As a Royal Air Force musician, Sergeant Godfrey has performed at countless high-profile engagements, often receiving international coverage. His career outside the Armed Forces included several years working with the London Symphony and Royal Philharmonic Orchestras, the BBC National Orchestra of Wales and London Chamber Orchestras, as well as serving as a West End musician for numerous shows before joining RAF Music Services in 2008. A graduate of the Royal Academy of Music, he can also be heard every night playing the opening headlines of the Channel 4 News!
Having previously held the position of Principal Trumpet of the Central Band of the Royal Air Force and Lead Trumpet of the Royal Air Force Squadronaires, Sgt Godfrey assumed the role of Principal Trumpet of the Band of the Royal Air Force Regiment in 2023.
“The Band of the RAF Regiment is a very dynamic team to be part of and a really positive environment to work in each day, with such an array of talented individuals. One highlight from the last 18 months would be taking part in The Coronation of Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla, however, I also enjoy being able to perform in unique engagements worldwide – a recent visit to Gibraltar a great example.”
Sergeant Godfrey
RAF Music Services
Earlier this year, RAF Music took a leading role during the 80th anniversary of the Normandy Landings - a rare event, not only for its historic significance but also for its sense of finality, with the dwindling number of veterans making it likely to be the last major anniversary marked in their presence. Under the baton of Wing Commander Murray, Principal Director of Music (RAF), the RAF musicians were joined by a number of international talents, including Sir Tom Jones, Martin Freeman, and Jack Savoretti. It was with the latter, at a vigil at Bayeux War Cemetery, that Sgt Godfrey performed one of the more moving pieces of the commemorations. Their rendition of Savoretti’s Soldier’s Eyes served as an elegy among the over 4,000 lit headstones of fallen soldiers - both Allied and German, known and unknown alike.
“Performing alongside Jack Savoretti in Bayeux Cemetery, Normandy, on live BBC television for D-Day 80 is one of the greatest honours I have had during my career as a Royal Air Force musician. To have had this opportunity, not only to represent the RAF but to honour the fallen from one of the most significant events in world history, was incredibly poignant and a sobering reminder.”
Sergeant Godfrey
RAF Music Services
In November, Sgt Godfrey travelled to Ontario, Canada, as the country marked the centenary of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF). The anniversary, held at the Candian Warplane Heritage Museum in Mount Hope, once again saw Sgt Godfrey representing RAF Music as a featured soloist, alongside counterparts from the United States Air Force Concert Band, Washington DC, as well as the personnel from the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry Band, the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders of Canada, the HMCS Star Band and the RCAF 400th Squadron.
Conducted by Director of Music, Squadron Leader I'Anson, Sgt Godfrey and RAF Music took centre stage to perform the Harry James Trumpet Concerto which resulted in a standing ovation from the 1,000-strong audience.
