The man behind the music: The Royal Marines’ musical tribute to The Queen
Principal Director of Music Lieutenant Colonel Jason Burcham reflects on his fondest memories of Her Majesty The Queen
Many people have taken time over the last week to remember their fondest moments with Her Majesty The Queen following her recent passing.
As Principal Director of Music in the Royal Marines, Lieutenant Colonel Burcham served under Her Majesty The Queen for 36 years and leads the Royal Marine’s musical tributes during her funeral on Monday.
Between 1994 and 96, Lt Col Burcham served onboard the Royal Yacht Britannia, where he recalls some of his fondest memories of Her Majesty. A fond lover of music, Queen Elizabeth II would often have dinners onboard the Royal Yacht, with Lt Col Burcham performing with the band.
We interviewed Lt Col Burcham after he participated in an early morning rehearsal down at Wellington Barracks on Tuesday 13 September:
What are your roles and responsibilities in the lead up to Her Majesty’s funeral?
“On the day of the funeral, we have every Royal Marines band involved, all five, and the biggest of them is two bands combined with a total of about 84 musicians.
Can you tell us a story of your time onboard the Royal Yacht Britannia?
“We were always in a different room, slightly out of sight, so they [Royal Family] couldn’t see us and we couldn’t see them, but the music drifted and created an ambiance. There were also occasions where at the end of a meal, we could provide an extra and that could be anything in the repertoire, anything from a solo item or something comedy.
“We used to have a bassoonist who would dress up as Batman in an unflattering Batman costume and used to play the bassoon, and The Queen loved that. We did it on a number of occasions because she asked for it specifically.
“It is an honour to be personally involved in the funeral, especially with my personal connection from my previous role. From a service point of view, we have always had a terrific relationship with Her Majesty, and from a personal point of view, the respect that I had for her.”
— Lieutenant Colonel Jason Burcham
Did Her Majesty have a certain taste for specific music?
“Going back to the Royal Yacht, there was a particular musical ceremony that we would do on a regular basis. For example, a state visit or a state banquet on the Royal Yacht would have music played throughout.
“However, if we ever wanted to change any of the music, then that would require approval from Her Majesty, and she would audition the music. Part of that was because she wanted to explain what was happening, what was being played and by who, so she could pass on that information.
Did Her Majesty have a favourite genre or style of music?
“Eclectic was one of her favourite styles, but I wasn’t in the privileged position to be receiving those requests personally and essentially we had a repertoire that we played on a regular basis. There was a bit of jazz, strings, something orchestral as well.”
“To be able to stand there and just have that moment to say thank you, that means a lot to me. It is surreal, it still seems unbelievable to me what has happened.”
— Lieutenant Colonel Jason Burcham
