Russ started his musical career at the age of seven as a trumpet/cornet player in Ripon, North Yorkshire and has played with various Championship Brass bands in the north. After gaining A level music at the Harrogate College of Arts and Technology he joined the Royal Marines Band Service in 1993 at Deal and completed his training in 1995, gaining awards for the best cornet player and the aural cup.

In September that year, he joined the Royal Marines Band Britannia Royal Naval College at Dartmouth, Devon where he became the band’s principal cornet player, a position he held for over 10 years. During that time the BRNC band had many engagements internationally, highlights being San Diego, Oregon, Naples, Cyprus and Finland. Russ was promoted to Band Corporal in 2001 and in September 2005 attended the M1 music course passing with distinction. He was promoted to Band Sergeant in April 2006 and completed the year long Warrant Officer Bandmaster course in April 2007 gaining a LRSM and AmusTCL.

In April 2009 he was promoted to Colour Sergeant then later to Acting Warrant Officer 2nd Class to take on the role of the RM Band Service Engagements Co-ordinator. It was also in 2009 that he obtained a First Class Honours Degree in Music and although he is busy working within the Royal Marine Band Service Headquarters, is looking forward to a successful future as MD of the Chichester City Brass Band.