Sharpe Music Academy

During the summer holidays I was fortunate enough to spend a week attending the Corps of Army Music Summer Academy, which was held at their headquarters, Kneller Hall in Twickenham. The academy was open to brass, woodwind and percussion players over the age of 15. I was one of 43 students able to spend the week rehearsing and performing alongside the Band and Bugles of the Rifles.

The week consisted of a number of musical activities such as Marching Band practice, full band rehearsals and a sectional workshop with a music professor, alongside fieldcraft and evening social activities. At the end of the week we held a concert on the “Rock” which is the bandstand at Kneller Hall.

The purpose of the academy was to give an insight into what life as an army musician is like. It was an incredible opportunity to improve my drumming and percussion skills as well as being able to meet and perform with people who share an interest in music from all over the UK.