After a long hard term we thought this week would never arrive, but Summer Leave
is just around the corner!
The first half of this week was filled with rehearsals in preparation for Open
Day on Thursday. This is probably the biggest concert in our calendar as it
features all our ensembles and finishes with a Beating Retreat in Guildhall
Square.
Open Day was a big event, particularly for myself as it was my first concert
since I joined, an occasion that will stay with me and all the others in the
troop for a long time to come. The concert was a great success and all the hard
work and weeks of effort seemed worthwhile - the Bandmaster and Director of
Music Training were full of praise, and so was the Drum Major, after an excellent
Beating Retreat.
Open Day saw departures as well as new arrivals to the School of Music. We say
goodbye to the M3 students who passed their exams this term and now go on draft
to their various bands. We also say goodbye to my own instructor, Sgt Johnson
and the cornet instructor, Cpl Hart who go on to Portsmouth Band after summer
leave. As the M3 students leave the School of Music, Troop 1/02 join the School
after completing their Basic Military Training.
A special mention for solo cornet player Musn 'Scottie' Burton after his solo
in 'Sing Sing Sing' - an outstanding effort after being in the School for only
two terms.
We now look forward to Summer Leave after the longest and hardest term of the
year - See you in September!