Bands of the RMVCC

Published on 08/07/2016

Music Training has been part of the Royal Marines Cadets syllabus in the VCC since the early 1900s; indeed, we have previously had Royal Marines Cadets based alongside the Royal Marines School of Music.  Our Bands have appeared at the Royal Tournament and on film during The Cockleshell Heroes movie, and we are looking to expand.

Today, the VCC has two Bands in the RMVCC:

  • Band of the Royal Marines Volunteer Cadet Corps Gosport based at HMS Sultan in Gosport, Hampshire.
  • Band of the Royal Marines Volunteer Cadet Corps Plymouth based at RM Stonehouse in Plymouth, Devon.

The Band wear the traditional ceremonial Blue uniform as worn today by the Royal Marines Band Service, a privilege granted to very few outside of the Service.  Our cadets can either be a drummer or musician, and can join from the ages of 9 to 16, and serve until aged 18.  We accept direct entrants to the Band for youngsters whose musical skills are already well developed and will consider those with little or no musical experience if we have spare capacity.  We are also looking for more teaching and operational band staff so if you have musical experience and would like to inspire and instruct our young players please get in contact.

Our musical cadets have an illustrious past, with our bands having appeared at the Royal Tournament, Jersey’s ‘Battle of the Flowers’ carnival, the Ashbourne Highland Gathering Newton Abbott Remembrance Sunday Parade and Portsmouth Navy Days.

Our Bands, including their Corps of Drums, are also available for public displays for which we may ask for a modest donation to cover costs.  Appearing in public not only raises the profile of the Volunteer Cadet Corps but also helps develop cadets’ confidence and allows them to show off their well-earned skills.

 

 

 

 

We are looking for more adult volunteers to help both of our Bands, and for more youngsters aged 9 to 16 to join as cadet drummers and musicians.  You do not need to be able to play already; we’ll provide training and for our adults we need admin and support staff just as much as music instructors.

To contact the Band about joining or booking for an event: