George Simpson

Boy Musician to Professor of Violin

"When I joined the Band Service as a cornet player in 1952 the idea that I would still be with them 50 years later was inconceivable! When you are 14, 5ft 1 inch, 6 stone and still have a squeaky voice, 50 years seems impossible!"

Boy Musician George Simpson in Deal

In those days the first ten weeks were spent square bashing, physical training and on fatigues, but no music. So, when we came to draw instruments I was really looking forward to getting my hands on a 'pussers' cornet. What followed was the worst shock of my short life; they issued me with a clarinet and a violin. I was devastated; I loved my cornet but it was not to be and I have never played one since.

I quickly took to the clarinet but really struggled with the violin. However, with the help of my professor, Frank Whitford, I eventually got the hang of it and I shall always be grateful to him; his skill and patience were responsible for beginning my lifelong love of the violin. During training I studied under all three clarinet professors; Ken Mettyear got me started, Mike Thatcher straightened me out and Lottie Collins finished me off! They must have taught me something though because I managed the bronze medal in the 1955 Cassell Prize competition.

Rated later that year I went to the Staff Band for a short period where I hid at the back of the 2nd violins and 3rd clarinets. I enjoyed my rise in pay though, £3.12.6d (£3.62) to be precise, a lot of money, or so it seemed then.

Early in 1956 came my first real draft, two years in a stone frigate, HMS Terror in Singapore; I really loved it. We were usually finished by mid-day so swimming, sun-bathing and a few wets in the evening was the usual routine. However there was the occasional foreign visit, Saigon (the French were still there!), Hong Kong, Bangkok and Manila, where the customary visit to a rope factory was arranged, combined with a stop at the San Miguel Brewery on the way back. My first brewery run - enough said!

In Terror the Band Officer was Lt Sid Copper, a very nice man and one of the 'old school'. I palled up with John (Gunner) Hargreaves, euph and cello, and it wasn't because he was the only inlier with a car! We became really good friends as we still are today. As a Band Corporal and my senior, his knowledge and experience often kept me out of trouble.

After Singapore I returned to the Staff Band where Don Guthrie was the leader of the orchestra. No hiding this time, I was told to lead the 2nd violins, and when Don was commissioned, Colin Wyer and I were sent for by Col Dunn the PDM, who was looking for a new leader. Colin turned down the invitation but I was only 20 and not so brave, so became the leader of the RMSM Orchestra. "We'll make you a lance corporal" said Col Dunn - and that was that! Although initially very apprehensive I later realised it was a crucial decision and a defining point in my life, leading as it did to my becoming a candidate for promotion.

Around this time I became interested in Hi Fi, the new science which replaced 'wind-up' gramophones. The new LP records were expensive at £1/17/6d (£1.75) each, roughly a quarter of my weekly pay, but the sound was so superior to 78's I didn't mind. I bought mostly orchestral music and played them over and over absorbing every note. As my collection grew my knowledge of the repertoire increased which considerably helped my task as the leader of the orchestra. In those days the Staff Band's primary task was to play when student bandmasters were under conducting instruction.

Despite going on parade every day, at the mercy of certain adjutants and RSM's, we spent the remaining time in the concert hall with the students. It could sometimes get a bit tedious but I loved the chance to play the big orchestral works, learning so much from Vivian Dunn who knew them all. Although many of us at times found him difficult I realise now that today's Band Service would not have reached its high standards without the groundwork he laid.

I met Marion, my future wife, on my return from Singapore. We were married in 1961, over 40 years ago. Although not a musician she loves music and has always supported me in all my endeavours.

My seven years in the Staff Band, working with many fine musicians were a most enjoyable experience and a great privilege. Suddenly, shock, horror, drafted to HMS Hermes as a Band Corporal! A good Band with Keith Sharpe the Band Master. The first British ship to pass through the re-opened Suez Canal, we were caught up in the 1967 Israeli-Arab conflict. Christmas in the Gulf, 120 degrees on the upper deck! Then on to Singapore, much changed after ten years, Hong Kong, then Western Australia. During this time Bob Loft, one of my 'run ashore oppos', and I were promoted to Band Sergeant.

Returning to Deal where Lt Col Paul Neville was the new PDM I became a member of the 1969 Bandmasters class. A valuable year of study under Ernie Stride with the end of the course reward of an LRAM and the Silver Medal of the Worshipful Company of Musicians. Selection to attend the one year course in conducting at the Royal Academy of Music (under Maurice Miles) then followed. Fellow students at the RAM included Felicity Lott, Annie Lennox, and a 16 year old conducting prodigy, Simon Rattle. Yes, that hair is real! During this year my son, John, was born which made life a bit difficult with me in London, but we managed to cope somehow and both appreciated how important my year was. Apart from the conducting course I was able to study violin under Lionel Bentley, a great privilege which made all the difference to my life as a violinist.

Promoted to Band Colour Sergeant on my return to Deal, I was once again appointed leader of the RMSM orchestra. Paul Neville, with his enthusiasm for the orchestra was taking the legacy of Vivian Dunn to new heights.

Playing Eb clarinet in the Band was enjoyable but my main love was the orchestra which was now of a sufficiently high standard to accept dates in the Fairfield Halls, Canterbury Cathedral, and on one or two memorable occasions the Royal Festival Hall. Our Bandmaster was Sid Rose, a special friend and fine trumpet player; when he left to take up teaching I took his place. I suppose it was something I always wanted, although to be honest I sometimes found it a difficult task. Middle-management can prove tiresome! We had some fine players at Deal in those days; the horns included the amazing Lloyd brothers, Frank and David, the trumpets led by Jon Yates and the trombone trio of Mick Eastwood, Frank Wyldbore and Band Corporal Dick Waterer! Paul Neville always said our 'in depth' work with the orchestra would have an influence on our ability as a band and in my view the recordings we made with him in that era say it all.

On retirement from the RM in May 1978 my rather sketchy plan to join one of the German spa orchestras who at that time were seeking double-handed players did not come to fruition. Instead I accepted the post of Violin Professor, RMSM. It meant no terminal leave or EVT Course, a small price to pay for being so fortunate. After twenty six years I was happy to see that Frank Whitford and Ken Mettyear were still there! I know that Frank was pleased to see me, and now realise how he must have felt, having over these last few years welcomed former pupils myself, one or two as Chief Instructors.

Professor George Simpson in Deal

I cannot claim to have introduced any special innovations in my time as a Violin Professor but have always insisted that my pupils learn the basic techniques of posture, style, and certainly secure intonation before taking their studies further. One important lesson my time with the RMBS has taught me is that if a pupil has not mastered the basics he will not practice. Nobody can become a competent violinist without wanting to practice.

Apart from the occasional scare - Tri-Service School, Bursary Schemes, - and the terrible experience of the bombing in 1989, I had 18 happy years with the School in Deal. In 1996 the MOD finally made up their minds and moved the School to HMS Nelson in Portsmouth. As a Civil Servant I was entitled to redundancy, but chose to stay and commute weekly from my home in Deal for the two years I had left. As an ex WO2 I managed to obtain a cabin in the Chiefs Mess where I could live in and walk to work. It proved a good move as I am still there after six years in the new environment. The shift to Portsmouth has of course brought many changes, some good and some not so good, but overall we are still managing to produce quality players for the Bands, the best way to measure the success of the work of the current RMSM.

On reaching 60 in May 1998 my Civil Service contract ran out and once again I was fortunate enough to be asked to continue, as a peripatetic teacher. I am very happy with this arrangement as it allows me to continue a task I love but spend more time than before at home.

Soon after the move to Portsmouth in 1996 I met a man who was to change my life. He introduced me to the Christian Fellowship in HMS Nelson. My Service Certificate showed 'C of E', something I took for granted but never thought about. Amazingly, through his example and others at the Fellowship, I became a committed Christian. That was six years ago, something I still find hard to believe, but I am so glad it happened. It has made all the difference to my life.

At home in Deal I am, as ever, very heavily involved in the local music scene. I play in Paul Neville's Kent Concert Orchestra (being one of the original members in 1989), and his Marlowe Concert Band (40 + ex RMBs). I enjoy our regular visits to Canterbury's Marlowe Theatre and the opportunity to meet so many old friends. There is also plenty to do in playing for local choral and operatic societies; certainly my diary always seems to be pretty full. This busy playing life is very enjoyable, but my most satisfying and worthwhile musical experience at the moment is my membership of the Becker String Quartet which John Perkins formed over ten years ago. We continue to give regular concerts and it is nice to keep the name of Lou Becker alive, a fine Violin Professor at the School in the 1960s and 70s; even today one can recognise a Lou Becker bowing arm!

In conclusion may I be allowed a personal view of our Band Service? I believe it is unique; no other musical organisation produces so many very versatile players and can carry out so many different musical roles. I consider myself blessed at being given the opportunity to spend my whole working life, all 50 (and counting) years in and alongside our excellent Band Service.