"Why are you joining the RAF?" they asked.
"Will you have to go to war?"
"Is it just marching?"
"Did you have to do Basic Training?"
"What’s the standard like?"
"What’s an average week?"
"Did you have to audition?"
Just a few of the questions fired at me once deciding to join Royal Air Force Music Services.
It’s now been over 3 years since I embarked upon a monumental change in my musical life, deciding to leave full time employment as an orchestral musician to join RAF Music.
For 22 years my career had been largely orchestral as Principal Trumpet of the BBC Symphony Orchestra and two spells as Principal Trumpet of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra. Like so many, my upbringing was in brass bands: firstly in Hangleton Youth Brass Band, which is still thriving, and in The Staffordshire Band in the Midlands whilst studying at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire.
Since joining RAF Music I’ve enjoyed performing on the world stage in front of huge live and virtual audiences, for celebrations such as Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee and the Coronation of Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla. These were unique occasions, but other ceremonial events happen frequently, such as Changing of the Guard, State Opening of Parliament and the Lord Mayor’s Show.
The variety of engagements is quite astounding, with regular glimpses of royals, VIPs and celebrities. It’s amazing what a smart uniform does for selfie opportunities!
As a brass player there’s the ceremonial events mentioned above where you’re ‘on the hoof’, marching. Then regular ‘sit down’ concerts with the full band - sometimes brass ensembles perform at smaller venues. It’s also common place to be part of a big band, jazz group, fanfare team as well as sounding the Last Post at Service funerals and even at high profile sporting events, live on the TV.
It’s safe to say, no working week is the same. The beauty of this variety is that it allows for so many skill sets to come together. I might hold my own in a symphonic or brass quintet setting, but when you have former members of Black Dyke and Grimethorpe in your section, when something gets a bit technical, I’m more than happy to step aside. And when it comes to jazz and big band, there are countless more highly skilled than me. It’s all a case of teamwork and no room for any egos!
The overall standard is exceptionally high. RAF Music is largely made up of music graduates, although this is not a requirement. Ability is assessed at audition, with Grade 8 as a guide, and it is totally achievable to go on to a great career having joined without a degree.
My audition day was a very friendly and fair experience, similar to that of a Grade 8 exam, followed by an informal chat and a session of playing in one of the ensembles. As well as this, on other days I was required to have a brief medical, short fitness test and an RAF interview. Nothing scary!
Prior to joining one of the 3 bands, like every other member of the RAF, I had to complete 10 weeks of Basic Training. If you’re relatively fit and an outdoorsy person, like myself, this is really quite enjoyable. I learned a lot of new skills such as first aid, handling a rifle, adventure training, and even how to iron a shirt and polish my shoes!
During the whole experience I learned a lot about myself and working well with others. If you’re a dedicated musician, especially used to the discipline of brass bands, it's simply a case of applying this to a different area for 10 weeks. Graduating in full uniform supported by an RAF band is a proud moment. If I completed this at the age of 42, anyone can!
After basic training it's straight into a band. It’s simply a case of a few weeks of ‘On the Job’ training. Being mentored within the band you soon pick up how things work and it’s not long until you’re working alongside your new colleagues equipped with a full set of instruments, mouthpieces, accessories and uniform.
The starting rate of pay is £31,460 - comparable to that of a tutti player in a UK Symphony Orchestra, with added perks such as very affordable housing close to work, subsidised meals, gym, free medical and dental, as well as opportunities for adventure training and even gaming!
Outside of the RAF, I continue to play with other ensembles, and many RAF musicians continue to be members of brass bands.
With RAF Music, there’s plenty of exciting times ahead with a busy forthcoming season, including trips to Thailand, Canada, Norway and Cyprus.
Find out more about a career in RAF Music
By Air Specialist (Class 1) Thomas
