One of the great sights and sounds of Whit Friday this year was certainly provided by The Band of the King's Division, which took to the Tameside circuit to help raise funds for the Army Benevolent Fund.
Welcome
Not only did the band receive a wonderful welcome under the direction of Captain Justin Matthews at each venue, but also showed their musical excellence to fine effect too — claiming victory honours at Carrbrook as well as finishing second at Denton and Stalybridge Celtic and gaining third places at Stalybridge and Dukinfield.
It meant that the band was able to help raise a substantial amount for the Army Benevolent Fund — the charitable organisation that does so much to help servicemen and women and their families.
Working together
The King's Division also showcased the Corps of Army Music's commitment to working closely with local bands and communities — with a host of players already enjoying regular rehearsals and contesting with many bands in the North West of England and beyond.
Ethos
A CAMUS spokesperson told 4BR: "This is at the very core of the ethos behind our three professional brass bands. We want to enable our players to enjoy occasions such as Whit Friday with us, as well as give a lasting commitment to local bands in their areas."
They added: "Those links are getting stronger all the time and are already working successfully. All that and the players get the very best tuition and training from us — and get paid for doing something they love!"
We want to enable our players to enjoy occasions such as Whit Friday with us, as well as give a lasting commitment to local bands in their areasCAMUS spokesperson
Want to be a part?
So if you want to enjoy a full time musical career in brass banding — and one that allows you to still enjoy commitment to high class banding, then why not find out more about the FREE Kneller Hall Summer Academy.
Summer Academy
The Summer Academy takes place between the 2nd & 8th August and is open to all musicians aged 17 years of age to 33 years of age of Grade 7 playing standard.
The week-long event also presents an ideal opportunity for young musicians who wish to consider a musical career within the Corps of Army Music — including its three professional brass bands.
Brass band opportunity
There will be the opportunity to hear one of these bands first-hand throughout the week, with the Prince of Wales Division Brass Band from St Athan performing and available to answer any questions or queries potential recruits may have.
Free
The event is free to attend, with all rail travel to and from Kneller Hall, meals and accommodation covered.
The week covers full band sessions, sectional rehearsals and marching band, a 'Beating Retreat' by the Household Cavalry Band and a special 'Green Day', where potential recruits are also shown the military side of being an Army Musician.
Interested?
If you are interested in a career in the Corps of Army Music, all you have to do is click:
