| Biography | Frederick Joseph Ricketts (21 February 1881 15 May 1945) was a British composer of marches for band. Under the pen name Kenneth J. Alford, he composed marches which are considered to be great examples of the art. His career as Bandmaster in the British Army, and latterly as Director of Music in the Royal Marines, is legendary. Conductors, musicians, and the public, have been known to agree with conductor Sir Vivian Dunn in calling Ricketts "The British March King." Ricketts frequent use of the saxophone contributed to its permanent inclusion in military bands.
Director of Music in the Royal Marines |