Musn Richardson playing Bass in Iceland
Monday
The week began as usual with a phys session. We braved the chilly morning
with a run to Southsea, stopping on the way to do a couple of small circuits,
which included lying on the grass doing press ups. This was just to make sure
that we didn't go back to HMS Nelson without any wet clothing, meaning we were
a little chilly.
After we arrived back and completed fall in, we had an aural lesson with Sgt
Ridley. We then went back to our rooms to begin practicing.
I had a bass guitar lesson after stand easy which went well, I enjoy playing
my bass guitar. I find that it is easier in some aspects than my other instruments
especially the double bass, on which I am taking my Grade 6 on Thursday, so
I am trying to concentrate on that this week.
We didn't have rounds this evening as we have an early parade band rehearsal
in the gym tomorrow for the forthcoming New Entries pass out display.
Tuesday
Well, it was in the gym for 0745 to begin our rehearsal for the New Entry
Pass Out. It all went well although there was a lot of hanging around. However,
we finished around 0945 after the Drum Major was happy with our performance
and we had persuaded him that we wouldn't make any outstanding mistakes on the
day!
Then it was back to our rooms for vital practice time, I also had a tuba lesson
with Prof. Cresci, which went well.
In the evening we had a concert band rehearsal with the Bandmaster and the Buglers
came into do 'Millennium' which is a drum static with kit and bass guitar which
we are performing at the Christmas concert. The bass guitar part is quite difficult,
as it is fairly complex in places.
It was then back over to the accommodation to clean for Rounds, ready for the
following morning.
Wednesday
Up for Rounds then fall in before marching over to the school to begin practise.
However at 0915 it was over to the gym to begin practising for the New Entry
Pass Out again. This time the Principle Director of Music was watching, so we
had to try and make it perfect and make sure our dressing was good and that
it was musically sound. The rehearsal went reasonably well and I am sure the
New Entries can't wait to get it over and done with on Friday. The rehearsal
went on till dinner time however, instead of getting ready for RT, we were back
over to the school to clean up as the Physical Training Instructors were rehearsing
the New Entries on their PT display ready for Friday.
After this we were finished until Thursday morning however, I had rugby training
at HMS Temeraire, which is always good fun but hard work.
Thursday
Circuit this morning in the gym with C/Sgt McGough and Sgt Grounsell it was
a reasonably hard circuit although I tried not to work too hard as I had my
Grade 6 double bass at about 12 and I didn't want to be too tired!
My grade 6 exam went well. The room was really reverberant and made my bass
sound loud and echoey.
After this it was back over to the school to begin practicing again.
This evening's rehearsal was concert band for the Christmas concert with the
Bandmaster and the DOM(T). This was a long evening that finally finished at
2130.
Friday
Today was the New Entries Pass Out so we only had to be over at the gym in
full ceremonials at 1000. The pass out went really well and the Bandmaster and
Drum Major were both very pleased with our performance.
After lunch we had an orchestra rehearsal all afternoon with the DOM(T) in preparation
for the Christmas concert.
Saturday
Today I had a rugby match with the Royal Navy under 21s team against the RAF,
unfortunately we lost but we gave it our best and all worked hard!
Musn Richardson playing Bass in Iceland