The Hampshire & Isle of Wight Army Cadet Force Band & Corps of Drums is a youth organisation for girls and boys aged from 12-18. We rehearse weekly on Monday evenings and on the first Sunday of every month at Millbrook Southampton. The band has a large repertoire of music and performs both as a concert and a marching band. Our many engagements in 2009 included carnivals, concerts and parades and a European tour in June when we visited Aromanche in France for The D Day Commemorations. The trip was highly successful and the cadets not only learned a great deal, but had a great time too.

Every Easter the cadets from the Band and Corps of Drums attend the Annual Music Concentration for army cadet musicians from the county cadet bands from all over the country. There are usually about 450 young musicians on this annual camp who spend a week working towards their music star awards (both practical and theory) as well as rehearsing for the end of camp grand finale concert or massed bands marching display. This is a wonderful opportunity for the youngsters to work and socialise with other cadets musicians from all corners of the UK and over the years many strong friendships have been forged.

Other courses open to cadets from the Band and Corps of Drums include the Advanced Musicians’ Course held annually at Kneller Hall (home of the Royal Military School of Music in Twickenham) and Beginners’ and Corps of Drums courses held at various locations in the UK. The Hampshire and Isle of Wight cadets also attend annual camp with the Hampshire company cadets (approximately 1200 youngsters!) and get the chance to participate in a huge range of activities including water sports, go-karting, shooting, archery, rock climbing, abseiling, first aid training, fieldcraft etc. This is all done under the supervision of trained instructors.

The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Band also hold weekend camps at our own Weekend Training Centre at Longmoor. We are very fortunate to have the use of the superb facilities at this location near Liss.

The band welcomes all new members. All grades from competent players to beginner’s we provide uniforms, instruments (brass, woodwind and percussion) and free tuition. Membership costs just £25.00 and this includes a sleeping bag for overnight outings. We are very fortunate to have two mini-buses and trailers to use for band events.