I am Musician Carter, I have been in training for the band since September 2000.
Prior to joining I lived in Lancaster.
Mon
The day kicked off with a delightful PT session in the gym… another enlightening
and enjoyable circuit taken by Sgt Griffin. After this sweaty hour's start to
the day, we were over at the School for a day's practice. With a week to go
before assessments, every minute of practice is a valuable one.
Tues
At the sound of my alarm at 0645 on Tuesday morning, I crawled out of bed to
remake it with clean, fresh, crisply ironed sheets - yep - Tuesday is rounds
morning! With the smell of polish and after the chaotic sound of horns blasting
everywhere we left the corridor in a clean and immaculate order for Sgt Boland
to inspect later in the morning.
Over at the School it was becoming a busy day for me as both of my professors
were in. It started with my flute lesson with Karen Evans. I played Dance de
la Cheaux and went through triple tonguing techniques. Later in the day I had
a saxophone prof lesson with Jimmy Hastings, where I played Singlee's - Solo
de Concert 4 and looked at some James Rae sax studies.
Weds
First thing in the morning we had Parade Band, my personal favourite. However,
it got off to a bit of a slow start but we soon got into it and the rousing
sounds of 'Sailing' and 'Voice of the Guns' echoed round the parade square.
Wednesday afternoon we have RT, today Colour Sergeant Curry had organised for
us to have a tour around the old ship HMS Victory, in the dockyard. This was
a pleasant afternoon and one of great interest.
Thurs
Thursday started with another energetic PT session, not in the gym but running
around Southsea. Although the weather wasn't so pleasant the run was a good
one.
On Thursday evening Sgt Miller had organised for a flute run ashore (night out)
for Graham Cleverly, from Troop 1/01 who has passed out early into Pompey (Portsmouth)
Band. The night was full of laughs and beers all round. Also out that night
was a run ashore for Georgina Dawkins and Kevin Keeping, who were both celebrating
birthdays.
Fri
An early start to the morning saw a plethora of tender heads walking about in
Training Company. Due to the rain we played marches sat in the concert hall,
which most were glad of as it would have been twice as hard for most to march
in straight lines this morning. Some of Training Company went to London on Friday
to play with London College.
Weekend
There were not so many people around this weekend as there were a couple of
gigs over Friday and Saturday night involving most.
Musn Carter