New Year MBE joy for tuba-playing Major

Major David Barringer (pictured), who lived in Greasbrough before joining the Army 29 years ago, was told of his award by his commanding officer on Boxing Day.

The honour is in the Military Division of the New Year’s Honours.

Tuba player Mr Barringer (44), who now lives in Edinburgh, studied at Old Hall Comprehensive School in Kimberworth before landing a musical audition with the Coldstream Guards and joining the Army as a musician.

The married father of two is now director of music of the Band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland.

He said it was “nice to be recognised” and his family was very proud.

Mr Barringer said he had yet to receive the full details of his nomination but believed it was linked to his work reorganising Army music and introducing brass bands into the service, as well as his duties with the Army Inspectorate.

He said he did did not know when he would be presented with his honour but suggested it could be at Holyrood Palace in Scotland during a visit by the Queen.

Mr Barringer was appointed director of music for the Royal Signals in 2009 and in February 2012 became acting major at the Royal Military School of Music. 

He worked for some time at Army headquarters in Andover before taking up his current post and has also been involved with bands including Bournemouth Concert Brass, Flowers, Yeovil, Aldbourne, and SWT Woodfalls.

Mr Barringer has also helped create three professional Army brass bands and was an adjudicator at the Band Supplies Scottish Challenge Contest in Perth.