Englishappoints first female bandmaster

Updated on: 16 September,2011 08:48 AM IST |
Agencies |

The Household Cavalry has appointed its first ever female bandmaster. Esther Freeborn, a pianist and a flautist, is due to take up the post of bandmaster of the Life Guards today provided she completes her final equestrian test. Her new role will see her participate in state and ceremonial events both at home and abroad.

Strike up the band: Warrant Officer Class 1 Esther Freeborn, a pianist
and a flautist, is due to take up the post of bandmaster of the Life Guards
after training for the post for six months. Pic/AFP

Esther said, "It is a great honour. It's been tough." Freeborn said, "It is a great honour to have been appointed to the Household Cavalry as the first female bandmaster. To serve and be part of such a highly regarded regiment is without doubt the highlight of my career.

The warrant officer, who has a degree in music from Wolverhampton University, spent three years in the Territorial Army. She was first appointed as a bandmaster in 2006 when she led the Band of the Parachute Regiment, based in Colchester, Essex.

Esther has spent the past six months taking the Household Cavalry Mounted Duty Course. She will complete it at a parade at the Cavalry's Hyde Park Barracks, in Knightsbridge, London, today.

Did you know?
The Household Cavalry is the oldest and most senior regiment in the British Army. They carry out mounted and some dismounted ceremonial duties on State and Royal occasions.