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As well as the regular activities offered in the CCF, cadets also have the opportunity to participate in the Band.
This is a Tri-Service Band which was re-formed (established in 1872) in September 2008 by Capt Adam Kingston and is utilised to provide musical accompaniment for cadet functions and parades, in particular Doctors Day and Inspection Day.
In this short period the band has quickly developed with an approximate strength of 25 highly competent musicians, who have attended various high profile performances – including the Honourable Artillery Company and the Guards Chapel at Wellington Barracks.
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Cadet Band Support Inspection Day in 1900
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The Band perform at Doctor’s Day
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Cadets can volunteer for the Band from Year 10 onwards. There they will learn all aspects of a military band including:
• Marching Band
• Music theory
• Music composition
• Instrument maintenance
Dispensation may be given for those cadets with previous music grading which may allow cadets to progress quickly through the band rank structure.
It is important to note that this commitment is like no other commitment in the CCF. The band is one of the ‘high profile’ aspects of not only the MTS CCF but also the school. Many very senior regular officers have already heard and expressed an interest in the excellent reputation the band has.
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Every Cadet Musician still participates in their respective section activities (be that shooting and fieldcraft with the Army Section, flying in the RAF Section or sailing with the Navy Section). This is to ensure that cadets get the same opportunities as other cadets. All that is expected from each cadet is once they have made a commitment to the band is that they participate for a full academic year. This is so the band can get consistency in each musical instrument. |
Drum Major Kelvin is taken through his paces at
Wellington Barracks
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| Opportunities for a Cadet Musician |
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Insight Courses are available at the renowned Royal Military School of Music, Kneller Hall or with one of the 23 professional Military Bands around the country. This fantastic opportunity allows Cadet Musicians to further gain experience in a professional music environment. In previous years cadets have been able to visit Military Bands at Buckingham Palace to see behind the scenes of the changing of the guard or to participate in concerts at the Royal Hospital Chelsea for the Pensioners.
Monthly music practice is also available to every Cadet Musician at Wellington barracks, which is designed to improve the standard of music for the Cadet and to expose them to the pressures of performing to a live audience. This normally occurs on the parade square with locals, the elderly and tourists taking a keen interest in their activities.
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Cadets Bennett, Bielicki, and Coleman-Evans
rehearsing with the Welsh Guards
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| Combined Cadet Force Band Music Concentrations |
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Drum Major Kelvin and Cadets Logan, Coleman-Evans,
Khakhar Yehuda attending Longmoor Camp 2009
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Twice a year (normally run in Easter and October half term holidays), Cadet Musicians gets an opportunity to attend music camps alongside other cadets at all levels culminating in a series of examinations (which are ABRSM accredited) and performing in one of the largest musical ensembles in the country, allowing the opportunity for cadets to mix with their peers and to exchange ideas.
Although significant, music is not the only part of the music camp. Cadets participate in military skills such as weapons training and numerous adventure training activities such as rock climbing, canoeing, windsurfing and many more, which enable cadets to develop their confidence and their leadership potential.
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| Qualifications in the Combined Cadet Force Band |
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But it's not just camaraderie that cadets can gain. By following a structured syllabus, cadets can now gain *BTEC First Diploma in Music. Upon completion, cadets will have demonstrated an understanding of all aspects of performance including solo and ensemble work, conducting and how to manage rehearsals. Cadets will also learn how to market, budget, advertise, programme and publicise a music event. This qualification is completely free to cadets and offers them an opportunity to gain recognition for their efforts. This qualification will enable Cadet Musicians to progress to becoming future Cadet Bandmasters
* Qualification equivalent to 4 GCSEs at A* - C level (4 Standard grades at levels 1-3 in Scotland).
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Cadet Logan conducting a Band practice as part of his
Diploma in Music qualification at Longmoor Camp 2009
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| What’s New
The 150th anniversary of the Cadet Forces falls in 2010, a programme of activities designed to celebrate and promote the success and value of the Cadet movement in its 150th year. Cadet Musicians have already taken part, representing some 130,000 cadets and their 25,000 adult volunteers.
Also, there may be an opportunity to gain a new band uniform. 2010 promises to be a year to remember. Recruitment
Lastly, the Band is currently recruiting for new cadets with musical experience to increase its size from its current 20 members to around 30 ahead of the academic year 20010/11.
If you have any queries or are interested in joining the Band please speak to either the Drum Major or Captain Kingston
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New Band No.1 Ceremonial Dress
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