With each band playing God Save the Queen simultaneously in different instrumentations, pitches, arrangements and key signatures, the result was an embarrassing and humiliating cacophony.

[6] He pointed out that while civilian taste in music had improved under the influence of Sir Henry Wood, there had been less progress inside the military: We in the army have been content to continue in the old rut, croaking to one another like frogs in a pond - damned impenetrable from the mainstream of progress - and continuing to regard the overture to William Tell, Zampa and other such rococo claptrap as the summit of ambition for the band to play or the soldier to appreciate.

First appearing at the Coronation of King George VI that year, the Kneller Hall Trumpeters went on to be a regular feature of state occasions and national celebrations throughout the 20th century.

A distinctive banner, designed for the School by Kruger Gray, was hung from each instrument and made the trumpeters very recognisable: it consisted of a shield displaying three clarions beneath a crown.

[10] It is located in the former Military Detention Quarters at HMS Nelson, which have served as the Royal Marines School of Music since 1996; the former cells provide a rehearsal space for each individual musician.