How much musical talent is needed to join the Royal Marines Band?
Typically, an applicant to join the Royal Marines Band Service will need to be a minimum of Grade 6 in his or her principle instrument and have a strong aptitude with a second instrument. This level of ability is essential, because most new members will have learned to play in a conventional situation and learning to play whilst counter-marching will be challenging enough without having to master a new instrument at the same time. Drummers (percussionists) are a bit of an exception to this rule as many are self-taught or have not followed a conventional musical education, although a significant aptitude must still be demonstrated. Buglers need not have played the bugle before, but have a high standard of ability on an equivalent brass instrument (trumpet or cornet), not least because no one gets put on the spot like the bugler on Remembrance Sunday and even the best can struggle to get a note out in a cold church.
