Final rehearsals for the Derby Tour
This week began with some nerves as the Term 8 students prepared to take the final part of their M3 exams. The exams began on Monday and already seemed to be going well.
The exams continued through Tuesday and the day was topped off with our first
orchestra rehearsal with the new boss, Major Best. He has stepped into the shoes
of Major Watson, and has taken the job of Director of Music, Training. The rehearsal
went well and was a rehearsal for our Open Day concert on August 1st.
Wednesday was due to start with Parade Band outside on the Parade Square, but
the heavens opened and we were forced into the Concert Hall for a musical rehearsal.
In between the rehearsals for our display on Open Day we have to prepare for
the splattering of gigs which we have in the next few weeks. Wednesday was a
rehearsal for a Parade Band gig next Tuesday. Wednesday ended with RT and I
well deserved a free evening. The M3 exams were finally over.
Thursday began with a bit of a security scare at the School. We all realised
how security conscious we must be, and minds flicked back to the incident at
the School of Music in Deal. A bit of a shaky start for all. Thursday was a
very important day for the Term 8 students - they received their exam results.
Everyone passed and the standard overall was very high. Well done to all.
In Concert Band on Thursday we had our final rehearsal before embarking on our
tour of Derby.
Final rehearsals for the Derby Tour
Friday morning again began with rain and a quick rehearsal for the Parade Band
gig on Tuesday. The coach departed for Derby at around 10am and everyone was
armed with food, drinks, magazines and videos for the trip ahead. The coach
arrived at the accommodation and a meal was provided before we left for our
first venue, Derby Cathedral. A quick sound check, a spare few minutes and the
concert began. We were all impressed with Thornton's Brass Band and the choir
enjoyed playing in the 2nd half.
Musn Richardson loading up for Derby Tour
Saturday's gig was at St Mary's Church in Nottingham. After a free morning the
coach left for Notts. Again we had a quick rehearsal and a sound check before
eating the buffet dinner which was provided. As we were on in the 2nd half some
of the band took a quick trip to the pub down the road. This was a renovated
church and despite it being quite expensive, it was amazing. The 2nd half came
and went and we all played well. So far, so good. One gig left.
On site rehearsals for the Nottinham Concert
On Sunday we played in Burton-on-Trent, in the Town Hall. By this point spirits
were sagging a little, but the lunch provided soon brought a smile to everyone's
faces! The first half of the concert seemed to drag on forever, but eventually
we played our bit and were glad to say that despite a very long weekend, we
played well throughout.
The coach set off on its return journey back to Pompey and some tired musicians
took a well-deserved snooze. The long week had finally ended. We were grateful
to be given a lay in on Monday. Work began at 1045, not the usual 0730.
It's nice to go on tour and take our music to different places but its always
nicer to get back home. It was an enjoyable weekend.
Now the M3 students can start their first week as trained ranks and us trainees
will just plod along as normal, with some butterflies as our exam week begins
soon! Good luck to all
Musn Keddilty