Capt Wright Eruebi
Stag Special
MWO Madison Weatherald joined other cadets from across Manitoba for a two-day music clinic for cadets in Winnipeg last month.
The music clinic provided specialist instruction in drill, music theory and allowed participants to practice with instruments in a larger group setting to complement cadet music programs at local cadet corps and squadrons.
Cadet music training gives Canadian youth an opportunity to begin learning music without requiring previous musical experience.
“I took virtual saxophone lessons online during the [COVID pandemic] lockdown, but it was not as good as in-person,” offered MWO Weatherald, who is with CFB Shilo-based 2502 1RCHA Army Cadet Corps. “Coming [to Winnipeg] is giving me a chance to practice with someone. And a chance to do what all cadets do at gatherings … to mix, mingle and make friends.”
MWO Weatherald joined the Canadian Cadet program in 2017 to hone her firearms skills, and become an expert rifle shot. Since then, she has also attended summer training to learn about aviation near Gimli, and music at Quadra Cadet Cadet Training Centre in Comox, BC.
“I’d been to the maritimes with my family before, but going to HMCS Quadra Cadet Training Centre was my first time to the west coast,” she recalled. “It was so beautiful, and I got to perform alongside a military band and with four members of the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra.”
Music Clinics and summer training are just some of the activities available to youth at local, regional and national levels in the Canadian Cadet program year-round. It is open to all youth between the ages of 12 and 18, and helps develop confident, self-sufficient leaders who form lasting friendships and are engaged in their communities.
Army Cadets focus on physical activity and the outdoors, with MWO Weatherald and her fellow cadets at CFB Shilo working closely with 1RCHA military members.
Adults are also needed to help train, administer and supervise the local youth involved in the Canadian Cadet program. Becoming part of this program is easier than you may think. It’s a lot of fun, and the skills you learn are likely transferable to your regular employment. No previous military or cadet experience is needed.
To learn more about CFB Shilo’s Army Cadet program call 204-765-3000 ext 6328 or e-mail 2502army@cadets.gc.ca
In Brandon, for Sea Cadets call 204-728-3168 or e-mail 60sea@cadets.gc.ca; for Army Cadets call 204-728-2559 or e-mail 2520army@cadets.gc.ca; and for Air Cadets call 204-725-4703 or e-mail 82air@cadets.gc.ca
For more information about the Canadian Cadet program visit www.cadets.ca
Last month with a trip to Winnipeg for two days, MWO Madison Weatherald with 2502 1RCHA Army Cadet Corps played her saxophone led by Cpl Samantha Audet of the Royal Winnipeg Rifles. Photos Capt Wright Eruebi
