*
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    


Bolton Crown Court

Brass band conductor sentenced for abuse of position of trust

July 2 • Sam Olsson is sentenced at Bolton Crown Court after pleading guilty to two counts of sexual activity with a girl under 18 by a person in a position of trust.


tIPS

BBE announces partnership with donations platform

July 2 • Brass Band England member bands can benefit from an easy way to gain cashless donations.


Mead in Japan

No fatigue for touring Mead

July 2 • Steven Mead has just return from tours of Japan and Australia with China, Taiwan and Hong Kong to come.


Wainstone Cup

Sextet after big money at Dr Martin contest

July 2 • Six bands will look to claim a large slice of prize money at the Dr Martin Wainstone Cup contest this weekend in Yarm.


Brass Bands England - Brass Band Week

Saturday 5 July • Nation wide


Besses Boys' Band - Besses Boys' Band Summer Concert

Saturday 5 July • The Derby High School, Radcliffe Rd, Bury BL9 9NH


Putney and Wimbledon Brass Band - Summer Concert

Sunday 6 July • Community Church Putney, Werter Road. SW15 2LL


Longridge Band - Anniversary Concert

Saturday 12 July • Longridge Civic Hall, 1 Calder Avenue, Longridge, Preston PR3 3HT


Haverhill Silver Band - Proms Concert - St Ives

Saturday 12 July • Hill Rise Park, St Ives PE27 6SP


Hathersage Band

July 2 • FRONT ROW CORNET (position negotiable). Hathersage Brass Band is a thriving, non-contesting community band. We enjoy our music making and have a good gig schedule. Are you the right person to join our happy band?


Linthwaite Band

July 1 • We are a friendly 4th section contesting band with various engagements throughout the year, and currently have a vacancy for a cornet player (position negotiable) and are keen to fill the position. Please see contact details below.


Newport Borough Brass Band

July 1 • We are inviting applications for the position of Principal Cornet. . Would you like to be a part of the process to lead & shape the future of the band? Newport Borough Brass Band are looking for a dynamic Principal Cornet player to lead the team.


Mark Wilkinson


Cornet Soloist, Teacher, Adjudicator, Conductor


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd