Cambridgeshire Army Cadet Force has appointed a new Cadet Drum Major, 17 year old Cadet Staff Sergeant Sophie Carrick.
Cambridgeshire Army Cadet’s band (The Corps of Drums) is based at The Army Reserve Centre, London Road, Peterborough, and Sophie will be its most senior cadet. On parades she will be at the head of the formation, and carry a mace which is used to give many of the commands, including to start and stop both marching and playing.
Sophie joined Cambridgeshire Cadet Force in 2017 and after completing her basic Army Proficiency Certificate (APC) skills, she opted to join The Corps of Drums. Her highly successful cadet career has seen her achieve a BTEC award for Young Leaders, qualify as a Youth First Aider and complete a high level cadet music qualification last November. Drum Major Carrick brings significant skills to the role; as well as ceremonial functions, she also teaches other cadets at all ability levels. She plays various different instruments, including the keyboard and flute.
She said; ‘When I joined the Corps of Drums I instantly knew that I wanted to climb the ranks and improve, as it was such a fun and motivating environment. I am so grateful that my hard work paid off and I can not wait to inspire others to work hard, and help motivate them. I love being part of the Corps because we have such a great team and we all respect and help each other. I was not expecting the appointment, but being able to lead Cambridgeshire ACF CoD is a great honour as well as very exciting. It’s just amazing and I am delighted.’
The Detachment Commander of The Corps of Drums, Sergeant Major Marcellus Roberts, said; ‘The appointment of Drum Major is a considerable achievement, and the highest position in Music that a cadet can aspire to.’
Text by PI Doug Stuart
