Cadet and Teaching History

In 2004, I began teaching Air Cadets as an Adult Instructor, and formed a band from firstly 470 (Falkirk) Squadron Air Training Corps, which over the next year or so migrated to 1333 (Grangemouth) Squadron.

Together with Hugh Wilson, I taught cadets aged from 13 through to 18, and formed a successful band from complete beginners. I secured Lottery Grants for the establishment of the band, was helped with contributions from my Rotary Club VALE OF CARRON, and assisted with help, encouragement and a very generous gift of spare materials from STRATHCLYDE POLICE PIPE BAND.

Between money and materials, I raised roughly £20,000 to enable the band to be kitted out free of charge to the cadets and Air Cadet Organisation.

The band did not compete, as some members were already playing with other bands, but regularly performed at local and international functions.

I was invited to become Pipe Major of Scotland and Northern Ireland Region Air Training Corps, and in 2007, successfully established a band there, with the assistance of Squadron Leader Alan Forster.

The band were the first outside the RAF to be fully kitted out in Royal Air Force Tartan. Apart from Grangemouth cadets who played for the Regional Band, I didnt teach any of these cadets, but organised them into a fully functional band every time they met, from once or twice, to six times a year. Some really first class players played with the band, and it was a joy to work with them. It has to be said, however, that my maintenance skill improved, while my personal stock of spares depleted during this period!

In 2006, my Air Cadet activities came to the notice of the Glasgow and Lanarkshire Army Cadet Battalion, who approached my work, and asked them if I could be granted facilities to help them establish a Pipe Band for the Battalion. I was lucky enough to be supported in this, and together with Drum Major Drew Caldwell, succesfully set up a Pipes and Drums over the next year.

I became involved through all the above Bands, in the Cadet Piping and Drumming programme operated by Majors Bruce Hitchings and Jim Stout, and benefitted greatly from the support and guidance available.

Sadly, when moved jobs in late 2008, I had to give up Glasgow Army Cadets, but am very pleased to be able to say that the band is now a success, and is growing, due to the new Pipe Major Robert Gibb.

I managed to keep the Air Cadets going for another 2 years, but due to work and other pressures, had to leave in May 2010. I am, however, satisfied that I laid the foundations for a Regional band where none had existed before, and was also able to enlist the assistance of Royal Air Force Pipe Band personell, mainly Pipe Major Ian Hughes, of RAF Leuchars, to ensure that the band continues to flourish.

I found during my cadet experience, that my greatest "buzz" is to see youngsters enjoy themselves through Piping and Drumming, and share the adrenaline rush they experience through playing good music.

I instructed several Cadets to achieve Piping and Drumming Qualifications Board Exams, which provides a recognised Qualification for players. The exams are now aligned and under the Scottish Qualifications authority.

Also see Bands I Have Played With.

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