In August, five air cadets from around the UK travelled to The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, where they were a part of the British Army Music Summer Academy.
The academy comprised of lots of different elements, including marching band, concert band, visiting the Army Training Centre (Pirbright) to learn more about the application process into the British Army, and visiting Windsor to watch The Changing of the Guard within the castle grounds, which was completed by The Band of The Irish Guards. The academy was supported by The Band and Bugles of The Rifles, who played side by side with the attendees in a concert at the Tidworth Garrison Theatre in Wiltshire at the end of the week, supported by family and friends in the audience. Attendees also had the opportunity to experience an audition masterclass and presentation about British Army Music, as well as social evenings where teamwork skills were developed in the form of team games, quizzes, and lots more.
Cadet Warrant Officer Amy Berridge from 2235 (Deal) Squadron was one of the attendees and gave us an account on her experience of the week.
"I had an amazing experience at the British Army Music Summer Academy 2024, it made my summer! The staff on camp were all so welcoming, including all of the musicians from both the Band of the Bugles and the Rifles and the Irish Guards. It was so much fun to be able to work alongside the musicians throughout the week while playing challenging but fun pieces and gaining a thorough insight into their day to day life. Whilst playing music in both a Concert Band and Marching Band setting we also made lots of good friends and memories with all of the extra activities provided. I would definitely recommend!"
Cadet Warrant Officer Amy Berridge
2235 (Deal) Squadron ATC
The air cadets were also joined by members of the Army Cadet Force, Sea Cadets and Scouts. The standard these air cadets brought to the academy was exceptional and all should be proud of their achievements from the week.
British Army Music will hold their autumn academy from 27 October to 1st November in Wales.