Musn Bailey during a lesson with Sally Cresci the Professor of Violin and Viola
The week started with a few 'baggy heads', including mine, from the previous
Friday's Summer Social. It was enjoyed immensely by all and proved to be worth
the embarrassment of the rig (which I might add was also enjoyed by passers
by during the 'walk of shame' down to the Gosport Ferry). The social itself
consisted of Training Company enjoying the luxury of a 70's disco on the Gosport
Ferry, I will leave it to your own imagination as to the style of dress.
Monday morning however, it was back to work as usual, with a more gentle approach
to the morning, but being the sturdy Royal Marine Musicians we are, we battled
on. Lunchtime came and it was into the Concert Hall for the weekly recitals.
This week's recital was given by myself on viola, Musician Allen on violin,
Musician Clarke on saxophone and Musician Imm on clarinet. As the afternoon
came to a close, Monday resumed itself in its usual manner… rounds! With
the smell of polish and cleaning equipment lingering above the accommodation
of the trainees.
Tuesday morning, time to check everything is 'spic and span' before work, then
it's back over to what we do best. The familiar sounds of piccolo and cornet
scales were echoing down the corridor as rounds were checked. Tuesday evening,
and its rehearsal time, preparing for the following weeks concert at Copnor
Methodist Church (the main 'ingredient' being Major Watson's Piano concerto,
which proved to be a 'tasty' piece to play).
Wednesday opened with parade band working hard for their trip to Italy. As well
as musical and display practices, the recent weather had proved to be an acclimatisation
practice for the foreign climate. After a hard morning's work, we secured at
lunchtime ready for our Wednesday afternoon's RT.
7.30 am Thursday morning - PT. After the heart pumping exercise, it was back
to work; with elements and history lessons and homework to be handed in (with,
unfortunately, no excuses, like "my dog ate it" available!!). More
rehearsals in the evening and the week was disappearing fast.
Friday and preparations for the evenings concert at HMS Warrior begin. Working
parties were organised, rehearsals conducted and it was onto the wagon and over
to HMS Warrior to set up.
The week was brought to a pleasurable end with a successful and most enjoyable
concert by the Concert Band conducted by BdSgt Lloyd and accompanied by the
sun going down over Portsmouth harbour!
Musn Bailey during a lesson with Sally Cresci the Professor of Violin and Viola
Musn Bailey