About us
The RAF Wyton Area Voluntary Band was originally formed in 1955 by Flight Sergeant John Gordon. In addition to volunteers from the Royal Air Force, the British Army and the Royal Navy, the Band has amongst its regular members, instrumentalists from the MoD Civil Service, and the local community, with every member giving up their own time to play in the Band.
The Band undertakes a wide variety of engagements every year, ranging from formal concerts to military parades. Concert venues have recently included St Paul's Cathedral, Peterborough Cathedral, IWM Duxford and St David's Hall in Cardiff. Five CDs have been recorded of which well over 1,000 copies have been sold. Money from the sales of the CD's is given to RAF Wyton Station Charities every year.
RAF Wyton Area Voluntary Band can provide a Concert Band, Military Marching Band, Big Band (Swing), Clarinet Group, Brass Quintet and a Fanfare Team.
Our home is at RAF Wyton, where we enjoy the full and enthusiastic support of the Station Commander, Wing Commander John Grenville RAF and his team.
Bandmaster Colin Swaep
Colin is delighted and privileged to be the Bandmaster of the Royal Air Force Wyton Area Voluntary Band. Having completed, at senior leadership level, a successful career in Army music, Colin brings a wealth of knowledge, with over 30 years’ experience in military music.
Colin has had the benefit of working as a professional musician in both civilian and military settings, and after leaving the Army Colin was fortunate enough to have worked as a peripatetic brass teacher in both primary and secondary education.
Having started his playing journey with the Thetford Salvation Army Band, Colin has always had a keen interest in brass bands. He has had the pleasure of directing a number of Norfolk based brass bands and has achieved contesting success both locally and nationally. Colin likes to encourage a sense of self-belief and has the ability of recognising and encouraging the musical potential of both an individual, and that of a group of musicians.