Army musicians have hosted The Corps of Army Music’s first ever Spring Academy at Holcombe Moor Cadet Training Centre in Bury, Greater Manchester.
The four-day programme saw dozens of aspiring Army musicians from around the UK tutored by soldiers of The Band of the King’s Division and The Band of the Royal Armoured Corps.
Each received an insight into what life might be like if they take up the challenge of becoming an Army musician.
Photographer: Sergeant Donald Todd (RLC) / MoD Crown Copyright
This was the first time the CAMUS academy has ever been run outside the Corps’ HQ in Twickenham, Middlesex. The experience culminated on Thursday when the potential bandsmen and women performed together at Salford University.
Brooke Taylor, aged 16, of Bolton said: “It’s been a challenge: although I can play music, the style is very different. I’ve always been interested in a military career but this has made me even more so.”
Isaac Lyons, 15, of Ashton-under-Lyne added: “This week has given me an idea of what it would be like if I decided to pursue this as a career. It’s hard work, particularly the organisation that goes into marching while playing, but everyone’s been really helpful and it seems like an extended family.”
Warrant Officer Class 2 John Marsh, of CAMUS, said: “We chose to hold our first ever Spring Academy in Greater Manchester because of the rich pedigree the city-region has, its history of producing great musicians, and we’ve got some great contacts with Salford University and The Royal Northern College of Music. This week is about informing these young people about a career in the Army and about getting them to meet and work alongside Army musicians.”
For more information on the Corps of Army Music please visit: https://www.army.mod.uk/who-we-are/corps-regiments-and-units/corps-of-army-music.
