Flag Party
Flag use within the Cadet Organization is based on military tradition. While there are parallels between the use of flags within cadets and the CAF(Canadian Armed Forces), there are also clear distinctions that must be made. Colours are a very special class of flags, bestowed only to military fighting units, in recognition of the service to their country. Cadets do not hold colours, and cadet flags and flag parties must never be referred to as colours or colour parties.
A Cadet Corps Flag Party is a core element of a Corps and parades the unit’s cadet flag(s). The flags represent the Corps’ identity as distinct from every other unit, and are both an embodiment of, and focal point for, the pride, dedication, esprit de corps, and honour Corps members have for
their unit.
As such, there are important protocols that must be closely followed out of respect for these Corps symbols. From time to time, at events such as municipal parades, Legion parades, etc., cadets may be asked to participate by carrying flags in a non-cadet Corps flag party. These non-cadet flag parties have different significance and do not necessarily share the same protocols.
It is a distinct honour to be selected as a flag bearer in a Cadet Corps flag party, one that is to be reserved for senior cadets . The flag bearers are always senior to the escorts assigned to them. Similarly, the seniority of the bearer shall recognise the relative seniority of the flags carried: the senior flag is carried by the senior bearer, who is then, by definition, the flag party commander. The individual carrying the senior flag is the one who gives the words of command, takes responsibility for the flags, and directs the separate movements of the flag party.
Cadet flags are never lowered or dipped as means of salute, nor is the National Flag of Canada; this is an honour reserved for Consecrated Colours.
Flag party members do not fall-out to receive awards or presentations. It is not appropriate for a flag bearer to pass the flag to another, and it is equally inappropriate for an escort to desert his/her post. Awards to flag party members should be announced on parade, but the presentation made after. Alternatively, cadets selected for prestigious awards that must be presented on parade, such as medals, should not be assigned duty in the flag party.
Pipe Band
Pipe and Drum training includes small group/individual instruction for all participants either on Wednesday evening or at other times as scheduled by the officer in charge of Piping and Drumming. This instruction is generally provided by private instructors from the Piping and Drumming world .
The cost for all instruction is free
Those cadets who are interested in joining the pipe band must advise the training staff and fill out the necessary paperwork to join.
Band practices are conducted on a Wednesday evening for those members of the Pipe and Drum Band which also includes military drill and ensemble instruction.
Piping – All pipers are issued a “practice chanter” and must return it if they leave the cadet pipe band.
Drumming – All drummers are issued a drum pad and pair of drumsticks and must return it if they leave the cadet pipe band.
All instruments and uniform are loaned free of charge to the cadets participating in the Calgary Police Cadet Pipe Band.