RN Volunteer Band HMS Collingwood

BdCSgt Karl Long BMus(Hons) ARCM(Hons) AMusTCL CTABRSM RM

Welcome to all you readers from me, Karl Long, as I have recently taken over from Paul Johnson as the Volunteer Band Instructor here at HMS Collingwood. It would be unforgivable for me to go any further without sending a message of thanks to Paul from both myself and the members of the Band for what must, at times, have seemed an eternity in post. Actually Paul was here for just over two and a half years, during which he and the Band have enjoyed a good degree of success at both the festival and out on the road at the various venues and engagements they have undertaken together. Thank you from us all Paul; we wish you the very best in your new role back in the RM Band at HMS Collingwood.

One of the first engagements we took part in together was the Fareham Mayor Making Ceremony at Ferneham Hall. I must thank the members of the Band for their patience and vigilance during this engagement as it is far from a straight forward musical support role. For anyone who has not taken part in one of these ceremonies before, they are best described as a mini ‘Oscars’ award ceremony with a great number of awards and accolades being presented. Each award is accompanied by a different sound bite which is required to be played at certain points and last for however long it takes for the recipient to make their way to the stage for the presentation. Some were quicker than others! Round again Bandy! Watch and shoot!

Needless to say the Band performed extremely well and left the new Mayor of Fareham and his Councillors in no doubt as to the qualities and competencies of their geographically closest Royal Navy Volunteer Band.
HMS Collingwood Open Day was another success. The Band had to compete for the ears of the public on many occasions as they were playing next to the second arena, where the Cadets were performing their displays with load speakers. Also performing in the same arena were the Batala Drum Group and the RN Piping Society. On the whole this mix had been organised extremely well, with suitable gaps between performers. However, when one group (no names etc.) turned up late for their first set and played on anyway, this made life a little difficult for our Concert Band. Not too much of a problem until the same group turned up early for a later set, carrying on again into our set, again making things a little harder to hear. Our audience were a little less than pleased. Still, bring back the ‘Battle of the Bands’ I say!

As you will see from the picture, the Open Day was not all hard work. Richard Horn can be seen wearing the new costume for Forty Fathoms! The diver’s rig had all been done before.

Although it may be for other Volunteer Band Instructors to write about, I would just like to thank CSgts Buxton and Watson for organising two events that members of HMS Collingwood Band have informed me were most enjoyable. The trip to Cologne runs in history as a highlight of the Volunteer Band’s calendar, with this year being no exception. Many thanks must go to Tim Watson for organising such a great trip. The pressure is now on CSgt Tom Crane to equal such a successful engagement; I’m sure he will rise to the challenge. The second event was the Volunteer Band Summer School held at HMS Raleigh and organised by Mick Buxton. Again, this was a very beneficial and well organised weekend of music making and tuition. Long may these events continue.

It is with delight that I can announce the marriage of three of the Band members; strange number I know but they have not all married each other. Helen MacGregor married Matt on Friday 8th July, whilst James Meredith and Laura Millsom, both Band members, were married on Saturday 9th July. We wish the two couples all the very best of luck in their new lives together.

Finally, with the festival just around the corner, I would like to wish all Volunteer Bands the very best of luck and in the true spirit of the competition, watch out!

Bandy

Last updated 08 September 2011