WATCH: Swadlincote Air Cadets Squadron Band Goes 'Virtual' To Ensure They Stay On Song

Swadlincote air cadets' parade nights may have been cancelled due to the coronavirus lockdown, but that's not stopping the squadron band from practising.

Members of 1211 Swadlincote Squadron ATC marching band have filmed themselves playing 'The Wild Geese', with musical director Flying Officer Matt Leedham sewing the footage together to create a video - which you can see above.

Fg Off Leedham told Swadlincote Nub News: "We took our lead from the air cadet regional and national bands and decided to practice virtually.

"I exported an audio file to the band members who could then listen to the music on one device and record themselves playing along to the piece on another.

"We are limited by the fact the squadron's instruments are currently locked away, so those taking part are using their own instruments.

"That's why the band second-in-command Sergeant Tom Clamp can be seen improvising a bass drum by banging a wooden block against a cable reel!

"Sewing the videos together took me about eight hours in total, but I've now found a better - and much quicker way."

Fg Off Leedham is now planning more videos and inviting the squadron's Facebook 1211 Sqn followers to select the next piece to be played from a choice of three.

The 31-year-old has been involved with the squadron band for 18 years, joining as a cadet trombonist at the age of 13 and taking up the baton, with other cadets, when the band leader left six years later.

After leaving the cadets at 20, he stayed on as a staff member and musical director.

The Swadlincote squadron has just over 100 members, aged between 12 and 20. Around 18 make up the band, which has no joining criteria, with half drummers and the remainder playing various other instruments.

Although not a qualified music teacher, Fg Off Leedham with the help of deputy Sgt Clamp, nurture the musical talents of members, many of whom join the band unable to play any instrument.

As well as playing for pleasure, the band competes in the air cadets' annual competition to find the best solo performers, ensembles and marching bands and takes part in three parades each year - on ATC Sunday in February, Battle of Britain Day in September and November's Remembrance Sunday.

But it's not just band members staying connected during lockdown, the squadron is staging two virtual parade nights each week.

"There are different training activities, as much of our syllabus can be done virtually, including BTEC in aviation studies and a radio skills course.

"We also have quizzes and are planning to take part in a virtual escape room and flight simulator sessions," adds Fg Off Leedham.