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AIR CADET TRAINING ORDER (ACTO) 123

MUSICIAN BADGES

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Amendment Sheet

Date Amendment Amended By Version No

07/11/2017 Insert Front Cover and Amendment Sheet 6.00

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AIR CADET TRAINING ORDERS

TRAINING ORDER NO 123

MUSICIAN BADGES

SCOPE

1. This ACTO sets out the criteria for the award of Musician Badges within the RAF Air Cadets
under the Progressive Training System (PTS) and applies to both the ATC and CCF(RAF).

GENERAL

2. The Dress Regulations for the RAF Air Cadets are set out in Air Publication 1358
Supplement C (AP1358C). Note that this is an Air Publication (as opposed to an RAF Air Cadets
Publication). Chapter 6 of the document is specific to bands. The Dress Regulations set out in
AP1358C have been sanctioned by Air Command and are mandatory. Consequently, no-one
within the RAF Air Cadets has the authority to deviate from them or to authorise deviation from
them.

BADGES

3. Cadets may be awarded musician badges according to the instrument they play. The four
types of badge which are available in blue, bronze, silver or gold:
a. Trumpeter (crossed trumpets)

b. Drummer (drum)

c. Piper (bagpipe)

d. Instrumentalist (lyre)

4. A table showing the badge corresponding to each instrument is provided at Annex A

5. AP1358C describes the badges and where they should be worn. The following paragraphs
list the criteria that must be met in order to qualify for each badge.

Blue Badges

6. Blue badges are awarded solely on the basis of musical ability.

7. It is not necessary for a cadet to be in a band to qualify for a ‘blue’ badge – although the
assessment route is designed with band members in mind. A cadet may qualify for a ‘blue’ badge
in one of three ways:
a. By passing a recognised music board examination at grade 3 (practical) in one of the
instruments listed in the Table at Annex A. (The Blue Badge Logbook is to be annotated
accordingly).
b. By providing an expert witness testimony (EWT) (ie. school music teacher) that they
play one of the instruments listed in the Table at Annex A to grade 3 standard. (The Blue
Badge Logbook is to be annotated accordingly).
c. By assessment by a competent person1 that they have demonstrated their ability to
play one of the instruments listed in the Table at Annex A to the levels described in Annex B.

1In this context, the term competent person refers to a member of volunteer staff with the appropriate
qualifications and/or experience to conduct an assessment.
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(The Blue Badge Logbook is to be annotated accordingly). Award of a ‘blue badge’ by this
method does not imply that a cadet has attained Grade 3 standard.
Bronze Badges

8. It is not necessary for a cadet to be in a band to qualify for a ‘bronze’ badge – although the
assessment route is designed with band members in mind. A cadet may qualify for a ‘bronze’
badge in one of three ways:

a. By passing a recognised music board examination at grade 5 (practical) in one of the

instruments listed in the Table at Annex A. (A copy of the examination certificate is to be
forwarded to Wg HQ as evidence of achievement).

b. By (having qualified or subsequently qualifying for the appropriate ‘blue’ badge)

performing in a representative capacity2 at Wing level.

c. By performing, on a regular basis, in a band or other ensemble graded as “bronze”.

Silver Badges

9. It is not necessary for a cadet to be in a band to qualify for a ‘silver’ badge – although the
assessment route is designed with band members in mind. A cadet may qualify for a ‘silver’ badge
in one of three ways:

a. By passing a recognised music board examination at grade 8 in one of the instruments

listed in the Table at Annex A. (A copy of the examination certificate is to be forwarded to
Wg HQ as evidence of achievement).

b. By (having qualified or subsequently qualifying for the appropriate ‘blue’ badge)

performing in a representative capacity3 at Regional level.

c. By performing, on a regular basis4, in a band or other ensemble graded as “silver”.

Gold Badges

10. Gold Badges may only be awarded by the Principal Director of Music (RAF Air Cadets), or
the Director of Music of the appropriate national ensemble.

a. National Band Musician. The appropriate ‘gold’ badge may be awarded to a cadet
who has qualified for (or subsequently qualifies for) the appropriate ‘blue’ badge and has
successfully completed an RAF Air Cadets National music camp or workshop and played
with the relevant National ensemble at a recognised public performance.

2In this context, a representative capacity would include playing in the Wing Band, performing at a Wing
event – eg. as a Bugler sounding the Last Post (or a Piper playing a lament) at the Wing Remembrance Day
Parade – or representing the Wing (in any class) in the Regional Band Competition. If in doubt, further
advice should be sought from the PDM – who is the final arbiter on the matter.
3In this context, a representative capacity would include playing in the Regional Band, performing at a
Regional event – eg. as a Bugler sounding the Last Post (or a Piper playing a lament) at the Regional
Remembrance Day Parade – or representing the Region (in any class) in the RAF Air Cadets National Band
Championships. If in doubt, further advice should be sought from the PDM – who is the final arbiter on the
matter.
4 In this context, the term “on a regular basis” means that a cadet must be a bone fide member of the band or
ensemble. The badge may be awarded on initial appointment to the band or ensemble provided that there
is a realistic expectation that the cadet will continue to be a member. However it would not be
appropriate to award the badge to a cadet who performed with the relevant band or ensemble once or twice
on a trial basis but did not reach the required standard to continue.
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b. Pipers and Highland Drummers. The ‘gold’ Pipe Badge or Drum Badge (as
appropriate) may be awarded to a cadet who has successfully completed the ACF Annual
Pipes and Drums Concentration including participation in the main performances at
Inverness and Dingwall.

Order of Precedence

11. Only one musician badge may be worn in the following order of precedence:

 Gold takes precedence over Silver

 Silver takes precedence over Bronze
 Bronze takes precedence over Blue
 Lyre takes precedence over Drum and Crossed Trumpets
 Drum and Crossed Trumpets are of equal precedence
 Pipes may be worn in preference to any other musician badge when it is considered
more appropriate

Annexes:

A. Table of Instruments and Musician Badges

B. Qualification for ‘Blue’ Badge by Assessment

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ANNEX A

Table of Instruments and Musician Badges

CVQO Ref Instrument Badge

001 Flute Lyre
002 Clarinet Lyre
003 Alto Saxophone Lyre
004 Tenor Saxophone Lyre
005 Cornet Lyre
006 Trumpet Lyre
007 Euphonium Lyre
008 Trombone Lyre
009 Tuba Lyre
010 Bugle/Cavalry Trumpet (Eb/Bb) Crossed Trumpets
011 Military Side Drum Drum
012 High Tension Snare (Highland) Drum
013 Drum Kit Lyre
014 Bagpipes (Highland) Pipes
015 Bell Lyre Lyre
016 French Horn Lyre
017 Tenor Horn Lyre
018 Percussion (Tuned/Timpani) Lyre
019 Oboe Lyre
020 Tenor Drum (Highland) Drum
021 Baritone Horn Lyre
022 Piccolo Lyre
023 Flugel Horn Lyre
024 Glockenspiel Lyre
025 Acoustic Guitar Lyre
026 Bassoon Lyre
027 Voice Lyre
028 Piano Lyre
029 Cello Lyre
030 Keyboard Lyre
031 Bass Guitar Lyre
032 Violin Lyre
033 Bass Drum Drum
034 Double Bass Lyre
035 Fife Lyre
036 Penny Whistle Lyre
037 Drum Major -
038 Bass Bugle Lyre
039 Tenor Drum Drum
040 Harp Lyre
041 Soprano Saxophone Lyre
042 Electric Guitar Lyre
043 Bass Trombone Lyre
044 Baritone Saxophone Lyre

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ANNEX B

Qualification for ‘Blue’ Badge by Assessment

1. The appropriate ‘blue’ badge may be awarded to a cadet who has demonstrated their ability
by completing the following:

a. Crossed Trumpets Badge - Trumpeters:

(1) Perform the “bugle scale” ascending and descending.

(2) Perform the appropriate part for their instrument in all of the following pieces:

(a) General Salute

(b) Last Post

(c) Reveille

(d) Sunset

(1) Perform the appropriate part for their instrument in three march pieces that are
regularly used by the band to which the cadet belongs. This demonstration must be
carried out on the march with sufficient numbers of the band to ensure the overall
sound of the band is maintained.

(2) Demonstrate knowledge of drill and dress regulations for bands/bandsmen.

(3) Demonstrate correct instrument handling and maintenance.

b. Drum Badge - Percussionists (excluding tuned percussion):

(1) Perform the following technical elements for the snare drum:

(a) Double stroke roll

(b) Triplet

(c) Paradiddle

(d) Flam

(e) Drag

(2) Perform the appropriate part for their instrument (side, tenor or bass drum, or
cymbals) in the following pieces with either:

(a) General Salute

(b) Sunset

(c) Four different 16 beat solos

(3) Perform the appropriate part for their instrument (side, tenor or bass drum, or
cymbals) in three march pieces that are regularly used by the band to which the cadet
belongs. This demonstration must be carried out on the march with sufficient numbers
of the band to ensure the overall sound of the band is maintained.

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(4) Demonstrate knowledge of drill and dress regulations for bands and musicians.

(5) Demonstrate correct instrument handling and maintenance.

c. Pipe Badge - Pipers:

(1) Perform one scale ascending and descending.

(2) Perform the following grace-notes:

(a) G grace-note

(b) D grace-note and strikes

(c) E grace-note and high A grace-note

(d) The throw on D (These may be performed on the chanter)

(3) Perform three march pieces that are regularly used by the band to which the
cadet belongs. This demonstration must be carried out on the march with sufficient
numbers of the band to ensure the overall sound of the band is maintained.

(4) Demonstrate knowledge of drill and dress regulations for bands/bandsmen.

(5) Demonstrate correct instrument handling and maintenance.

d. Instrumentalist Badge - All Other Instruments (including Tuned Percussion):

(1) Perform one scale ascending and descending.

(2) Perform the appropriate part for their instrument5 in all of the following pieces:

(a) General Salute

(b) Last Post

(c) Reveille

(d) Sunset

(3) Perform the appropriate part for their instrument in three march pieces that are
regularly used by the band to which the cadet belongs. Where appropriate6, this
demonstration should be carried out on the march with sufficient numbers of the band
to ensure the overall sound of the band is maintained.

(4) Demonstrate knowledge of drill and dress regulations for bands/bandsmen.

(5) Demonstrate correct instrument handling and maintenance.

5Where the pieces listed are not appropriate to the instrument (eg. guitar, violin, piano) alternative pieces of
a similar relative standard may be substituted). If in doubt, further advice should be sought from the PDM –
who is the final arbiter on the matter.
6Where an instrument is not played on the march (eg. oboe, violin, piano) it should be played in the
appropriate position (at the halt, sitting, etc).
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