British Army musicians tuning up before their big concert hall performance

More than 200 Army musicians from across the country gathered in Scotland to rehearse for a special performance.

Members of the Army Corps of Music's regional bands were tuning up ready to make a rare appearance together in Perth Concert Hall.

Amongs those on stage were members of the Band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland, Army Band Colchester and the Army Engagement Band.

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Music in the family

Some of the musicians have been sharing the stories of how they joined this specialised branch of the service and why they think it's important.

Lance Corporal Rosie Adcock, the Band & Bugles of The Rifles, said she started playing music from a young age.

"I started playing music when I was about four or five, playing flute, violin, recorder, all the little ones. And I gradually did all my exams, and played in various school concert bands and orchestras," LCpl Adcock said.

"I grew up in Blandford, so there was always the Signals [Royal Corps of Signals], and it's a big Army town."

Musician Lewis Martin, Army Engagement Ensemble, said he was brought up with military music in his family.

He said: "My dad was an Army musician, his dad was, I think even my dad's dad's dad was an Army musician.

"So, it was always on the cards. I initially went to music college thinking I could make it outside of the Army, but I quickly realised it wasn't for me."

'Hobby as my job'

LCpl Adcock said that she wanted her hobby to become her career.

"So, I always knew that there was a band in in the Army and just thought, 'why not do my hobby as my job."

The Royal Army Corps of Music has been a part of the service for more than 30 years and has more than 700 soldiers nationwide serving in a variety of bands.

As a public face of the UK military, they provide support on ceremonial duties and build bridges with the community.

Lance Corporal Emma Savill, from the Army Band Colchester, said it has an important role to play.

"I think we're really important when it comes to any sort of parades, whether it be ceremonial or whether we go out in short time training teams to other countries.

"I think it's good to represent the Army in a really positive light, in the public eye and within regiments, and giving morale to the regiments and representing them really well," LCpl Savill added.