University News Last updated 12 May 2023
Many RBC alumni played a role in the Coronation, including Trumpet Tutor Alan Thomas (pictured) and Royal Opera House Orchestra violinist David Chadwick. Consultant in Vocal Performance Roddy Williams OBE was also involved and sung ‘Confortare’ in a fine Baritone voice.
Watch Roddy sing ‘Confortare’ by Henry Walford Davies.
For the Coronation Service at Westminster Abbey, Alan Thomas performed as part of the Fanfare Team of the Royal Air Force, along with fellow alumni Sergeant Matthew Edwardson and Corporal Jeremy Bristow.
They were an integral part of Charles Hubert Hastings Parry’s ‘I was Glad’, William Walton’s ‘Coronation Te Deum’ and Gordon Jacob’s arrangement on The National Anthem. The team also sounded the Recognition and Homage fanfares by Dr Christopher Robinson (former Conductor of City of Birmingham Choir) and opened Andrew Lloyd-Webber’s ‘A Joyful Noise’.
Following the service, they had a police escort to Windsor Castle for rehearsals for the Coronation Concert. Alumnus Nick Mott also performed at the concert as Principal Trumpet of the Corps of Army Music Orchestra.
Alumni had a truly memorable weekend performing in two completely contrasting musical settings, working alongside greats of both classical and pop idioms.
Alumni, including Corporal Ben Murray, were part of an expanded team of RAF Fanfare trumpeters, who performed at the concert supporting the opening set of Pete Tong and Take That’s finale.
Alan said: “It was stuff of dreams to be rubbing shoulders with super stars such as Lionel Richie and Katy Perry, as well as opening the final number of Take That’s finale in front of a live audience of 20,000. The atmosphere was electric and such an amazing view looking out from the stage.
“It was a real honour to represent the Royal Air Force in such an historic and rare moment, receiving widespread acclaim in musical and military circles for delivering under the highest pressure on the global stage.
“Memories were made that I will never forget, opportunities that never would have occurred had I not studied at RBC or been a member of RAF Music Services.”
On parade during the Coronation service were RAF Music Services including alumni:
- Owen Wallage
- Emma Jones
- Austin Blackburn
- Andy Belfield
- Catherine Pollit
- Lucinda Rimmer
- Rob Spalton
- Tom Hayes
- Shona Brownlee
- Ed Carpenter
- Rachel Carpenter
- Anthony Sommerville.
Alumni with the Corps of Army Music or the Royal Marines Band Service who had a role:
- Mattias Andersson
- Alistair Clements
- Louise Ashworth Franks
- Richard Ward