Skip to content
Recruiting now.Explore navy careers

Neptune Volunteer Band seek Burgh musicians

7 December 2016
HMS Neptune Volunteer Band is on the look-out for new members and is inviting Burgh musicians of all levels and abilities to join their ranks.

As Scotland’s only volunteer band, the Neptune musicians operate from Scotland’s largest military establishment – HM Naval Base Clyde. 

“Many people will be familiar with HMS Neptune Volunteer Band after seeing us perform at a number of events in the local area,” said Band Sergeant AJ Hardy.

“There’s sometimes the misconception that it’s only open to military personnel or those who work at HM Naval Base Clyde, but in actual fact it’s truly a community band.

“I’d like to invite anyone in the Helensburgh or Lomond area who can play an instrument to get in touch.  It’s a great opportunity to meet some new friends, hone your musical skills and get out and about to perform at concerts and events.”

There are currently around 40 members of the volunteer band ranging in age from 14 to 80.  Always in popular demand, the musicians play at dozens of events each year, most recently at Helensburgh’s Hermitage Park Remembrance event and at the Winter Festival on November 26. 

There’s sometimes the misconception that it’s only open to military personnel or those who work at HM Naval Base Clyde, but in actual fact it’s truly a community band. I’d like to invite anyone in the Helensburgh or Lomond area who can play an instrument to get in touch.

Band Sergeant AJ Hardy

Led by Royal Marines Band Sergeant Hardy, who trained at the prestigious Royal Marines School of Music in Portsmouth, the Neptune Volunteers meet each week for rehearsals.

The Big Band gathers on a Monday evening from 7pm – 9pm, while the Wind Band meets each Tuesday from 7.30pm to 9.30pm.     

“We have several events coming up in the area and there’s also the opportunity to travel further afield,” continued Band Sergeant Hardy.

“Once a year we compete at the Royal Naval Volunteer Band Festival in Portsmouth with the eight other volunteer bands and a few of us have also travelled to Germany to perform in the past.”

For more information on HMS Neptune Volunteer Band contact Band Sergeant AJ Hardy on 01436 674321 extension 6681 or email [email protected]

Related articles

Navy News

Direct from the front-line, the official newspaper of the Royal Navy, Navy News, brings you the latest news, features and award winning photos every month.