The Band
RAF St Athan Voluntary Band is in many ways unique in the RAF Voluntary Band .jpg) World - we are one of the few to be based entirely around one station, not an "Area" Band, we are solely brass - adopting the standard brass band configuration and as such are a competing band.
The band is a nationally Graded Second Section Band and Championship Section locally and has represented Wales and the Royal Air Force at the National Finals in the 4th, 3rd and 2nd Section attending on 5 occasions. The band also regularly competes at the Royal National Eisteddfod of Wales and has rarely come out of the prizes.
We undertake in excess of eighty engagements per annum and are proud to be the first choice band of the Welsh Football Association. This particular role has seen the band play in the old National Stadium, the Millennium Stadium, Liberty Stadium, The Racecourse and Anfield amongst others. The band has also played in St. David's Hall, the Grand Theatre in Swansea and, as part of the 90th celebration of Voluntary Music in the RAF, a Massed Band of one hundred and forty musicians at Birmingham Symphony Hall.
 The band supports all the formal, civic and social requirements of RAF St Athan including dinner nights at both the Sergeants' and Officers' messes, Graduation Parades for No 4 S of TT, Civic receptions, Garden Parties and Church Services. We are also active in the local community and play at a number of events from formal concerts to local fetes and Bandstand appearances. We can also be engaged for private bookings for corporate and social events. The band has a tremendous reputation for stunning Christmas concerts - over 24 last year - quite enough to keep the band busy!
A Brief History
RAF St Athan Voluntary Band was formed during 1938 and despite a short break during the Second World War has been in active in and around the Vale of Glamorgan and South Wales ever since. At times there have been as many as four Voluntary Bands including a Drum and Fife Band and Pipe Band not forgetting the Swing Groups that used to accompany the infamous Hangar Dances once such an important part of St Athan's social life.
Band on Tour
As well as performing almost everywhere in the UK, RAF St Athan Voluntary Band have completed a number of successfully tours abroad. From Gibraltar, Germany, France, Austria and the United States of America.
Band Support
RAF St Athan Voluntary Band compromises of a mix of service personnel and their families, MOD Civilians, retired Service/Civilians, local civilians and school children. We are very grateful for financial assistance from RAF Support Command, and the Nuffield Trust all of whom enable the band to maintain the quality of their instruments - an essential factor in the development of this very successful musical establishment.
Alan R Bourne BMus (Wales) ARCM
Alan accepted the post of Director of Music in December 1986. Prior to his appointment, Alan spent 4 years studying Trumpet at the Welsh College of Music and Drama, 3 years gaining a Bachelor of Music Honours degree from the University of Aberystwyth and time spent as a post-graduate student at Goldsmiths's College, University London. A former member of both the National Youth Orchestra of Wales and National Youth Brass Band of Wales. Alan is a Fellow of the London College of Music, an Associate of the Royal College of Music and holds an Advanced Diploma in conducting from the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama.
RAF St Athan Voluntary Band appears by kind permission of RAF Air Officer Wales and Station Commander at RAF St Athan.
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