Performed, recorded and filmed on mobile phones during Lockdown #2 in November 2020 by cadets across the UK.

 

Audio recording of “Fairytale of New York” was performed by cadets and supporting music tutors of the RAFAC National Concert Band. With just 2 weeks to learn the music and without rehearsal, cadets recorded their individual instrumental part on their mobile phone. These separate clarinet, trombone, drum parts etc were all then mixed together to create the full band sound that you can hear on the track. It has to be remembered, that this band has not met in person since their concert at St Clement Danes Church, London, in August 2019 and that some of these cadets who were selected for the 2020 Band have not met up in person at all! To create this soundtrack individually and without rehearsal is a real testament to the talented young musicians within the Corps. This is genuinely not a backing track and I would really like to stress that the accompanying music has been recorded from scratch using mobile phones across the UK! It is an amazing feat of technology!

 

The video clips of cadets in uniform / xmas attire / dancing are all members of the National Concert Band and as you can see, they are not short of humour or personality! The National Concert Band caters for some of the most advanced musicians in the Corps many of whom go on to have careers in music. The audio recording is a sequel to the virtual Africa performance in April 2020.

 

Also included in the video is footage from the virtual performances that took place earlier this year. There is a clip from “Africa” performed by the National Concert Band which went viral and ended up on Sky News. The National String Ensemble’s virtual performance as well as a clip of the National Choir’s performance on Britain’s Got Talent – all of which did take place in 2020. We have also included a clip from the National Pipes & Drums and the National Marching Band to represent all 5 National Ensembles.

 

Cadets from across the National Ensembles representing all of RAFAC Music Services, also had the opportunity to submit photos of themselves taking part in cadet activities that are indicative of 2020. E.g. VE Day celebrations, clapping for the NHS on the doorstep, creating their own virtual performances, screenshots of virtual parade nights etc.

 

And of course, it features a special guest in Santa – who we believe will be recognisable by most of the Corps so do not want to give the game away here!