Learn to Play a Musical Instrument with the Army Cadets
Army Cadets offers incredible opportunities for cadets and CFAVs to learn musical instruments – at any age. We meet two accomplished musicians who are banging the drum for piping and drumming.
Staff Sergeant Instructor Michael Clarke, Drummer
British Army veteran Michael, 66, is living proof that you’re never too old to learn something new.
Having been a CFAV for 30 years, there were few areas of Army Cadets life that he hadn’t experienced. However, that didn’t stop the British Army veteran challenging himself to take up not one but two instruments.
Despite the fact that he’d never played an instrument before, his wife encouraged him to attend a band camp in 2019. He took the plunge, only to discover he had an aptitude for playing the drums.
‘I found I could keep time with the tune even though I don’t read music,’ mówi.
However, just as he discovered this new passion, Michael was forced to abandon music-making because of the pandemic. His wife then sadly passed away during lockdown and that, coupled with other family bereavements, left Michael thinking he’d probably never play music again.
Then, in 2021, an opportunity arose to attend another band camp and, with his wife’s words of encouragement echoing in his ears, as well as the support of his fellow CFAV colleagues, he decided to enrol.
‘I went back on a refresher course to enhance my knowledge and I’m glad I did,’
says Michael. ‘I didn’t have to be retested as I’d already done the course and passed, but I did an adult induction course to help me read music.’
Michael now plays in The Corps of Drums of Cleveland ACF (which comprises cadets from three county detachments). The main instrument is the snare drum, although it’s accompanied by other drums like the bass and tenor, as well as flute, cymbals and bugle.
‘You’ve got to take up two instruments,’ explains Michael. ‘I’ve mastered the drums but I’m still learning the bugle. I’m also learning how to do the drum major’s mace (baton) drill, so I can teach it to cadets.’
As part of his role as an adult volunteer instructor with the Coulby Newham detachment, Michael teaches the 1-star syllabus – something he takes great pride in.
‘When I see a young person taking strides in music, I think it’s absolutely fantastic. To see them do something they never thought they’d be able to do and then master it … that’s my reward.’
Michael has discovered a sense of camaraderie in The Corps of Drums: he enjoys making new friends, teaching young people and playing at live events.
Having learned to play in his 60s, he encourages others to take up an instrument: ‘If I can do it, anybody can,’ mówi. ‘It’s a Having learned to play in his 60s, he encourages others to take up an instrument: ‘If I can do it, anybody can,’ mówi. ‘It’s a challenge but even if you’re unable to master one instrument, you could end up playing another. It’s fantastic.’
Cadet Joe O’Brien, piper
Joe, 15, started piping seven years ago and is a rising talent at Army Cadets’ Pipes and Drums Colinton detachment in Edinburgh.
It was an ex-cadet instructor who spotted Joe’s aptitude for piping and encouraged him to take it to the next level.
‘My mum and grandma really wanted me to play the pipes, so I started when I was ten with weekend lessons run by Edinburgh Council,’ mówi. ‘The teacher who ran those sessions then introduced me to tutor Pipe Major Mike Pretsell who suggested I join Pipes and Drums Colinton when I turned 12.’
| ‘When you first start playing bagpipes you don’t switch on any of the three drones as they take up too much air. You gradually build up your skills until you’re playing with all three of them. It feels really special
when you get to that stage because you can hear their full sound.’ Now, three years since becoming a cadet, Joe plays with 15 other musicians in his detachment and has achieved SCQF level 5 (equivalent to 3-star) in piping. As part of his cadet training he’s also required to take part in other activities, including gaining his 1-star Army Proficiency Certificate. ‘I especially enjoyed taking drill. I know a lot of people don’t, but I quite like shouting. Maybe, as a piper, I like being loud!’ |
Playing the bagpipes is a real labour of love. Pipers start by learning the chanter (the wooden part of the bagpipe where you play the melody with your fingers) before gradually adding the drones (the pipes that produce the bagpipes’ unique sound). Joe spent two years learning the chanter and then another year learning the full pipes.
‘I’ve made some great friends through piping and Cadets. At this point, I’m enjoying my piping rather than competing. I just want to get the SQF qualifications and do tattoos and gigs.’
As well as playing with his detachment, Joe plays the pipes at a care home for the elderly and recently played his first wedding. Happily, he finds the adrenaline that comes from playing trumps any nerves.
‘When you really enjoy it, nerves aren’t a massive factor. Also, Pipe Major Pretsell always said that only one per cent of the audience can hear 99 per cent of the things you can hear. Not many people can tell if you make a little mistake.’
Looking to the future, Joe’s unsure what direction his life might take but he’s confident that piping will be a part of it: ‘I’m not sure music will become a job, but I definitely want to make time for it, and I would like to return to Army Cadets as an adult volunteer and teach other cadets.’
There are so many benefits to playing an instrument, pick your instrument of choice with our easiest instruments to learn article, and Dołącz do Kadetów Armii już dziś to learn and develop this skill.