Sea Cadets usually commence their musical careers as a member of a Unit band. Such bands have traditionally consisted of drums, bugles and bell lyres, but over a period of time the instrumental composition has widened to include brass and woodwind as well. This has meant that cadets who have perhaps learned instrument skills at school can take a full part in Sea Cadet musical activities. Solo musicians such as buglers are also fully catered for.
Basic training is delivered at unit level by Unit bandmasters or visiting instructors who are assisted by Area Staff as required. Several times a year, bands and musicians are brought together to form combined or massed bands for the major events.
Three Proficiency Badges are available for bugle, drum and for musicians and following successful audition at Area level, the appropriate badge and advancement points are awarded.
Two National Band Courses are run at HMS RALEIGH each year catering for up to 30 cadets and six adults as Bandmasters under training, on each course. Training is conducted in the band complex of the Band of HM Royal Marines Plymouth, who also provide assistance with training. Higher training for buglers and drummers is conducted at The Royal Marines School of Music as well as training for SCC Adults.
Cadets aged 16+ can utilise their musical skills gained through the Sea Cadet Corps to earn a BTEC First Diploma in Music. This qualification is equivalent to 4 GCSE’s graded A* to C, or 4 Standard Grades at levels 1-3 in Scotland. And it’s free for Cadets!
Cadets will learn all aspects of music making including solo & ensemble performance, rehearsal technique and practice routines, coupled with music administration skills such as budgeting for a performance, advertising and event management.
The scheme is open to Cadets and Adult staff irrespective of whether their Unit has a band or not and there is no requirement for you to be able to read music. For further information contact www.cvqo.org