ABOUT US
The Concert Band of Britannia Royal Naval College is based in the world renowned Royal Naval Officers training establishment in Dartmouth, Devon. It performs at many of the College's internal engagements including, Open Days, Families weekends, Squadron dinners, Wardroom and mess functions and other events within the local community including, full Concert Band concerts and other small ensembles.
The Band is an award winning military concert band capable of forming a range of music ensembles including a full Concert Band, Smaller Concert Bands, Brass, Woodwind and mixed smaller ensembles and even smaller string groups and duets. It is made up of a mixture of civilians, former Armed Forces musicians and serving Armed Forces personnel. The Band is committed to producing the best in musical expertise, undertaking a number of engagements throughout the calendar year.
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The Concert Band of Britannia Royal Naval College is very proud of its Royal Naval heritage and provides an important link between the College and the local community of Dartmouth and the surrounding towns and villages.
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HISTORY
The Band was formed in 2009 when the resident Band of Her Majesty's Royal Marines based at Britannia Royal Naval College at that time was disbanded, due to a round of defence cuts. Between 2009 and 2021 the Band competed each year at the Royal Naval Volunteer Band Association Music Festival which is normally held in Portsmouth. On two occasions it succeeded in winning the top trophy for the best overall band, along with other prizes awarded for the best Soloist, the best Marching Band and the best Drum Major. In 2021 the MOD funding for the Volunteer Band Instructors, who were usually Royal Marines Band Colour Sergeants, was withdrawn and as a result the bands were left to find civilian counterparts who could fill the gap on a part time basis. A recommendation was received from the high Command at BRNC to change the Band's business model in order to secure its future at the College. As a result a Management Team was formed to run the Band and to cover all of the administrative tasks required to keep the band functioning. Also in 2021, the Band lost its conductor and very dear friend, Sid Davis, who had battled with Motor Neurone Disease in the previous 18 months until he sadly passed away later in the year. It was a very unsettling and challenging time which required a great deal of resolve from all members of the Band and particularly so as throughout this time, the UK and the indeed the world, was in the grip of the Covid pandemic.
TODAy'S BAND
The Band is very fortunate to continue to be supported by Britannia Royal Naval College which kindly provides rehearsal space, uniforms, instrument storage and other important administrative services. It enjoys a special relationship with the College and is proud to represent the Royal Navy and to uphold its fine traditions. The Band is a member of the Royal Naval Volunteer Band Association and is one of nine other Royal Naval Volunteer Bands located throughout the UK, all of which are supported by the Royal Marines Band Service. The Band is highly regarded by many in the local community and is close to the hearts of the people of Dartmouth and the surrounding villages who regularly come to listen to them at the various engagements performed throughout the calendar year. Today the Band looks forward to fulfilling its commitments both within BRNC and out in the local community with many engagements planned for the months and years ahead.