*
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    


Black Dyke Band

Marshall leads with Evo

October 9 • The Black Dyke principal cornet player will lead Black Dyke Band's National title challenge on his new Oldroyd Evo cornet.


NYBBWales

Closing date looms for National Youth Brass Band of Wales auditions

October 9 • Young Welsh players who wish to represent their brass banding nation still have time to book an audition date.


Besses

Besses welcome new principal cornet

October 9 • Danny Riley has become the new principal cornet at Besses o' th' Barn Band.


Mining

Blidworth to help celebrate proud mining heritage

October 9 • The sound of a brass band will return to the site of the former Clipstone Colliery as Blidworth Welfare Band helps celebrate a proud mining heritage.


Regent Hall Concerts - Stately Brass Quintet

Friday 10 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Regent Hall Concerts - Academy Symphonic Brass

Friday 10 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Hathersage Band - Hathersage Village Autumn Concert

Saturday 11 October • Hathersage Methodist Church, Main Road, Hathersage S32 1BB S32 1BB


Contest: National Brass Band Championships of Great Britain

Saturday 11 October • The Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, South Kensington, London SW7 2AP


Regent Hall Concerts - Regent Hall Band of the Salvation Army

Tuesday 14 October • Regent Hall (The Salvation Army). 275 Oxford Street. WC1 2DJ W1C2DJ


Chinnor Silver

October 8 • Our community band is meeting again 11am Monday 13th after completing our first gig.. We would love you to join us.We are a band of mixed abilities and welcome ALL players.. Blowing with us will not impact on your own band and its all free.


Welwyn Garden City Band

October 6 • We are a friendly & sociable Second Section Band with an exciting and varied Christmas season ahead. Due to an employment relocation, we have an immediate vacancy for a FRONT ROW CORNET player.


Tewit Silver Band

October 4 • Principal Eb Bass. Our established bass section are looking for a strong leader to elevate their performance - could that be you? We have an exciting contest schedule including the Scottish Open and and full set of new Besson basses!


David Frame


Bass/Tenor Trombone Player, Adjudicator (Member of AoBBA) Occasional Conductor


               

 © 2025 4barsrest.com Ltd