Musician King 24 November - 01 December 2003

Welcome to this weeks' report. My name is Musn King and I play the trumpet and violin. I am due to pass out of training in the summer.


Monday

This morning began with a Training Company run to Southsea Common. We did numerous circuits on the way and on our return we headed straight for the showers and into work for 0855.

My morning consisted of practising the violin as I had a few new pieces to look at. Recitals followed after lunch by Musns' Ham, McKechnie, Jones N and O'Malley. They all provided an interesting recital. Once recitals were over, I played my trumpet and then had a history lesson for 2 hours. I am doing a music degree and today we studied Mendelsohns 'Hebrides Overture'. Monday night consisted of a trip to the gym and preparation for rounds in the morning.


Tuesday

Today started with hoovering and dusting with fall-in at 0815. After marching Training Company across to the School and inspecting them, I made my way up to the top floor for a violin lesson with Prof G Simpson. Today we worked on bowing technique and vibrato.

At 1330 myself, along with Musns O'Malley and Walton and Sgt M Carrington played in a string quartet under the guidance of Prof S Cresci. We played the Queen of Sheba and worked on dynamics and playing it faster.

After stand-easy the degree class had a harmony lesson with Mr R Douglas. We worked on piano accompaniments and modulation.
At 1815 we rehearsed for the concert on Thursday at Denmead Church. We are playing some challenging music and are being conducted by the Trainee Bandmasters Course.


Wednesday

Parade Band in the rain started today off! We practised the drill moves for the New Entry Pass Out and luckily didn't get too wet. Once Parade Band had finished, I spent the rest of the morning rehearsing for a jazz recital next Monday. The recital will consist of small ensembles playing varied jazz pieces and improvising.

In the afternoon, myself and Musns Dawkins, Berry and Yates played hockey for Nelson against HMS Edinburgh. It was only a friendly match but competition was still strong. The result was victory for us with a final score of 3-2.


Thursday

A circuit in the gym began today. A good but very tiring circuit which involved lots of running up and down the gym!

Once in work I practised my violin and then we had Big Band with Mr Don Lusher. We rehearsed music for the Christmas Concert which will be on the 11 December at St Mary's Church.

After the bugle had blown for lunch, we loaded the wagon for this evening's gig and spent the next couple of hours cleaning our uniforms.

Once at the venue, we had a quick rehearsal and the gig began at 7.30 pm. the evening's concert went well and all of the Trainee Bandmasters did exceptionally well considering it was the first time they had conducted in front of an audience.

By the time we had returned back to base and unloaded, it was 11.15 pm. I couldn't wait to get to my bed and have some well-earned shut eye!


Friday

We had Parade Band in the gym this morning because we needed to practise for the New Entry Pass Out. We have nearly sorted it out, apart from a few feet not going where they should do! The rest of the day was spent practising and then we finished work at 2.30 pm because we had finished work late last night.