The Corps of Drums has been a part of Cambridgeshire ACF for several years. In the past it has been based only in Peterborough but it is now open to any Cadet within the County - whichever detachment you belong to. Managed by Captain L. Herriot and assisted by Drum Major J. Shaw the Corps is dedicated to instructing, learning and playing cadet music throughout the county. Our qualified instructors will show you, free of charge, how to master musical skills and even how to achieve your BTEC first diploma in Music – the equivalent of 4 GCSEs at grades A-C. You can join the Corps even if you don’t yet play an Instrument.  No experience is necessary.

 

What is the difference between a Band and a Corps of Drums?

 

 

A band plays mostly brass instruments (as well as woodwind) and a wider variety of music. Examples of military bands include The Minden Band (Royal Anglian Regiment), Royal Marines and the Ghurkas.  Alternatively, a  Corps of Drums plays mostly marching music using side, bass and tenor drums, flute, bugle and in some cases the bell lyre/glockenspiel. In the army, a Corps of Drums is more likely to be part of an Infantry Unit.

 

If you choose to join the Corps of Drums you must also complete basic and 1 Star level cadet training, which is compulsory. After that you could choose to do just band training - but you will be encouraged to follow the usual star training syllabus as well. You can choose to play just one instrument, a couple or all of them if you show you are able!

 

There are two specific music camps each year.  One is held at Altcar near Liverpool at Easter, and the other is held at Longmoor in September/October.  These involve training and testing in musical skills at 2 and 3 star levels, with the 4 star cadets planning and organising a musical event at an old people’s home and then performing it for them.  To qualify as a 4 Star Drum Major cadets also have to complete some mace/staff drill.  Everything you do within the Corps of Drums can count towards BTEC and Duke of Edinburgh awards.  It's a great place to meet like minded cadets from all over England and Wales (Scotland and Northern Ireland have separate camps) and many good and long lasting friendships are formed.