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Dandurand
Sgt Kevin Dandurand
I joined 6 Jim Whitecross RCACS (Winnipeg,
MB) in 2004 when I was 13 years old. I joined later than most other
cadets, as I started at the beginning of January. I immediately realized
that I needed to learn quickly so that I could be at everyone else's
level. I was quick to join Drill Team to improve my drill. I also joined
band and realized how much of a passion I truly had for music. At my first
annual ceremonial review, I was awarded "Top Band Cadet" in 6 Squadron.
I attended Music Levels 1-5 in Penhold (PACSTC) and it was my first summer
course. I was placed in Senior Band and I was quite nervous to be! Here I
was, in senior band, with only 7 months of cadet experience behind me!
Everyone in my flight was so much older and much more experienced. I
quickly adjusted and improved very much. I ended up obtaining music levels
basic, one, two, and three on euphonium. I learned so much on my first
summer course and I couldn't wait to come home to share my experiences and
knowledge with fellow cadets within my squadron.
The following summer I attended Service Band at Cold Lake (CLACSTC). It
was a great course because we focused on advanced band drill and I really
grew as a cadet and as a musician. While at service band I received music
level four on euphonium, and the award for "Top Musician". I was also the
cadet conductor at our band concert, where I conducted O Canada.
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"The cadet program has given me so many
opportunities and I must say that I wouldn't be who I am today if I had
never joined. I love every aspect and responsibility of being a cadet,
and I have most definitely grown as an individual"
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The cadet program has given
me so many opportunities and I must say that I wouldn't be who I am today
if I had never joined. I love every aspect and responsibility of being a
cadet, and I have most definitely grown as an individual. Currently, I am
a Sergeant and I
aspire to become a Warrant Officer before I age out.
I have recently been appointed Drum Major and I absolutely love it. Band
and band drill to me is incredible, and I enjoy it the most. Yes, I am
known as the "bandie" of the squadron, in fact some even call me Bandurand!
I have my basic levels on percussion and clarinet… and I can also play
trumpet, trombone, tuba, and a bit of french horn.
I have had so many wonderful experiences ranging from Prairie Region
Honour Band to Survival Exercises… and I can't pick a favourite. I have so
many memories and so much more to look forward to as a cadet.
My biggest influence within cadets has been 2Lt Tannis Silver. She has
always supported me and given me so much helpful advice over the years!
She has always been THE officer who has believed I could achieve great
things. Because of her, I have been able to succeed with confidence and
merit. 2Lt Silver has helped me so much, more than she probably even
knows! I am very thankful for having such an incredible officer guide me
through my cadet career.
As sad as it is, I actually age out in about 2 years. But I really don't
think that this will be the end of cadets for me. I hope to become an
officer within the CIC, and who knows… maybe I will be a band officer some
day! |
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