Monday
The first day back after Easter Leave and our first detail was… PT at
0730 (thank you!). We joyfully ran to the athletics track at HMS Temeraire and
were told to run round it… for 30 minutes!
We all went to work shattered! After two weeks off playing, our brass group
with Mr Yates, was very special. Most of the group struggled to get anything
like a musical sound from their instruments! The rest of the day was spent practising
long notes and scales to rebuild our stamina after the break. We cleaned up
for rounds as normal after work and from 1830 we were free for the evening.
Tuesday
Just a normal day today. Practice all day as our elements lesson was cancelled. There was an orchestral rehearsal in the evening, in preparation for the up coming concert.
Wednesday
Only a half day of music today. We had private practice as normal in the morning which included a Parade Band rehearsal, and in the afternoon a good game of football for RT. A good kick around of the football knocked out some of the beginning of term blues and helped get rid of some of the Easter egg pounds. A few of us went up to the bar in the evening, but not for long, as Thursday morning began with…
Thursday
0730 PT! It was quite a hard circuit and after we had finished, most of Training Coy marched stiffly over to work, aching already! Concert Band for an hour in the evening with our new bandmaster, WO1 Gavin Martin from Lympstone Band, and then a surprise on the gig for the PDM during Spring Concert 4. Flag Officer Training and Recruiting (FOTR) had asked Major Watson if the band could surprise the PDM as it was his final winter concert in St Mary's church. The band, a Junior Parade Band made up of ranks who have not yet served a full year, unknown to the PDM, struck up his march 'Gibraltar' and entered the church down the centre aisle. FOTR then gave a thank you speech to the PDM. The PDM then replied thanking everyone for their support during his time in office. Led by Drum Major Boorah and our new Bandmaster we marched out again to great applause.
Friday
The last day of the week. We had practice and lessons all day. I think we are
getting back into the swing of life in the School of Music again. We look forward
to a good term with good weather!
Musn Dolby