How Cadets Can Launch a Career as an Army Musician
For those with a passion for ਸੰਗੀਤ, Army Cadets can be a stepping stone to a professional career. The Army Cadets’ bands and corps of drums don’t just offer the chance to perform at prestigious events; they also provide the training and confidence to take your musical ability to the next level.
Take 19-year-old Corey Kohut, for example. Corey won an Army bursary, allowing him to study trumpet at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire. His passion for playing music for military and ceremonial events began when he first joined Derbyshire ACF Band and Corps of Drums at age 12, having recently passed his Grade 5 cornet. He still recalls attending his first parade night in 2017.
I remember sitting in the car with my mum feeling nervous and with no idea of what to expect. The first piece we played was Angels by Robbie Williams, which started with a cornet solo – so I was thrown in at the deep end!
Building Skills and Confidence
In the cadet band, mistakes are part of learning, and every new event is an opportunity to push musical and personal boundaries.
Parades through city centres, concerts, and annual music camps give cadets stage experience from an early age. Like Corey, many go from tentative first steps to confidently performing solos at concerts and international events.
Pushing Boundaries
The Army Cadets provides cadets like Corey, with plenty of chances to push their boundaries, creating opportunities to grow as musicians. Regular chances to play in concerts, either solo or as a collective, can give young cadets much-needed exposure.
Leadership Through Music
Being part of a cadet band isn’t only about playing, it’s also about leading. Many musicians rise into leadership roles, where they learn to direct ensembles, teach peers, and manage teams. Corey’s promotion to National Cadet Band Sergeant Major gave him the opportunity to conduct massed bands at Easter Camp in Otterburn.
It was a truly inspirational moment to cap off my Army Cadets career. I’d taken up the role which I’d previously spent five years watching senior cadets perform.
Going Further
For those who want to go further, music in the Army Cadets can open a full-time career in Army music. Playing with bands such as the Mercian Regiment or the Royal Engineers allows young musicians to build on their cadet training and experience the professional world of Army music.
As Corey’s transition to the Nottingham Band of the Royal Engineers shows, the skills learned in cadets transfer seamlessly to higher levels of musicianship. From concert bands and marching ensembles to chamber groups, cadets leave with the versatility to thrive in many musical settings.
Corey’s time playing music in the Army Cadets and as an Army Reservist has consolidated his dream of becoming an Army musician. And, with training, performance opportunities, leadership development, and exposure to professional Army bands, you too can transform a love of music into a lifelong career. ਇੱਕ ਨਿਰਲੇਪਤਾ ਲੱਭੋ to get started!