Whatever your standard or choice of instrument, you are welcome to join, and once you are able play competently, you will be able to take part in your band's busy schedule of engagements both in Britain and abroad. Cadets have played across Europe, in the USA and China, with Gibraltar being a particularly favourite of ACF musical units.
But it's not just camaraderie and a well-stamped passport that you can gain. By following a structured syllabus, you can now gain the BTEC First Diploma in Music, equivalent to one GCSE at A*-C or Scottish Standard Grades as well as ABRSM music qualifications and SQA Pipes and Drums awards. Musical skills can also be used to complete sections of the Duke of Edinburgh's Award.
Twice a year (at Easter and in the October half term), ACF and CCF musical
units gather for a week-long music camp in which over 500 cadets at all levels
play and learn together, culminating in a series of examinations and
performances in one of the largest musical ensembles in the country.
At the highest levels of achievement, cadets are selected to be the
National Drum or Pipe Major and Bandmaster.
These camps receive much support from experts from the Regular Army and
Reserve bands, Corps of Drums and Pipe Bands and they are on hand to train
adults, as well as cadets.
Bands, Corps of Drums and Pipe Bands are in demand for military tattoos and
parades all year round, with cadet buglers much wanted by their local
communities on Remembrance Sunday. Come and join in - we accept
cadets AND adults from highly skilled players to beginners.
