Monday
This week began as normal with a session of physical training. That's enough
to make you want to go back to bed even before you get to work! A fairly normal
day followed really, nothing out of the ordinary. Monday evening was spent cleaning
the accommodation for Rounds on Tuesday morning.
Tuesday
Tuesday began with the final preparations for Rounds that day, and fall in at
0815 started the day officially. The term one class had aural at 0930 and the
rest of us began our daily practise in our cells. Lunchtime came and went and
an afternoon of elements followed. Each class is preparing for different exams,
mine being my M3 elements exam. The day was concluded with a harmony lesson
for those doing the degree course, lucky them! But we all returned to work at
1830 to begin or orchestral rehearsal for the Christmas concert. After a few
heated discussions about which were the right notes! Troika started to sound
quite good. It certainly makes you look forward to Christmas.
Wednesday
Wednesday began at 0800 with the first session of parade band of the day. Due
to the building of our new concert hall we are rehearsing on a set of tennis
courts. It's not ideal, but at least we can still do a bit of marching. We are
currently preparing for the New Entry pass out parade, a day I know they'll
all be looking forward to- the end of basics.
Some of the professors came into the school on Wednesday to teach their pupils,
helping us out and supporting and encouraging us to work hard and improve our
skills.
Wednesday afternoon, which is usually RT was topped with a second hour of parade
band. Yet more time to practise those dots ready for that important pass out
day.
Thursday
Thursday usually has a lively beginning with our second phys session of the
week, but today started more sedately with a visit to the chaplaincy. The sponsored
prayers, which usually happens in the concert hall has been temporarily moved
to the chaplaincy. A rousing hymn was sung with a few short prayers to get Thursday
going. Thursday followed without incident and 1620 soon came. Six people from
the school, myself included, were chosen to act as ushers at the Portsmouth
Band concert that night, so we all enjoyed some free music as the students on
the M1 course directed the band. It was a very enjoyable concert. The only bad
thing is that I'd wished I had been up there playing not sat listening. My time
will come, even if it does seem along time away.
Friday
Friday mornings parade band was again focused on the pass out display and due
to the absence of the Drum Major, we had a static rehearsal. During the morning,
those with recitals made their final preparations and final run throughs with
their pianists, one of whom included me. The nerves hadn't set in yet, but I'm
sure by Monday they will have.
Friday afternoon was spent rehearsing orchestra music for the Christmas concert,
and before we knew it, it was time to finish. 1620, the start of the weekend,
with the exception for those who work on Saturday mornings. We went through
this stage, but you can't help feeling glad knowing that you can stay in bed
on Saturday morning for a lie in and a well deserved rest.