Inverness Concentration
Each year an eight day course of instruction is held at Cameron Barracks, Inverness during the Easter school holidays. The course is open to all cadet forces and attracts upwards of 200 cadets from all corners of the UK annually. The course is directed by Lt Col Robbie Paterson TD, Pipe President Cadet Forces and organised and planned by Major Jim Stout, National Cadet Piping Executive Officer.
Although the ACFPDC is responsible for the course it is very much supported by 51 (Scottish) Bde with instructors being drawn from the Cadet Forces, Regular Army, TA and UOTCs. A structured and progressive learning package is delivered to the cadets which provides an opportunity for learning at Novice, Intermediate and Advanced levels for all Pipe Band instruments.
Not only does the cadet receive first class tution but all cadets are also given the opportunity to achieve Star Level Awards (Music), Music Proficiency Awards and Piping and Drumming Qualification Board Certificates dependant on their level of competency. During the week over half of those attending will achieve a full award whilst all attendees will complete various modules towards a full award.
The course is very intense and a high level of personal application is expected by everyone attending however the experience, musical knowledge gained, variety of night time activities and opportunity to make new friends provide an excellent opportunity for having fun and personal development.
The culmination of the week is the two public performances in Dingwall and Inverness where the Massed Pipes and Drums Beat Retreat. Both events are sponsored by Dingwall and Inverness Councils respectively, who also very kindly provide refreshments afterwards for both the cadets and Adult Instructors.
Cameron Barracks has a very long affiliation with both Army Piping and Cadet Force Piping. The first Army Class of Instruction was held at Cameron Barracks in 1910 under the expert tutolage of Pipe Major John MacDonald and supervisory direction of the Piobaireachd Society. The Army Cadet Force has endeavoured to keep this affiliation alive and very much look forward to the annual trip to Inverness. 2010 will see the celebration of the 150th anniversary of the Army Cadet Force and also the 100th anniversary of Army Piping at Cameron Barracks - a year to celebrate!
For more information about the Concentration email Major Jim Stout, National Piping Executive Officer or telephone 07947 361 741.
Find out more about Piping and Drumming events in the ACF upcoming events calendar.