The Corps of Army Music, which includes the world famous bands of the Household Division, has announced the launch of a brand new Army Music Apprenticeship scheme at the Army Foundation College Harrogate.

Aspiring

The scheme is aimed at aspiring musicians aged between 16 and 18, and will involve the provision of education delivered at Harrogate as well as at the Royal Military School of Music, Kneller Hall.

Students will study and reside at Harrogate for 6 months, earning £14,784 per annum, before moving on to Kneller Hall for 12 months where they will earn £18,306 per annum.

Specialist training

Alongside the military training and education delivered at Harrogate, students will work toward gaining a BTEC Level 3 in Public Services and will undertake specialist trade training that will set them up for a rewarding career within the Corps of Army Music.

As a pathway to continued professional development throughout the training and early career, musicians will be able to achieve Licentiate and Fellowship Diplomas, and will have the opportunity to enrol on heavily subsidised Bachelor and Masters level degree courses.

Exciting

The first course at Harrogate commences in September 2017 with the audition process taking place at Kneller Hall in February and March 2017.

Senior Director of Music for the Household Division Lt Col Kevin Roberts, Welsh Guards, told 4BR: "I have seen the presentation for this educational package and it looks very exciting indeed.

The opportunity to get funded, formal qualifications up to degree level, whilst earning a living in one of our very fine Guards Bands is a brilliant outlet."

Career path

He added: "AFC Harrogate is an excellent establishment and includes the student's family in their respective career path. This sees them provide Open Days to gain invaluable insight and understanding both prior to and upon commencement of the Apprenticeship."

AFC Harrogate also has fantastic social media sites and media resources at their disposal."

To find out more the Guards Brass Ensemble will be performing for Birmingham Music Services at Kings Norton Boys School, Birmingham on 19th January and at Bishop Perowne CE College in Worcester on January 20th.

Students will study and reside at Harrogate for 6 months, earning £14,784 per annum, before moving on to Kneller Hall for 12 months where they will earn £18,306 per annum4BR

Find out more

The professional musicians will be able to answer any questions and give details of what it is like as a musician in a Guards Band. They will be more than happy to talk to you, answer any questions and offer any advice you may need or have.

More information on AFC Harrogate can be found at: www.army.mod.uk/training_education/24420.aspx

Should you require any more information on this scheme, the application process and entry standard or are interested in a Career in the Corps of Army Music and the Golden Hello Scheme then contact the following people immediately.

Contact:

WO1 Bandmaster Andrew Porter — BandIG-BM@mod.uk
Sergeant Gavin Hall — Gavin.Hall684@mod.uk
Staff Sergeant Dave Sanderson — CAMUSHQ-Recruiting@mod.uk
or 0208 744 8642.