We are delighted to share an exciting update on the future of youth music across London and the South East. With generous support now helping to strengthen the London and South East Region Band, cadets will have more opportunities to learn, perform, travel and grow through music.
In this update
This update celebrates new support for cadet music, explains how it will open doors for young people, and shares the next opportunities to help the programme grow.
New support for youth music
Royal Air Force Air Cadets London and South East Region is pleased to announce significant new contributions to the London and South East Region Band from two London Livery companies.
The Worshipful Company of Tallow Chandlers is providing broad support including for example supporting instrument acquisition and training camps, while the Worshipful Company of Gold and Silver Wyre Drawers is likewise supporting the broad aims with an added focus on the supporting digital inclusion aspects. Together, these grants represent a major boost for the Region’s music programme and the cadets who take part in it.
What this means for cadets
The investment will help remove financial barriers, strengthen regional capability and make music more accessible to cadets of all backgrounds and levels of experience.
- More cadets will be able to learn instruments and take part in music activities.
- Squadrons with limited provision will gain better access to resources.
- Adult volunteers will have more opportunities to develop confidence and skills in music delivery.
- Clearer pathways will help beginners progress towards Wing, Regional and national opportunities.
- The LaSER Band will be better equipped to represent the Region at ceremonial and public events.
Spotlight on LaSER Band
The London and South East Region Band brings together cadet musicians from across the Region. Its members travel from urban, rural and coastal communities to rehearse, perform and represent the Royal Air Force Air Cadets with pride.
From local music activity to major events such as the Lord Mayor’s Show and the City of London Cadet Music Competition at Guildhall, the band gives young people the chance to build confidence, teamwork, discipline and aspiration through performance.
Growing the next generation of musicians
This programme is not just about supporting today’s performers. It is about building a lasting musical legacy across London and the South East, so that as current cadet musicians move on, a new cohort is ready, trained and inspired to continue the tradition.
What comes next
As the programme develops, the Region will continue to welcome interest from Livery companies and other supporters who would like to help cadet music flourish.
- Professional and accredited upskilling for Cadet Forces Adult Volunteers.
- Instrument maintenance workshops to reduce long-term costs.
- Beginner music camps for cadets with little or no previous experience.
- “Try Music” roadshows for rural and underserved squadrons.
- Inclusive ensemble projects including choirs, drumming circles and mixed-ability groups.
- Travel support so that costs do not prevent cadets from taking part in concerts, parades and joint-service events.
Beyond Music we would love to further engage with interested parties, especially livery companies, on Squadron affiliations, support to the youth STEM agenda, Adventurous training and other aspects of our syllabus.
A message to our supporters
We hope our sponsors and supporters will enjoy seeing the impact of their contribution first-hand through visits to music activities, award presentations at annual music camp and attendance at the City of London Cadet Music Competition. Likewise we will hope, in the future to celebrate the contribution other Livery comaponies make to London and South East Air Cadets.
Thank you for helping cadet music grow. Your support is helping young people discover new skills, build confidence and share the sound of the Royal Air Force Air Cadets across London and the South East.
Royal Air Force Air Cadets – London and South East Region
The RAF Air Cadets offer young people exciting opportunities for personal and professional development. They’re an inclusive organisation that cares about helping young people reach their potential and provide aviation based training giving young people confidence, leadership and team working skills ready to prepare them for either service in the military or to excel in civilian life.
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