With the M3 examinations moving ever closer for Troop 1/01 everybody's calendars
seem to get busier and busier. This week was a four day week for the School
of Music as Monday was the last day of our long weekend, a long awaited break
from working in the summer sun we have been experiencing lately.
Tuesday began with a rehearsal for the mayor Making Concert at Portsmouth's
Guildhall, which is to take place on Tuesday 2 of June. We were also visited
by a group of people who were on careers acquaint for the week. They joined
us for musical rehearsals and viewed our Parade Band sessions on Wednesday and
Friday mornings at HMS Excellent. We are currently working on the Beating Retreat
for Open Day, which is early in August. The Drum Major is formulating a spectacular
display, which should round off the day in impressive style.
Due to our PTI being away on Adventure Training with the New Entries, we spent
our Wednesday afternoon at HMS Temeraire this week where we viewed the Athletics
Competition. Some members of Training Company joined in the competition, with
Musn Nelken running himself ragged on the steeplechase to finish 4th. Musn Charlotte
Down went one better with a podium place after winning the 400m women's race
so all in all it was a good afternoon on the track for the School.
Thursday also began with more Mayor Making rehearsals. I also had a professor's
lesson on the Euphonium as my M3 recital is not far away (July 5th!) I am currently
studying the Horovitz Euphonium Concerto and 'Song for Ina' by Philip Sparke.
Afternoon rehearsals were cut slightly short today to enable us to change into
something a little less military and enjoy the England match. The School bar
was open and a big screen was erected. Football fever was everywhere after the
3-0 win and some of us rounded off the evening with a game of football on the
Parade Square.
Friday was a day away from the School for myself as I had been put on engagement
with Portsmouth Band. We travelled to Marlborough and performed an outdoor concert
on the High Street before Beating the Retreat later on that evening. There was
a very warm crowd and a chance to gain some valuable experience as it is not
every day that Trainees get the opportunity to work with the trained bands before
passing out. Back at the School there was a Parade Band engagement for an American
Admiral at HMS Excellent. The week ended with another rehearsal for the Mayor
Making Concert that is an annual event in the School's calendar and a good opportunity
to play varied repertoire.