On Sunday 13 October, the Corps of Drums took part in the Lord Mayor's Cadet Music Competition at the Guildhall in Central London. The event took place in front of numerous dignitaries, including The Representative Lord Mayor Sir Andrew Parmley, Captain Claire Lawrence, Irish Guards Director of Music and Officer Commanding, WO2 Jamie Gunn, HMS Collingwood Royal Marines Bandmaster, WO Paul Phelan, RAF Regiment Bandmaster and Senior Drum Major, and Alan Hughes, Worshipful Company of Musicians Junior Warden.

Sapping up the pressure of being the first performers, Mill Hill School Corps of Drums delivered an awe-inspiring performance, ably led by Drum Major Maya D (Cedars), performing a repertoire of Galanthia, Killaloe, Highland Cathedral, British Grenadiers and Mill Hill School Corps of Drums original Static Drum Routine, secured the well-deserved Best Drum Corps award. Alan Hughes commented that the judges' collective opinion placed Mill Hill School CCF ahead for a variety of reasons, not least the drill display that was audacious, incredibly technical, and wonderful to watch.

Alexander H (Cedars), showed that he was bold as brass, courageously performing a note-perfect bugle solo of Sunset, The Last Post, and Reveille. With sensational dynamics and emotion in his performance, a truly immense task for such well known pieces, there was no doubt that he would win the award for the Best Bugler. WO2 Gunn emphasised the bravery, emotive delivery, and excellent tone as he announced Alex H as the winner.

The standard of competition this year was some of the best quality I have had the pleasure to watch, achieving professional standards. The Corps of Drums have worked tirelessly for the last two months planning, practising, and refining their skills to ensure that no matter the result, the performance would always be one to be proud of, but the day was made even sweeter by walking away with two trophies. Under Maya's leadership, the Corps of Drums is on track to have a very successful year; the Cadets are already focussing on the upcoming Remembrance Day Parades.

Mr Sayles
School Staff Instructor