over the years these groups have performed concerts in churches local to RAF Cranwell as well as undertaking tours of places as far away as Israel, Cyprus and Saudi Arabia. Frequently performing at Royal occasions these groups have been a main stay of the Band of the RAF College's efforts since its inception.

Cantina and Quintessential

Quintessential - The Woodwind Quintet of The Band of the RAF College

















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These woodwind quintets are currently made up of flute, oboe, clarinet, French horn and bassoon. Led by SAC David Pretorious and Cpl Isla Brincat-Smith these groups can perform a wide range of music covering everything from classical to jazz and lighter pieces. They perform at indoor events like graduation and church ceremonies as well as the usual round of dinners and receptions. They are also capable of performing concerts in small venues and garden parties. There credits include tours of Rome, Germany and Singapore as well as many Royal events. Along with the brass quintet these groups form the centre piece of the Band of the RAF College's small ensemble effort.

Saxology

Saxology - The Saxophone Quartet of The Band of the  RAF College
































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This saxophone quartet is led by Cpl Tom Butcher and is made up of soprano, alto, tenor and baritone saxophones. Performing mainly jazz and light pieces this group is suitable for diners, receptions and all small venues. This group has performed all over the United Kingdom as well as tours to India and Gibraltar.


Caprice

The Clarinet Quartet of the Band of the RAF College


















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Formed from three clarinets and a bass clarinet this ensemble is the lightest of the Band of the RAF College's small ensembles. Their repertoire includes music from Bach to The Beatles. Under the leadership of Cpl Danny Stanard this group is perfect for any function requiring unobtrusive background music.

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