The girls ready for a night out and some liquid replacement therapy!
The week began as always with a PT session taken by Colour Sergeant Curry, and
this week's activity was a run to Southsea Common. A dip in the sea to cool
us off and wash away the Monday morning cobwebs half way through the run, left
us feeling refreshed and ready to face the busy week that lay ahead of us.
Monday was a day of personal practice. After studying saxophone for a year and
four months I am fast approaching my Term 5 exam as well as having to perform
my first recital in two weeks time. The pressure is on! I am currently working
on H Klose and Sigurd M Rascher studies and the piece 'Adagio Et Rondo OP.65'
by Jean Baptiste Singelèe which I hope to perform for my recital. The
day came to a close with rounds, when we are all involved with cleaning duties
such as ironing bedding, cleaning the sinks and toilets.
The next two days were spent busily rehearsing for our soiree concert to be
held on Thursday 25th April at the Royal Marines Museum, Eastney. Tuesday evening's
soiree rehearsals were taken by Major Watson and WO2 Monnery (the Assistant
Supply Officer Music). The programme of music was to include Elgar's Chanson
de Matin, Pomp and Circumstance, Iolanthe, Irish Whispers and The Posthorn Galop.
The Posthorn Galop was performed by Cpl Hart and Musn Burton, whom we all refer
to as 'Scottie'. 'Scottie' is only in his second term of music training and
is a solo cornet player. Together they put on a very amusing show which brought
the concert to a cheery end. Interrupting the more standard repertoire was a
contrasting piece conducted by WO2 Monnery entitled 'Serenade' by Benjamin Britten.
This was a challenge to many players due to its irregular rhythms and harmony.
However it was a rewarding experience, and when the whole thing came together
with the vocal soloist Steven Brown, we knew that all our hard work had paid
off.
Friday arrived which meant it was Parade Band practice, however the poor weather
conditions meant that our usual routine could not be adhered to. Instead we
spent the period in the Concert Hall rehearsing marches with CSgt Holman in
preparation for our Open Day Concert and Marching Display. The rest of the afternoon
and the Saturday morning were spent rehearsing for a concert that night with
the Salvation Army in Portsmouth Cathedral. There were three soloists, Cpl Finn
with Gabriel's Oboe, Cpl Hart with Nessun Dorma and Musician 'Scottie' Burton
with Crimson Tide. Again, the concert was a great success as we received a standing
ovation.
The girls ready for a night out and some liquid replacement therapy!
Making the most of the School of Music's bar
Musn Allen