RAF Music Services News

Soldier On!

RAF Musician inside chapel.
Flight Lieutenant Parsons returned to the Guard’s Chapel with the Band of the RAF Regiment as their Director of Music in 2021.

In 2015, the charity Soldier On!, launched a competition asking entrants to compose a quick march entitled ‘Soldier On!’.  The finalists heard their entries played in the Guard’s Chapel in London, where they were judged by the then Principal Directors of the Royal Marines Band Service, the Corps of Army Music, Royal Air Force Music Services and renowned composer Philip Sparke. 

The competition winner was Flight Lieutenant Michael Parsons, Director of Music of the Band of the RAF Regiment.  Here, ‘Soldier On!’ is performed by the Band of the RAF College on the steps of College Hall Officers’ Mess, RAF College Cranwell

"I felt very privileged that my composition had been chosen by such a distinguished panel to represent Soldier On!, a charity that does great work helping vulnerable and disadvantaged people from all walks of life. I have very fond memories of performing several times with the Band of the RAF College outside College Hall Officers’ Mess at the RAF College Cranwell, and of undergoing Initial Officer Training at the same place. To see and hear my piece performed in such a memorable location makes me very proud and hopeful that it can raise awareness of the Soldier On! charity."

Flight Lieutenant Parsons
Director of Music, Band of the RAF Regiment

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