The Military Band travelled to Portsmouth on Friday to spend some time at the Royal Marines' School of Music, Writes David Gorodi, Director of Music.

Our visit started with a tour of HMS Victory, it was exciting and eye opening to see the way in which the Royal Navy lived and fought just a little over 200 years ago. The most impressive moment for me was looking out of Lord Nelson’s cabin to see HMS Queen Elizabeth docked less than a mile away!

We were then given a tour of the Music School which is a converted prison. Each musician is allocated a cell (practice room) for their 3 years training. We then joined the Concert Band for an hour's rehearsal. The band played some great arrangements, (some of which we will be borrowing). Both George and Tom were given solo passages to play and they were both spot on! Felix was given every young man’s dream – a Tam Tam solo! My thanks to Captain Smith and the Concert Band of the Royal Marines for making us feel so welcome.

David Gorodi - Director of Music