My name is Musn Singleton and I'm from Crewkerne in Somerset. I auditioned
on trumpet but I was offered a place at the School of Music on solo bassoon
which I accepted. I have been learning the bassoon since January and have just
passed my grade 5 with Distinction.
Here is a report of what I did from the 9 - 16 September.
Monday 10
After a house warming party at two of the girls' new house on Saturday, early
morning PT was not really welcomed by most, however, watching the new entry
troop get put through their paces on the other side of the gym brought a smile
to our faces.
Last week I was told by my instructor Sgt Lloyd that I would be helping out
Portsmouth Band in an orchestral concert they had in 2 weeks time. The thought
of playing with trained musicians scared me enough before I was told that they
needed me to play contra-bassoon which I had never played before. The whole
of Monday was therefore spent practising the contra-bassoon and learning the
pieces I needed to know. On Monday evening myself and Musn Naylor played 5 -
side- football for HMS Nelson against For Blockhouse. We managed a comfortable
victory winning 11-4.
Tuesday 11
I was meant to be playing at Portsmouth Band on Tuesday, practising for the
concert, however after lugging the very heavy contra-bassoon over to their practice
room I found that I wasn't needed until next week. And so instead it was normal
practice at the school.
In the afternoon I had a lesson with my music Professor Mr Gale, we spent the
lesson choosing a piece for the recital that I've got on the 24th of this month.
Wednesday 12
I was given leave on Wednesday to play in a football tournament at HMS Sultan,
there was a total of 8 teams that attended and after a closely fought final
against Raleigh, HMS Nelson won 1-0 after extra time.
Other members of Training Company went to the Isle of Wight to take part in
a Sailing Competition which was also very successful.
Thursday 13
Every first Thursday of the month we have sponsored prayers at the School of
Music. This involves a Chaplain visiting and saying a few words to us all. This
Thursday I formed part of a wind quintet which played a few pieces.
In the afternoon we all had an inspection by Drum Major in our blues. On the
whole it was OK with only a few points to pick up on. The rest of the afternoon
for my troop was filled with a very hard 1½ hour history exam, which
we have yet to hear the results of!
Friday 14
I spent Friday morning playing with Portsmouth Band which I enjoyed very much
as it gave me the chance to play with some of the trained musicians of the Royal
Marines.
At 11.00 the whole of HMS Nelson paid their respects for the tragic events that
took place earlier in the week in America with a 3 minute silence. On Friday
afternoon we had a visit by the PDM and we performed a concert band piece, Gabriels
Oboe (soloist Musn David). I spent the rest of the afternoon practising my recital
piece.
Saturday 15
On Saturday students in term 3 that haven't passed their exams yet have to do
a morning's practice whilst the rest of Training Company get the morning off.
This Saturday we went through some marches and concert band pieces with Sgt
Boland.
During stand-easy we got to watch one of the New Entry Troop being given extra
instruction on the Parade Square in front of the rest of his troop and most
of my troop who were watching through the window. It seemed to bring back a
few memories to certain members of my troop and caused a few laughs amongst
us all.
Musn Singleton