Malvern Alumnae 100 Profile

MSJ 2015 Leaver

Perseverance is something that has been instilled in me throughout my career in The Royal Marines Band Service. Since the age of 12, I aspired to become a member of the elite group of musicians that not only perform in the finest venues across the globe, but also train to support The Royal Marines General Service and wider Royal Navy in deployments to protect our country.

Before beginning training in 2015, I first had to pass a week-long interview consisting of physical tests, musical auditions, academic testing and interviews on completion of which I was offered a place in the Flute and Saxophone category.  After leaving MSJ in 2015, I started phase one basic training at Commando Training Centre Royal Marines (CTCRM) in Lympstone which consisted of 14 weeks of military training including weapons handling, field craft, first aid and chemical decontamination (CBRN). After completion of phase one training, I started phase two musical training at The Royal Marines School of Music in Portsmouth, where I am due to pass out in August this year as a trained Musician.

Currently I am the Principal Flautist at the Royal Marines School of Music, where I am also trained to play piccolo and both tenor and baritone saxophone to a professional level. As a Royal Marines Musician, we are expected to play in a wide variety of ensembles including Concert Band, Orchestra, Big Band, Function Band, Parade Band and smaller groups including Trios and Quintets.

A career in Music, especially Military Music teaches you many transferable personal qualities including resilience, self-belief, versatility and determination, which will aid me in my future endeavours both within my chosen career and beyond. My next short term goal is to complete a Geography degree – a subject which has always been a passion of mine – provided through the military.

What does success look like?

Achieving your ambitions and striving to do more than you imagined possible. If you always aim to be the best you can be, then you have been successful.

What is your best piece of advice?

Never rest on your laurels, there is always something else to learn and opportunities to be taken. The world is your oyster, just remember to be humble whilst exploring it.