Local cadet bands top in northern Ontario

JOINT NEWS RELEASE

155 ROYAL CANADIAN AIR CADETS AND
2310 ROYAL CANADIAN ARMY CADETS

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SAULT STE MARIE, Ont. – On May 13 and 14 weekend 330 Sea, Army, and Air Cadets from across Northern Ontario came together at Canadian Forces Base North Bay to participate in the Area Band and Drill Competition.

This weekend, those top cadets are travelling to Canadian Forces Base Borden, just outside of Barrie, to participate in the Regional Competition. 

Cadets from the joint bands of 155 Royal Canadian Air Cadets and 2310 Royal Canadian Army Cadets won Top Pipe and Drum Band this past weekend at the Northern Ontario Area Band and Drill Competition held in North Bay. The combined band was the only band in their category to included highland dancers who performed during the freestyle portion of the competition adding a unique flare. They are prepared to defend their title as the Top Pipe and Drum Band in Ontario. 

Earning second place was 46 Royal Sovereign Royal Canadian Sea Cadet Corps’ Drum and Bugle Band in the Military Band Category. 

For many years there has been a back and forth battle for Top Band between the Royal Sovereign and Admiral Mountbatten 134 Sea Cadets of Sudbury who won this year’s first place. Even with the friendly rivalry between units, the cadets mingle and make long lasting friendships as they understand the long hours of band practices and choreography that get them to this competition. 

The cadets, youth aged 12-18, have devoted months and in some cases years of practice to perfecting their skills with their instrument and as a band. Through all aspects of the Cadet Program, youth are learning skills to prepare them for adulthood including teamwork, leadership, and decision making. 

In Ontario, there are 287 cadet corps and squadrons for a total of 17,000 youth. To get involved in cadets near you, visit www.cadets.ca and click on “Find Us”. You may just find your passion as these cadets have. 

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