Monday
This week was to be used as a build up towards the Mountbatten Festival of
Music (MFM).
This year, for the first time ever, members from every aspect of the band service
were to be involved due to the current situation with Iraq and OpFresco
Today was the first meeting of all the players for MFM. It was a pretty nerve
racking day for a lot of people from the School of Music, as a select few had
been drafted in to cover parts and fill spaces in different sections!
Rehearsals began at 0900 and went straight through until lunchtime.
After a break for lunch everyone was back in for afternoon rehearsals.
By the time we came to finish everyone was pretty exhausted, as there was lots
of music to cover in a relatively short space of time. I, for one, was glad
to see my bed!
Tuesday
Today was used as another rehearsal day for the MFM. Once again it began at
0900 but finished slightly earlier as the progress was going very smoothly.
On completion of the day's rehearsal, it was then the turn of the RMSM to do
their rehearsals for Thursday night's concert.
It had been a long day for many members of the RMSM, but we were all suprised
that the rehearsals didn't go too badly.
Wednesday
Once again it was rehearsals for MFM. Things were coming together very well
and everyone was looking forward to playing in the Albert Hall.
The afternoon activity for the students of RMSM was basketball with Sgt Grounsell.
Much fun was had by all as it made a nice break from rehearsing. When the games
were over, the gym was then laid out for the following morning's Circuit Training.
It looked like it was going to be a tough one!
Thursday
Today, as per usual started off with a session in the gym doing Sgt Grounsell's
lovely circuit. No more needs to be said on that one, but, rest assured, everyone
felt the benefits!
It was then back to work for everyone. We finished slightly earlier today as
we had the concert in the evening to get ready for. Before we left we made our
way to Portsmouth Band Room for a recital by members of the Portsmouth band.
The concert tonight took place in Purbrook School in Havant.
After some last minute rehearsal at the venue, the concert went very smoothly
and, as far as I could tell, was enjoyed by the audience!
Friday
Because of having a concert the previous night, we were excused Parade Band
first thing. It is a rare occasion for that to happen so everyone was grateful!
After we came back from lunch we were allowed to leave work early which meant
everyone was put in a good mood for the weekend
With a few days off for the weekend, everyone was looking forward to next week's
rehearsals for the MFM, both here in Portsmouth and up at the Albert Hall in
London.