The journey of a military musician: From studying jazz to joining the British Army
From studying jazz via performing on cruise ships and a stint in the Australian Navy – it has been a long and varied road to the British Army for Lance Corporal Benjamin Smith.
He combines his passion with his job as he is now a trumpet player in the Army Music Corps' Army Engagement Ensemble.
LCpl Smith told BFBS Forces News how he has harnessed his love of jazz and big band music to help bring the military and civilian communities together.
"The Army is known for its ceremonial capabilities, but as part of professional development and community engagement, we also have a lot of specialist ensembles," he said.
"So, the big bands are a great way to connect with the audience in a different way and maybe offer something that people don't expect from the British Army."
LCpl Smith grew up playing trumpet in Australia. He then went on to study a Bachelor of Jazz Performance at university and, after that, became a teacher for six years.
The Australian subsequently decided to audition to work on cruise ships and it was there during a contract that he met his English wife and moved Down Under.
LCpl Smith continued his meandering life as he joined up with the Royal Australian Navy.
The brass instrument player and his wife later came back to the UK and "the rest is history".
He says the music also brings out people's feelings when it is being played.
"Jazz and big band music has a lot of connection on an emotional level," he said. "There [are] lots of beautiful songs that connect with people on a personal level and there's also the nostalgia of the eras of the 1930s, 40s, 50s that come along with a lot of our older audience."
He added that although the big band is not able to perform often, the band can play a diverse range of music that "really hit[s] you in the face with big, brassy sounds".
The Royal Army Music Corps 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.
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