First female in top music role stresses importance of seeing women lead from the front
The Director of Music for the Band of the Welsh Guards has expressed the importance that "everyone gets to see women leading from the front".
Major Lauren Petritz-Watts made regimental history by becoming the first-ever female Director of Music of the Welsh Guards Band in April 2022.
To mark International Women's Day, she spoke to Forces News about how she is so "thankful that the women who went before me made it possible" for her role today, and that it is "really important that everyone gets to see women leading from the front".
Major Petritz-Watts added: "When it becomes a normalised environment then we will know that actually we have got that equality across all cultures and rank structures.
"I'm just really thankful that the women who went before me made it possible for me to be here now."
The Director of Music has already led the Band of the Welsh Guards in performances in the gardens of Buckingham Palace and at the FA Cup final alongside the Bands of the Coldstream and Irish Guards.
Advice for aspiring directors
The major also offered some advice for potential future Directors of Music.
She said: "Have confidence in what you want to do, be that to continue playing an instrument or to become a conductor, both are hugely rewarding roles.
"I think, just say 'yes'. Too often people say 'no I can't do it', but just say yes, you can do it, go out there and sort of make sure you're prepared to go and do the best that you can."
International Women’s Day has been marked across the Armed Forces including at Edinburgh Castle.
Sergeant Laura Carling from the Royal Horse Artillery fired the One O’clock gun – taking over from the usual District Gunner to mark the occasion.
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