*
banner

Army life appeals to young talent

A first Spring Academy away from its famous home by the Corps of Army Music has captured the imagination of potential new recruits.

camus
  The talented youngsters enjoyed a professional insight into the music making and a potential career

Musicians from the Corps of Army Music recently led their first ever Spring Academy, based in Bury, Greater Manchester.

The four-day programme saw dozens of aspiring musicians from around the UK tutored by players of The Band of the King's Division and The Band of the Royal Armoured Corps, with each also receiving valuable insight into what life might be like if they take up the challenge of becoming an Army musician.

First time away

This was the first time the CAMUS Academy has ever been run outside the Corps' famous HQ in Twickenham, with the event culminating in a joint performance opportunity at Salford University.

It certainly made an impression on the talented youngsters who attended, with 16 year old Brooke Taylor, from Bolton telling 4BR: "It's been a challenge and a really enjoyable eye-opener. I was able to play the music, but the style was so different.

I've always been interested in a military career but this has made me even more so."

Meanwhile 15 year old Isaac Lyons 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's like an extended family."

I've always been interested in a military career but this has made me even more so16 year old Brooke Taylor from Bolton

Rich pedigree

Summing up the event, Warrant Officer Class 2 John Marsh, of CAMUS, told 4BR: "We chose to hold our first ever Spring Academy in Greater Manchester because of the rich musical pedigree the city-region has.

It really does have a wonderful history of producing great musicians, and we've established excellent 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."

Find out more

For more information on the Corps of Army Music visit:

https://www.army.mod.uk/who-we-are/corps-regiments-and-units/corps-of-army-music.

Become a supporter and help make our future secure.

4barsrest continues to be a proudly independent voice. There are no paywalls to overcome to be able to enjoy what we do to keep our journalism at the heart of the brass banding world. Support us with a one-off donation or subscribe from just £2.50 per month.

Support us    


Wychavon Festival of Brass

Wychavon releases draw details

September 11 • The draws have been made for the popular Wychavon Festival of Brass in November.


aobba

Cheltenham experience added to new AoBBA intake

September 11 • Four musicians will enjoy an insight into the adjudication process at the National Finals in Cheltenham this weekend.


Rockingham

Decade of joint music making to come to end at Rockingham

September 11 • Adam Whittle will step down from his role as Musical Director of Rockingham Band at the end of this year.


NYBBGB C

National Children's Band Summer Course concert to be broadcast

September 10 • You can sit back and enjoy the talents of the National Children's Band of Great Britain as their end of course concert from their recent Summer Course in to be broadcast on YouTube this Friday.


Contest: Lower Sections 1-4 National Finals

Saturday 13 September • Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham GL50 4SH


Contest: Lower Sections 1-4 National Finals

Sunday 14 September • Cheltenham Racecourse, Evesham Road, Cheltenham. . *Please note as of 24th August 2023 the date is provisional according to Kapitol Promotions website GL50 4SH


Petworth Town Band - Petworth Town Band at Petworth Heritage weekend

Saturday 20 September • Centre of Petworth Town GU28 OAH


Cheltenham Silver Band - Holst Birthday Concert

Saturday 20 September • All Saints Church, All Saints Road, Pittville, Cheltenham GL52 2HG


Regent Hall Concerts - The Band of the Grenadier Guards Big Band

Friday 26 September • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Chinnor Silver

September 11 • Our COMMUNITY BAND are meeting again on Monday (15th) and we would welcome any players who fancy joining us for a relaxed and friendly blow.. All abilities are welcome and meeting with us has no impact on your main band.. Cake and coffee included FREE


Epping Forest Band

September 11 • We have a solo horn vacancy to join our friendly 3rd section band. We have a sensible calendar of contests and concerts.. Situated with close links to the M11/M25 and Central line tube station, with our own band room.. Rehearsals Monday night 8-10pm.


Delph Band

September 9 • We are a friendly, hardworking North West 2nd Section band based in Saddleworth. Rehearsal nights are Mondays and Wednesdays, 8-10pm at Delph Band Club. We are currently looking to fill the following positions; Tutti Cornet, Percussion and Eb Bass.


Michael Bennett

BSc, RNCM (Perf)
Performer, Composer, Arranger, Teacher


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd