Every year Royal Air Force Music Services (RAFMS) holds an annual competition between its established bands.

Prestigious award

However, with only three established bands the emphasis has now shifted to prizes being awarded for the best works completed under training, except for the soloist award which is open to all RAFMS personnel.

There are four sponsored competitions, with prizes for the best composition, best march, best transcription or arrangement and the best soloist.

Five soloists

This year five soloists were selected for the Yamaha Music Award, with the eventual winner being Senior Aircraftman Jonathan Truscott, from the Central Band of the Royal Air Force.

In 2007, after 10 years in the Army, Jon transferred to the RAF, joining the Central Band of the Royal Air Force. At the same time he was offered a seat in Desford Colliery Band for the Midland Area Contest and later that year was offered the principal chair for the British Open.

I am obviously extremely pleased with winning the Yamaha Music Award for best soloist amongst such impressive musiciansJonathan Truscott

Difficult

When the opportunity arose for the Annual Competition, Jon searched decided to play the fiendishly difficult ‘Three Miniatures for Tuba and Piano’ by Anthony Plog, with the equally difficult piano accompaniment played by John Wilson.

After 4 very fine solo performances and to Jon’s delight, his name was read out as the winner and it was easy to see the delight all over his face.

Impressed

Jon told 4BR: "I was very impressed with how well the day went and how it was enjoyed by all. I am obviously extremely pleased with winning the Yamaha Music Award for best soloist amongst such impressive musicians and can’t thank John Wilson enough for his outstanding performance."

Jon is now looking forward to featuring as a soloist on the Royal Air Force Massed Bands Tour at the end of the year. He is also planning on entering the British Open Solo Contest in November.

Masters win

Jon also took time to congratulate his colleagues in Desford for their All England International Masters win.

"I’m obviously over the moon with the result. Nigel Seaman was fantastic with his interpretation. It was also great having the bass section team back together after Paul Thomas’ return from America. The band is very excited going into the British Open undefeated this year and hope to get a good result there too."