The Black Watch Battalion Army Cadet Force Pipes & Drums
In
2002, the Pipes & Drums of the Black Watch Bn. ACF were given
status as a seperate detachment within the battalion. This meant that
the young men and women, from 12 years to 18 years old, who wished to
first and foremost learn to play the highland bagpipes, highland snare,
tenor or bass drum, or become a cadet drum major, could train together
as regularly as the other units within the battalion. This gave the
Pipes & Drums to opportunity to gel together and become a coherent
unit as oppose to being a scattered group of Army Cadets who just
happened to play one of the instruments required and who got together
every now and then. This creation of unity helped launch the BW Bn. ACF
P&D's into a force within the Scottish Brigade ACF that was able to
proudly stand by other members and know they had set in place the
structure that was going to keep the standard of tuition high and the
level of achievement among the best. Indeed, our efforts have been
rewarded with various achievements throughout the interim years to
date, both as a band and as individuals.
As with many youth
organisation, young people mature and eventually are not elligible to
stay as young members of our organisation, or work/ education demands
more of them, so their extra curicular activites cannot be afforded the
same committment as before, so numbers fluctuate frequently and
recruitment drives are required to bring young hopefuls into the fold
of experiencing the discipline of learning a musical instrument, as
well as the disciplines of basic drill, map and compass and skill at
arms, to name but a few. Although basic 1 star proficiency has to be
achieved from the military side of our organisation, thereafter the
progression can be achieved solely within the musical aspects if so desired.
Aside from an initial joing fee, a small weekly fee
which helps replenish the canteen and subsides our annual outings to
some degree, instrument tuition is free and instruments are supplied
initially, with no obligation to buy your own unless the desire takes
you when you are more proficient. The practise regime is not a walk in
the park, but the rewards speak for themselves when you become part of
the 100+ strong Pipe Band playing on the Edinburgh Castle Esplinade
Beating of Retreat for a host of different dignitaries. Two dedicated
and currently week long Pipes & Drums training camps are held
annually, as well as some smaller ones at various weekends throughout
the year.
There are opportunities to take part in other Army
Cadet activities, but the main theme of our unit is piping and
drumming, so if you think this is something you want to try, or are
already doing to any degree and wish to be part of our organisation
whilst improving and have a Tuesday and or Thursday free from around
6.30pm to 9.15pm, then check out the contact page attached to the main navigation link.
Thanks for visiting.
If you cannot write a tune down so that it is exactly as you play it, how can you say you really know it?
The Black Watch Battalion Army Cadet Force Pipes & Drums
within the battalion. This meant that
the young men and women, from 12 years to 18 years old, who wished to
first and foremost learn to play the highland bagpipes, highland snare,
tenor or bass drum, or become a cadet drum major, could train together
as regularly as the other units within the battalion. This gave the
Pipes & Drums to opportunity to gel together and become a coherent
unit as oppose to being a scattered group of Army Cadets who just
happened to play one of the instruments required and who got together
every now and then. This creation of unity helped launch the BW Bn. ACF
P&D's into a force within the Scottish Brigade ACF that was able to
proudly stand by other members and know they had set in place the
structure that was going to keep the standard of tuition high and the
level of achievement among the best. Indeed, our efforts have been
rewarded with various achievements throughout the interim years to
date, both as a band and as individuals.
members of our organisation, or work/ education demands
more of them, so their extra curicular activites cannot be afforded the
same committment as before, so numbers fluctuate frequently and
recruitment drives are required to bring young hopefuls into the fold
of experiencing the discipline of learning a musical instrument, as
well as the disciplines of basic drill, map and compass and skill at
arms, to name but a few. Although basic 1 star proficiency has to be
achieved from the military side of our organisation, thereafter the
progression can be achieved solely within the musical aspects if so desired.
annual outings to
some degree, instrument tuition is free and instruments are supplied
initially, with no obligation to buy your own unless the desire takes
you when you are more proficient. The practise regime is not a walk in
the park, but the rewards speak for themselves when you become part of
the 100+ strong Pipe Band playing on the Edinburgh Castle Esplinade
Beating of Retreat for a host of different dignitaries. Two dedicated
and currently week long Pipes & Drums training camps are held
annually, as well as some smaller ones at various weekends throughout
the year. 