Two members of the 386 Komox Squadron in Comox helped MC a performance by the Albert Head Air Cadet Summer Training Centre Band on Aug. 5.
Connor Gibson and Chelsea Nielsen, both 15, are attending the Military Band – Intermediate Musician Course (MB-IMC) at the Victoria training centre, a six-week course where air cadets learn musicianship, drum major skills, band drill, conducting, band management, and other music skills that they will bring back to their home squadrons after the summer.
This is the first summer for the MB-IMC at Albert Head, replacing the six-week Service Band Course as part of the ongoing Cadet Program Update.
Gibson opened the performance by introducing O Canada, while Nielsen touched on the band’s highlights this summer: placing first in the Marching Band Category at the Cowichan Valley/Duncan Parade, second place in the Nanaimo Bath Tub Parade’s Best Fraternal Entry category, and volunteering at the Victoria Symphony Splash.
Gibson and Nielsen both attend G.P. Vanier Secondary School in Courtenay. Gibson enjoys drumming and aspires to be a politician. Nielsen, who loves singing and dancing, hopes to be a singer.
The cadet program is designed to contribute to the development and preparation of youth for the transition to adulthood, enabling them to meet the challenges of modern society through a dynamic, community-based program. Canadian Forces Reserve Cadet Instructors Cadre (CIC) Officers are responsible for cadet training, supervision and administration.
The vast majority serve the CF on a part-time basis while continuing full-time studies or pursuing a civilian career. The CIC celebrated 100 years of service to Canada in 2009.
To find out more about the Royal Canadian Air Cadets, the Cadet Instructors Cadre and Albert Head Air Cadet Summer Training Centre, visit www.cadets.ca.
— Albert Head Air Cadet Summer Training Centre