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.
12 wirrallife. com