Performance Week 2

Last week was the second last week of the first performing block. Again another busy week. 
On Monday I arrived back from France so I wasn't in college but with the playing I did in France makes up for the missed rehearsals in college(I hope).

Tuesday morning I began with the sax ensemble in which I am playing soprano sax. We have been reheasing two pieces of music, Hit Me and The Lone Ar-ranger Goes Sax Mad! That one is my favourite as its lively and has several little catchy tunes.

Wednesday's reheasals began with choir in the moring in sectionals (male and female) for the first hour then the second hour we all gathered as a choir again and sang the songs we are playing at the concert on Thursday 3rd November. Followed by the Jazz band rehearsal in the afternoon. This is consiting of two bands. The main big band and an upside down band. Now I can hear you saying an upside down band, what's that?
Well our upside down jazz band is set up like this:

• Clarinets playing the saxophone parts
• the saxophones playing the trumpets and trombone parts
• rhythm section-piano, drums, guitar and bass guitar.

 Thursday was another short day with the concert band rehearsal we played through Second Suite In F by Gustav Holst.


Finally at the end of the week on Friday I had another Jazz band rehearsal. Playing through three of the pieces we have- Splaky, Take The A Train and Jumpon At The Woodside.

Verdun, France

I had an awesome time in Verdun. Although the weather was very cold it was good fun. In the afternoon of Saturday 22nd October the Capital Concert Band played in two outdoor venues in the afternoon. In the freezing cold. It was so cold that it was not suitable for the double reed instruments to be played.

In the evening we played in a concert for Peace for the 95th anniversary of the Verdun battle. Here we played a repertoire of music from marches to film music. Along with the French band and a German band. Both of who were very talented. Once each band had played their repertoire all three bands played 5 pieces together. With 150 players on a small stage it was very warm and exciting. There was not enough seats for everyone so all of the brass section had to play standing.

It was an experience and it has made me more determined to succeed in my career as a musician. Touring the globe would be amazing. I can now tick France off my list.

Performance Week 1

Well its the end of the first week of the performance block and what a busy one it has been.


It began on Monday morning with a concert band rehearsal. Was good seeing lots of new faces, especially seeing all the new saxophonists. I have never seen so many in one band before.
After lunch there was a singing workshop for beginners to advanced students. Me being neither a first or second study singer I thought I would give it a bash. As I stood singing my song I realised that I wasn't as nervous as I thought I would have been. I'm looking forward to the next workshop.


Tuesday morning began with the sax ensemble. Nine saxophones this year. It was sounding pretty good. I can't wait for the next rehearsal. This was followed by the new jazz band which is a really big band. In fact it is so big that we have enough players to make two bands.


Wednesday I had the day off so I was able to relax.


On Thursday we had our second concert band and jazz band rehearsals along with the first choir rehearsal. There are plenty more students in the choir this year. I have no idea how we are all going to fit into the church when we sing at our concert.


Next week it's the October week and I am off to France to play with my windband at a peace concert I'm looking forward to it and I will update you when I get back.