There are a large number of young people I could talk about here, as I have seen a confidence boost in most of those I have worked with. But as we are just coming off the back of the Area Band competition, my mind immediately goes to our district Drum Major, Leading Cadet “J”.
J has been in Southampton band since I took over and, if I’m honest, we have tried various instruments with her. She would be the first to say that whilst she always tried her best, nothing really took at first. I then gave her a set of cymbals just to see how she did, and she was pretty good.
As her confidence grew on cymbals, noticeable as the noise increased, we moved her onto bass drum, where she really excelled and became the district band’s bass drummer. Her tempo was always spot on. The young cadet who once struggled had found her niche.
Knowing our Drum Major was due to age out, we had a succession plan in place, and J was that plan. In a short space of time, she has grown from holding the Drum Major’s staff for the first time to confidently leading the band, delivering displays, and putting on a strong performance with her mace. She has even recently been demonstrating to audiences what a Drum Major can do, a real testament to her enjoyment of the role and how much her confidence has grown. Standing on parade at big events, especially something like the National Trafalgar Square parade, is an amazing experience.
I have played in many massed band events across the world, and while there is a difference between professional musicians and cadet bands, the determination and effort are just the same. Whether marching or conducting, hearing that “joyful noise” fills me with immense pride. The young people turn up and simply “do the do.”
Being an ex-soldier, volunteering with Sea Cadets was never something I planned - until it was. Once I joined, it felt like something that just kept growing on me. It has allowed me to use my skills and develop them further, giving me opportunities I never knew existed. I can’t clearly remember my very first night in uniform, but I do remember coming back to the unit after passing ODP2. One of the other Cadet Force Adult Volunteers (CFAVs) stopped their class repeatedly to face me and salute - it was a strange feeling and one that stuck with me. Watching young people grow in confidence, develop their abilities, and become responsible members of the community is what makes it all worthwhile.
Peter McCullagh
Service Manager, CPMS, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
S/Lt (SCC) Pete McCullagh RNR
Unit Training Officer and Bandmaster Southampton Sea Cadets