W L FEATURE
WIRRAL LIFE TALK TO NICK GRACE OBE , PRINCIPAL DIRECTOR OF MUSIC OF THE ROYAL MARINES BAND SERVICE
Established as one of the most revered military bands in the world , The Royal Marines Band Service is an organisation synonymous with musical excellence . The Bands travel across the country and throughout the world not only delivering first-rate musical concerts , but being the public face of the Naval Service , combining military duties with a professional music career . No one knows this better than the Principal Director or Music of the Royal Marines Band Service , Lieutenant Colonel Nick Grace OBE .
Before joining the Royal Marines Band Service at 17-years old , Grace was initially taught music by his mother , a primary and junior school teacher , who Nick describes as “ the most influential person in my musical life .” His musical career continued to flourish when he started playing the euphonium in the Staffordshire County Youth Brass and Wind bands . Since then , he has climbed the ranks of the Royal Marines Band Service and has become one of its most influential figures .
As Principal Director of Music , Lieutenant Colonel Grace says that it is his aim to , “ lead an organisation with a worldwide reputation , which is second to none , in delivering musical support to the Naval Service , Defence and for State Ceremonial occasions .” His aim , he says , is to continue to improve the quality of musical excellence in the Royal Marines and to “ ensure that military music remains relevant today and into the future .”
The Royal Marines Band Service ’ s relevance today , and its continuation in the future , is reliant on its ability to support those in the Naval Service . As such , the collaboration between the Band and The Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity ( RNRMC ) remains mutually beneficial and extremely important . Lieutenant Colonel Grace recognises this and encourages the continuing relationship between
the band and the charity . Speaking about the connection to the RNRMC , Grace explains : “ It is hugely important to have a strong relationship between the Band Service and the RNRMC . The charity provides a massive amount of support to the members of the Royal Navy and Royal Marine both past and present , their families and dependants that could not continue without the generation donations given by the general public .”
An upcoming concert by the Band of Her Majesty ’ s Royal Marines Portsmouth at the Liverpool Philharmonic Hall will exemplify the robust relationship between the RNRMC and the Royal Marines Band . The concert , which takes place on Saturday 30th September , will showcase a varied repertoire with something for everyone : traditional marches , a classic overture , solos , a little bit of Pink Floyd and music from celebrated Broadway musicals . For Lieutenant Colonel Grace , the evening promises a night of “ great variety , quality and pure entertainment .” It is also , as Grace points out , a “ celebration of 100-years of Women in the Royal Navy ” which will include a traditional finale of Rule Britannia and Land of Hope and Glory .
This magnificent spectacle at the Liverpool Philharmonic Hall will help raise vital funds for the RNRMC . By attending the evening , the audience not just contributing , but , according to Lieutenant Colonel Grace , “ they [ can ] find out a little more about the work of the charity .” Continuing , he explains that , “ If people enjoy our concerts hopefully they will be more inclined to support the RNRMC , not just once , but into the future and beyond .”
The Band of Her Majesty ’ s Royal Marines perform at the Liverpool Philharmonic Hall on Saturday 30th September at 7.30pm . To purchase tickets call the Box Office on 0151 7093789 or visit www . liverpoolphil . com .
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