The Royal Corps of Army Music
The 30th Anniversary Legacy Recordings
Since the inception of The Corps of Army Music in 1994 as part of Options for Change, now known as The Royal Corps of Army Music (RCAM), has been providing musical support for great public occasions, Ceremonial events, the military at home and abroad and underpinning the traditions, ethos, and heritage of the British Nation.
2024 marks the 30th anniversary of RCAM and never has it been more in demand as the premier soft-power asset of the British Army. It upholds the professionalism and reputation of the British Army, reinforcing the strengths and passion in its heritage and brought together in a unifying and inspirational identity. As an organisation RCAM has always been committed to engage , unite, and inspire our people, optimising individual talent and potential. As a result the musicians of RCAM feel valued and enthused, working collectively to consistently deliver musical excellence.
It is then, in 2024 important in such a momentous year, that we celebrate the 30th anniversary appropriately. With several events in the planning throughout the year, the RCAM 30 Recording Project, is perhaps the most ambitious. The vision is to use this initiative to preserve our history, not only of those that serve now, but also that of our cherished predecessors who helped to make RCAM the highly respected, professional organisation it has become today. We have created a snapshot of excellence, underpinned by 30 years of achievement, which will stand the test of time and will be a Leviathan of posterity, tradition and heritage for decades to come.
To mark the 30th Anniversary of The Royal Corps of Army Music (RCAM 30) in 2024,
all RCAM bands have been brought together to make a recording to mark this historic event.
650 musicians across 15 RCAM Bands.
Unique and historic recordings, never done before.
Recorded in 10 days including bands from Scotland, Wales and across England.
Recorded in Autumn 2023.
To listen to the individual bands recordings click the links below.
Click Here to Listen to the Compilation CD on YouTube
RCAM 30 Compilation CD
On Monday 11 March 2024 the RCAM 30 Legacy Recording CD was launched by Corps Commandant Major General Eastman
in the Guards Chapel, Wellington Barracks, London.
The Grenadier Guards Band, conducted by Band Master WO2 Liam Grunsell – representing all the RCAM 19 conductors, 15 bands and 650 musicians featured on the recordings – performed the music from the first track of the RCAM 30 CD, “First and Finest” composed by Denis Burton MBE.
This March composed by the late Major Denis Burton MBE, an ex-Director of Music (DOM) of the Grenadier Guards Band, was selected as a tribute to the many talented RCAM composers who have written wonderful music to be performed by the Bands the Corps over many decades.
Major Burton MBE wrote a number of original compositions and arrangements during his time as DOM, many of which are still performed regularly as part of State Ceremonial activity.
The Grenadier Guards Band was proud to perform Major Burton’s March, ‘First & Finest’, as the band’s entry March onto Horse Guards Parade for HM King Charles III’s first Birthday Parade in June 2023.
The Royal Corps of Army Music
Corps Colonel
Colonel Simon Haw MBE
Click the link to open the pages
Released: 8 November 2023
Principal Director of Music (Army)
Commanding Officer Royal Military School of Music
Lieutenant Colonel Craig Hallatt
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Released: 15 November 2023
Commanding Officer Household Division Bands
Lieutenant Colonel David Barringer MBE MVO
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Released: 22 November 2023
Commanding Officer Regional Bands
Lieutenant Colonel Mark Aldridge
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Released: 29 November 2023
The Band of the Household Cavalry
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Released: 9 January 2024
The Band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland
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Released: 11 January 2024
Band of the Grenadier Guards
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Released: 16 January 2024
The Band and Bugles of the Rifles
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Released: 18 January 2024
Band of the Coldstream Guards
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Released: 23 January 2024
The Band of the Prince of Wales
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Released: 25 January 2024
Band of the Scots Guards
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Released: 30 January 2024
British Army Band Catterick
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Released: 1 February 2024
Band of the Irish Guards
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Released: 6 February 2024
British Army Band Colchester
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Released: 8 February 2024
Band of the Welsh Guards
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Released: 13 February 2024
British Army Band Sandhurst
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Released: 15 February 2024
British Army Band Tidworth
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Released: 20 February 2024
The Band of The Brigade of Gurkhas
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Released: 22 February 2024
The Countess of Wessex’s String Orchestra
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Released: 27 February 2024
RCAM 30 Legacy Recordings Compilation
Released: 11 March 2024
RCAM 30 Celebration Concerts
13 – 22 March 2024
Click here to find out more
RCAM 30 Legacy Recordings Production Team
Artistic Director – Lieutenant Colonel Craig Hallatt
Corps Sergeant Major – Warrant Officer Class 1 David Hatton
Photography – Colour Sergeant Jake Ellwood
Website Design – Sergeant Paul Johnson
Project Team
Colour Sergeant Stuart Roberts
Staff Corporal Richard Stringfellow
Corporal Damian Lowe
Executive Producer – Sally Shebe