Monday
We started the week off with a phys session in the gym with Sgt Grounsell. his
consisted of a circuit including many press-ups, sit-ups and numerous amounts
of sprints not to mention the camp circuits. After managing to drag myself out
of the shower I went to work, not to practise however as I was one of a small
group of people involved in a working party. Emptying the elements room for
the B1 Buglers Course. Before lunch I had a trumpet lesson with my professor
Mr Yates, in which we worked on the trumpet concerto written by Phillip Sparke.
In my lesson we worked on my assessment, 16 pieces and scales which I will take
in 2 weeks time before long weekend. In the evening it was time to clean the
sinks in the Bathroom in preparation for Rounds on Tuesday, after this I had
some time to relax and go out.
Tuesday
Today we were up at 0630 dusting, hoovering and making our beds, for Rounds.
At 0800 we were over at the Wardroom (Officers Mess) for another Mess Dinner
gig. It was then of course back to the School for another full day's practice.
In the afternoon however instead of making our way back to work we all met in
a large conference room, instructors, students, Officers and even the PDM for
we had a meeting with a team representing the Second Sea Lord. This is where
we put any complaints we have forward from anything from accommodation, or pay
to drafting etc. Our complaints are then taken to the Second Sea Lord who reviews
the situation arising. This evening was an orchestral rehearsal in Portsmouth's
band room; this was quite an interesting rehearsal as there were quite a few
new string players introducing themselves to orchestra for the first time.
Wednesday
We started this morning with Parade Band, which the training bandmasters took
us for, with their varied versions of foreign nation anthems. It was then back
to the School to finish the morning off with practice. After lunch it was over
to Temeraire to support the Royal Marines football team against the Navy. Sgt
Grounsell was playing for the Marines and so some of us took our instruments
and made a small band for some light entertainment. The Royal Marines won 5-1
so we all went out to celebrate including Sgt Grounsell.
Thursday
This morning's phys session was 5 a side football. It was then to work for 0850,
and again the concert band packs were out and so was 'In the Miller Mood'. After
lunch it was off to elements for a harmony lesson. Some of us myself included
find this subject a little baffling. After an hour of enlightenment and with
the bandmaster it was back to the accommodation for a shower some tea before
making our way over to Portsmouth's band room for a concert band rehearsal.
We were going over all the pieces for the gig that is on Friday night, however
some of them didn't go quite as well as others, much to our dismay.
Friday
Today there was no parade band and so we all had a lie in, and dragged ourselves
into work by 0845. At 0945 after an hour's practice it was time for aural with
Sgt Ridley, where we went over last week's test paper, to see what we'd got
right. All those on the band then 'thinned out' at dinner as we were leaving
for our gig on the Isle of Wight at 1315. Despite all the worries and concerns
due to Thursday's rehearsal the gig went well.
Saturday and Sunday
The weekend was spent recovering after only returning at 1230 on Saturday night
(well done band for making the 11 o'clock ferry!) A little retail therapy was
also fitted into this relaxed weekend.