Fourteen cadets from the national pipes and drums band attended the annual tri-service piping and drumming camp at Redford Cavalry Barracks, Edinburgh between the 12 and 20 October 2024. Cadets attending were from across the country from London to Inverness
The aim of the camp is to improve performance at all levels, prepare and assess cadets at the relevant Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework level, to achieve Piping and Drumming Qualification Board qualifications and to provide the opportunity to compete in the annual tri-service piping and drumming competitions.
An intensive week of practical and theory lessons and rehearsals culminating in assessments with the competitions taking place on the Saturday. All 14 cadets benefited from the training and showed significantly improved skills by the end of the week, with a number of cadets qualifying for PTS music badges. All 14 cadets entered a range of individual piping and drumming competitions and a miniband was also entered into the band competition. A total of nine individual medals were gained at Bronze, Silver and Gold and the miniband were placed second.
Former Pipe Major and ex-Cadet Warrant Officer now Civilian Instructor Adam Davanna commented about his experience,
"I first joined the Regional Pipes and Drums in 2017, soon after joining the National band and training/performing with the ACF.
I have been incredibly lucky to have performed at events such as the Household Division's Beating the Retreat on Horseguards, the Royal International Air Tattoo and even for the late HM The Queen at Balmoral. I've also been proud to help teach and bring in new band members to the band."
Competition Results
Bearing and Turnout
First Place - CWO Holly Alexander, 2466 (Loanhead) Sqn
Beginner Tenor Drum March
First Place - Cdt Cameron Wallace, 327 (Kilmarnock) Sqn
Third Place - Cdt Tom Keegan, 146 (Northwich) Sqn
Intermediate Tenor Drum 2-Part March, Strathspey and Reel
Second Place - CWO Holly Alexander, 2466 (Loanhead) Sqn
Beginner Snare Drum March
Second Place - Cdt Tom Keegan, 146 (Northwich) Sqn
Novice Snare Drum March
First Place - Cdt Cpl Jake Penaluna, 2344 (Longbenton) Sqn
Intermediate Snare Drum MSR
Second Place - Cdt Cpl Kirsten McDonald-Small, 1990 (Ellon) Sqn
Novice Pipes Piobaireachd
Second Place - Cdt Cpl Charlie Holder, 446 (Forres) Sqn
Intermediate Pipes 2-Part March, Srathspey and Reel
Third Place - Cdt Tom Keegan, 146 (Northwich) Sqn
Second Place Mini Band Medley
- Cdt Pipe Major Graeme McDonald-Small, 1990 (Ellon) Sqn
- Sgt Caleb Barnard, 1143(Portobello) Sqn
- Cpl Charlie Holder, 446(Forres) Sqn
- CWO Holly Alexander, 2466(Loanhead) Sqn
- Cpl Jake Penaluna, 2344(Longbenton) Sqn
- Sgt Amy Davanna, 297(Musselburgh) Sqn