Congratulations from around the music world have been given to Dave Barringer, the Director of Music of the Band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland, following the news that he has been granted the MBE in the New Year Honours List.

The announcement was revealed in the Military Division of the awards which were revealed earlier today, although as Dave told 4BR, he only found about the honour when he was contacted by his Commanding Officer on Boxing Day.

Surprise

"It certainly came as a surprise,"Dave said. "It's a very proud moment for me and my family and also reflects on the support I've had throughout my professional Army career.

At the moment I don't know what is contained in the citation that comes with the honour but I understand that will be forwarded in due course.

For now I'm relaxing with my family and looking back on such a fulfilling 29 year career that has had so many highlights, with hopefully many more to come."

Appointments

Dave was appointed Director of Music, Royal Signals in 2009 and in February 2012 was promoted to Acting Major, returning to the Royal Military School of Music.

Following a period away from music in various staff appointments at Army HQ in Andover, he took up his latest appointment as Director of Music at the Band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland early in 2017.

For now I'm relaxing with my family and looking back on such a fulfilling 29 year career that has had so many highlights, with hopefully many more to comeDave Barringer MBE

Brass banding

He has also enjoyed a very proactive relationship with the brass banding movement — with successful tenures at bands such as Flowers, Bournemouth Concert Brass, Yeovil, SWT Woodfalls and Aldbourne amongst others.

He was also involved in the creation of the three professional Army brass bands. Last month he was an adjudicator at the Band Supplies Scottish Challenge Contest in Perth.