Bands and Teams

If the minimum isn’t enough for you, there are teams you can join, and the celebrated 21 Army Cadets Pipes and Drums band. Some of these groups only accept new members at certain points in the year, so listen to announcements at closing parade if you want to participate.

21 Army Cadets Pipes and Drums

One of the flagship programs at 21 RHFC ACC is our Pipes and Drums band. They meet on Tuesday nights from September to June, and have instruction in bagpipes and drums (snare, swing tenor, and bass). 21 Royal Highland Fusiliers – Army Cadet Corps Pipes and Drums is one of four corps and squadrons of the joint band training program under the auspices of the Regimental Trust of the Royal Highland Fusiliers. The band training progresses under the musical instruction and direction of Gord Black from Paris Port Dover Pipes and Drums, and the mentorship of senior band members. As soon as bandies are accomplished enough on their practice instruments (chanters or drum pads), they receive their bagpipes or drum and can form up with the band on parade nights. When they are accomplished enough on their instruments, they are invited to join the 21 Army Cadets Pipes and Drums competition band. The competition band has met an important milestone in their development. This year marks the first time that the 21 Army Cadet Pipes and Drums has competed on their own. Some of the cadets have competed as part of a joint band project in past years; however, they are proud, in their last year as cadets, to finally see the band competing on their own strength.Members of the Pipes and Drums can also apply to attend summer camp as musicians.  These cadets will hone their skills culminating in being part of the CTC Blackdown Military Band.

This is a great opportunity for any aspiring musician.

Orienteering Team

During the training year, there are a few orienteering events that the orienteering team attends.  Every fall there is a regional orienteering competition. Teams from across the region and province gather together to compete for the best time.  The competitors are judged on their ability to find markers in the shortest time possible.  We are proud to say, 21 RHFC ACC has done extremely well at these. In the spring, 21 Army Cadets participates in the Cambridge Urban Adventure Race, which sends teams out through one the founding villages of Cambridge. The race moves on a 3 year cycle between Galt, Preston, and Hespeler.

Marksmanship

While it is part of all cadets’ training to learn how to safely load and shoot the air rifles, those cadets who particularly enjoy or have skill can try out for the marksmanship team. The team consists of both junior and senior cadets, as well as alternates. Members attend regional tournaments to compete against other corps and squadrons.

Drill Team and Flag Party

It is a very proud moment at closing parade every week when the RSM says, “March on the flags”. The Flag Party Commander, two flag sergeants and two rifle sergeants march on with the Canada Flag, the Royal Canadian Army Cadet ensign, and the 21 Army Cadet flag. You need a high standard of drill to be on the flag party, but we can teach you that. Tryouts are held early in the year. If you want to be a part of this proud military tradition, tryouts are early in the training year.

Drill team is equal parts fun and tradition. When you’re watching a group with very crisp drill skills, it’s inspiring. But who also doesn’t want to be able to do the drill performance that Bill Murray and his section of misfits perform at the end of Stripes. The 21 RHFC-ACC Drill Team does demonstrations throughout the year at different events and competes in May at the Regional Drill Competition. If you’d like to join this team – and everyone is welcome – listen for announcements about practices at final parade or look on the cadet calendar.

CATO 54-04 Lee Enfield Rifle Drill

The Canadian Forces Manual of Drill and Ceremonial

Cadet Council

Just as Student Council is a vital element of school life, Cadet Council also strives to give cadets an additional venue to make their ideas heard in their corps. Civics is an important part of making good citizens, so it makes sense that we include that wherever possible at 21 Army as well. The aim of Cadet Council is to provide representation from all star levels, with a chairperson to lead them and liaise with the 21 staff (for training ideas) and Support Committee (for other morale and esprit de corps).

Beginning in October, cadets will campaign to be the representative for their star level or Chair of the Council.

The Cadet Council is responsible for dealing with issues and coming up with ideas for things that don't fall under the normal part of Cadet training.  The council has a budget of their own to spend, with guidance from the Support Committee, on morale items or events. They have spearheaded the drive to get spirit wear for the Corps, organized extra-curricular events, and instituted special treat days at the armoury, and have been instrumental in helping guide the CO in understanding what cadets want. The Chairperson of Cadet Council takes the ideas generated at council meetings to either the Training or Support staff, and is invited to participate in Support Committee meetings to take action items back to their council. Cadet Council star representatives gather information from their constituent cadets, and deliver information back to their peers from the Support Committee.