I was fortunate to have been invited on Saturday evening to A Beating of Retreat at Redford Barracks, Edinburgh. Whatever happens as a result of all the political upheaval we have been promised it would be  a travesty if our politicians failed to realise the outstanding work being done for our youngsters by those in command at the Army Cadet Force. There were 40 pipers, 36 drummers and five drum majors on parade and they charmed the large audience and Army top brass with their music and discipline. Not a trailing drone, not a bad start, not a foot out of place the whole night. Those with a habit of running down the younger generation should have been there to see this. Indeed it was a pity there were not more politicians around. Here was something to get on the soap box for.
A noticeable feature of the half hour show was the quality of the music played. All good, solid pieces, both modern and the more long in the tooth, but all with good melodic structure and, crucially, all within the tradition, all made for the bagpipe. Their big medley was Prince Charles’ Welcome to Lochaber, Seonaidh’s Tune, Molly Connell, Kelsey’s Wee Reel, Castle Rock Ceilidh, Hills of Kintail and Flee the Glen. These tunes and all the others were taken at a steady, controlled pace and this meant good fingering and good phrasing was exercised throughout. Anyone who has taught young pipers will know how difficult this is to instil.
In attendance was RSPBA senior adjudicator Alistair Aitken who was entitled to be very pleased with the announcement that the Cadets’ HQ had been accepted as an examination centre for the PDQB/SQA exams. More than anyone else Alistair is the man who secured a place on the Scottish qualifications ladder for piping and drumming.  More than 100 cadets went through their exams at the last weekend camp in Inverness. Afterwards due tribute was paid to the parents, the adult helpers and in particular to Major Jim Stout and Captain Brian Elrick who are clearly doing a marvellous job. A hearty well done to all the Cadet units on parade.

 Cadets

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