This was the penultimate week of term and everyone seemed to be in good spirits
seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. The start of this week left me with
just two more days to prepare for my ABRSM Grade 8 tuba exam.
Phys always seems a constructive start to the week, allowing our musical aspirations
to return after a weekend off. Due to the immediate threat of my exam, I spend
much of the morning avoiding my tuba, scared of what the two days of the weekend
without practising have done to my ability to produce good music. I set about
my string bass and bass guitar practice, bearing in mind it's not that long
until our final M3 exams. However, come the afternoon I have no choice but to
bravely pick up my tuba and attempt to play through the programme and a few
scales. Surprisingly this goes very well and I end the day feeling quietly confident
about Wednesday.
An early morning start on Tuesday as always to play the Rounds game, won graciously
by our student team at the RMSM. After spending the last 2 years and 4 months
working within the same four walls day in and day out, it is hard to maintain
a high level of motivation. However, the thought of gaining a tuba qualification
beyond that of my mate Clive seems to provide endless enthusiasm. Today, therefore
becomes a cramming session as I desperately try to convince my subconscious
that I am ready in order for me to get a good nights sleep.
The big day arrives, Parade Band, although cold outside, is always a good warm-up
with regards to playing. Band Cpl Annett is accompanying me on piano, so we
have a run through in the morning. My colleague, Clive, has very kindly offered
to drive us to Brighton. He has been playing the tuba for 10 years compared
to my two, so I couldn't help but be suspicious for his motives for taking me
to an exam that would make me more qualified than him. Despite all odds we arrive
in Brighton safely and in plenty of time. Weeks of preparation must now all
come together into my best possible performance. The exam goes well despite
a few 'slips' and a wait of 4 weeks will reveal my result.
Only one more gig left this term, so the next few days are all about survival
until the weekend after which we only have one week left before Easter Leave
- CAN'T WAIT!