Cadet Force Music at Kneller Hall

Cadet Force Music put through their paces at Kneller Hall

The early Easter holiday this year resulted in a low attendance at our annual music camp at Altcar in March. To enable cadets to attend a music concentration during their own regional school holiday a series of alternative training weeks were established at Gloucester, Browndown Camp, Hampshire and Kneller Hall, Twickenham.

The Royal Military School of Music were keen to offer their facilities and Cadet Force Music is grateful for their continued support. Over 50 Cadets and Adult staff took part in the week's training which covered all aspects of a career in music. Cadets were ‘gently' introduced to playing music on the march. This was done at the Rifles pace, at a 140 paces to the minute. The footage of the Household Division Cadets on parade trying to keep up may be on U Tube soon.

The other skills being taught were conducting, accompanying a soloist, performing a solo and acting as the compere' during a concert. Every year there is a notable increase in the confidence of the Cadets when talking in public. The more senior Cadets, who are involved with the B Tec award in music, actually planned a series of concerts starting with a blank piece of paper. One scenario was carrying out a half time marching display at a football match. The Cadets rose to the challenge once again and performed a 10 minute marching display in front of The CRF during his visit to the concentration.

Every Cadet received at least one lesson on their personal instrument from a qualified instructor and they all made progress towards their next star grade being awarded. Congratulations go to L/Cpl Lissy Furber, Alto Sax from Shropshire ACF who won the Gold Award for Progress, Achievement and an Outstanding Contribution to the course. The wide range of music played during the week included tunes from Shrek, The Pirates of the Caribbean and Dad's Army. However, it was not work all of the time, as each evening contained some social activity. A Pizza party, a Kareoke sing a long, a film night, a trip to the local bowling alley and a quiz evening were all well attended and supported by the Cadets.

The highlights of the week were the two concerts on the Thursday. In the morning we played for the residents of The Royal Star and Garter Home, Richmond whose oldest resident is 102. In the evening we played at The Royal Hospital Chelsea and watched the ceremony of Beating Retreat by the Regimental Band of the Rifles. It was a fantastic week for all concerned and the closing comment must be a quote from a young cadet taking part. "Sir, we've have had a great time and actually played ‘who do you think your'e kidding Mr Hitler' to people who really sang along to it during the second world war".