As well as playing at various local events with the Squadron band a number of cadet have been playing with the National Marching Band of the Air Cadet Organisation.
In June, Flight Sergeant Jørgen Moore, Sergeant Bailey Ryan and Corporal Tom Kraft joined other members of the National Band to perform at 10 Downing Street in front of the Prime Minister, David Cameron to support a Government initiative to expand cadet units in schools.
The National Marching Band playing in the garden of 10 Downing Street.
Following the performance, FS Moore said 'Playing for the prime minister, David Cameron, and other dignitaries in the gardens of 10 Downing Street with the Air Cadet Organisation National Marching Band was without a doubt the highlight of my career in the ATC. I was very nervous at first, but the friendly and warming ethos in the gardens allowed the whole band to relax and play to the best of our ability. It was a very proud moment for myself, and definitely one that I will remember for years to come.'
At the end of July, FS Moore, Sgt Ryan & Cpl Kraft along with Sergeant Tom Hepworth, Corporal Hannah Mayfield, Corporal Daniel Chivers and Cadet Pearce Todd, along with Sergeant (ATC) Sam White travelled down to RAF Halton for a week long camp with the National Marching Band.
The week involved several rehearsals and resulted in performances in Portsmouth for a families day at HMS Excellent and another performance at outside College Hall at RAF Cranwell for the graduation of cadets on the Air Cadet Leadership Course.
Cadets playing outside College Hall Officers Mess, RAF Cranwell
At Portsmouth the cadets were also able to look round the Royal Marines School of Music at HMS Nelson and see some of the Royal Marine musicians in practice sessions.
Cadet being shown round the Royal Marines School of Music by Corporal Ellie Wilson.
The week also saw the first performance of the Air Cadet Organisation Ceilidh band, which featured FS Moore on drum kit as well as Sgt (ATC) Sam White on acoustic guitar and Sqn Ldr Sue Leighton (ex-OC 1224 Sqn) on the flute.
As Cpl Chivers celebrated his birthday during the week he was presented with an Air Cadet Music Services mug by Wing Commander Gil Singleton, Principle Director of Music in the Air Cadet Organisation.
The week was a great success and enjoyed by all attendees. As this was Cadet Todd's first National Band Camp he was presented with the prestigious gold drum badge.
