Beat This!

Playing in Step

The first weekend camp of the combined bands/corps of drums of Notts, Lincs and Derbys ACF was held in February when cadets and adult instructors travelled from all over the East Midlands to perform together for the first time.

The weekend was hosted by Lincs ACF and we were extremely fortunate to have been afforded the excellent facilities at RAF Kirton in Lyndsey and also by the Air Training Corp.

The aim of this initial training was to allow cadet musicians from all disciplines to work with other musicians in the same instrument group as a balanced quintet/quartet ensemble and then to experience large concert band rehearsals as well as participating in a wide format parade display.

The objectives were to explore the feasibility of collaboration of corps of drums and bands from across the East Midlands RFCA area to enable participation at engagements that would normally be beyond the scope of individual units and to foster a spirit of co-operation and mutual support between all cadet bands and corps of drums within our region.

The weekend kicked off on the Friday night with an impromptu party and "jamming" session - a fantastic start to an amazing weekend.

Tuition was given on the rudiments to absolute beginners who were then gradually integrated with the more experienced musicians to fully appreciate the more experienced musicians to fully appreciate the excitement of being part of a larger band.

The types of instruments available included flute, clarinet, saxophone, euphonium, tuba, trombone, trumpet, bugle, cornet, Scottish Pipes, drums and glockenspiels.

On Saturday evening the musicians gave a superb performance in the Officers' Mess during a formal dinner night. This was followed, back on camp, by a karaoke session which gave the cadets (and adults!) the opportunity to indulge their other talents!!

Everyone was so fired up with enthusiasm at the success of the weekend that arrangements are in hand to perform a concert in 2010 as the East Midlands ACF Band's contribution to the 150 year celebration to honour the formation of the Army Cadet Force.