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 marked 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.
The RCAM 30 Recording Project, was an initiative to preserve the RCAM history, not only of those that served at the time, but also that of our veterans who helped to make RCAM the highly respected, professional organisation it has become today.
To mark the 30th Anniversary of The Royal Corps of Army Music in 2024, all RCAM bands were 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 Autumn 2023.
You can listen to the recordings on the British Army Music Recordings YouTube channel.
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 Bandmaster 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.
RCAM 30 Legacy Recordings Compilation
Available on the RCAM YouTube Channel
Released: 11 March 2024
RCAM 30 Legacy Recordings Production Team
Artistic Director – Lieutenant Colonel Craig Hallatt
Corps Sergeant Major – Warrant Officer Class One 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