Opportunities

RSpanner · Jan 31, 2011 9:33 PM

(sorry for the lame title, I can't think of anything else XD)

It's been a good few years since I last properly visited this site. At the time, I had just turned 13, and thought I could do something other than just sit around, just playing video games and the like. What I did to change that was joining my local Air Cadets squadron. The Air Cadets (or Air Training Corps) is an organization for teens ages 13 to 18 years old, they are basically based around the RAF (Royal Air Force) and teach cadets the ways of the RAF. There are quite a few qualifications to be earned, and many opportunities offered. It's hard work, very hard work, but a lot of fun, and you get so much out of it in the long run.

I've been a cadet for two years, and my squadron owns a bagpipe band, which most squadrons around us do not. We get offered quite a few events to perform at, giving us more experience, and more to write up in our CVs.

I'm the drum major (band leader) of my squadron's bagpipe band, and I'm currently learning how to play pipes. As drum major, I've performed in many places, all over the UK, including Scotland.

My first trip to Scotland was to Inverness for a band camp, I composed a video of the week and it is available here:

The second trip was to Balmoral Castle (the Queen of England's summer home) where I had the honor to perform with a huge bagpipe band and to salute her. It was probably the most rewarding thing I have ever done in my life so far.

So, for the point of this topic, have any of you done something like this? (maybe not as elaborate as myself XD) Have you joined something like a cadet force, or a band of some sort, or a type of youth club, or something else that can lead you to other opportunities that will help you benefit in older life? Or are you considering doing such a thing as this maybe?

Erza · Feb 01, 2011 12:34 AM

Sadly no, I have none..
Although, my brother is off working with the big shows and productions like U2, Pink, Rhianna, etc..
I feel a little overshadowed by my family..

RedDragonX · Feb 02, 2011 9:41 PM

I am a member of the United States Navy and have attended various award ceremonies and funeral honors, but don't have any videos seeing as how I don't think anyone would really want to film a sad funeral, but it certainly gives you a great sense of pride when you can count yourself amongst a group that works together to achieve a manner of perfection in your actions.

Congrats on your group and yourself, hope that you can advance much further should you truly desire to do so.

Phoenix_Flyer · Feb 04, 2011 1:37 AM

"It's on video you idiot!" Haha, that bit made me laugh.

Personally, I'm not a member of anything like this. I used to be a member of Rainbows when I was little; but I quit before I progressed on to Brownies or Guides.
The only thing I really do is swimming, where I get to go around the country either for Indoor Championships or for Open Water competitions (in the summer).

There are quite often parades similar to your kind through Scarborough though. I live near the car park that the groups often use as a base to start and finish, so that they all have room to congregate.
Recently members of the Yorkshire Regiment who had come home from either Iraq or Afghanistan paraded through, followed along by a few assault vehicles. That was excellent, and quite touching considering that the streets were packed and they had a continuous stream of applause and cheers through the whole circuit. Brilliant - I hope they arrange to do it again.

Haven't heard of anything like that here in Bangor though, and again the only University club I go to is the swimming one. I really need to broaden my horizons... ah well! XD

Swaffy · Feb 04, 2011 6:25 AM

I have been a worship leader for my church's youth group for about four
years now. I play the electric guitar and the acoustic guitar, but prefer the
electric. I have been playing guitar for the main Sunday church service off
and on for two or three years, and recently became a normal member of
the band.

I am now in college in attempt to major in Music Business. I have some
plans in mind after college, but am still unsure about what to do.

Latias fan · Feb 05, 2011 2:26 PM

I'm getting alot of colloge letters from diffent colloges around the country i live.

#1 Jan 31, 2011 9:33 PM

Opportunities

#2 Feb 01, 2011 12:34 AM

Re: Opportunities

#3 Feb 02, 2011 9:41 PM

Re: Opportunities

#4 Feb 04, 2011 1:37 AM

Re: Opportunities

#5 Feb 04, 2011 6:25 AM

Re: Opportunities

#6 Feb 05, 2011 2:26 PM

Re: Opportunities

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