I finally have the bulk of my exam results through and I am really pleased to see that everyone has passed, with one pass, three merits and two distinctions! It is really encouraging to see so many students who want to do exams and succeed. I am still waiting to hear the results from 3 exams, but I would hope not to have to wait too long.
As for my ears, well, they are not entirely recovered but at least I can hear out of both of them, even if I have to pop them every now and again! I had a very successful day last Saturday: July 7th saw the Gloucestershire Brass Band Association's 75th Anniversary Celebrations at Highnam Court, Gloucester, and I was fortunate enough to play with 3 of the 20 bands performing that day. All on trombone! I have never been to Highnam Court and played euphonium yet, in 3 visits and with 4 bands! I am really looking forard to hearing the CD of the day which is being produced at the moment. I may yet have another opportunity to play trombone with Portishead Band in the Pershore Midsummer Brass event on 21st July. I am actually really enjoying it at the moment and I think if ever the opportunity arises in City of Bristol, I might make it a permanent thing. I have been to visit a school in Cirencester in which I will start teaching from September. Having finished teaching at two schools (where the pupils have moved on to secondary school), it is really comforting to know that there are other opportunities for me.
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So half term is almost over and I still cannot hear anything from my left ear! The ear infection is really getting to me now - it's been nearly three weeks and all the different medications prescribed to me don't appear to be doing anything. I can only hope it clears over the weekend.
I have now got the exam date for my Associated Board entry - Thursday, 28th June in the morning. Only 6 pupils this time, a little more relaxing than in previous terms! So get practising - that's less than three weeks away! After a really successful concert on Saturday with the City of Bristol Brass Band, I went back to work on Monday with a bit of a bump. I have been coughing for a couple of weeks but then yesterday I suffered hearing loss in my left ear. I visited my GP this morning: it turns out I have both chest and ear infections! I now (temporarily) have an inhaler and some antibiotics to take. I hope this is gone before the end of the week. I have been asked to take City of Bristol's Learner Band at a Jubilee celebration at the weekend. I have worked with them before as a performer, playing in a contest and have I have taken a rehearsal too, but this will be my first outing with them with me behind the stick. We are playing on Sunday, 27th May, at St. Bonaventure's School (where the bandroom is: details on the Band's website). Let's hope I can breathe and hear by then! So, last Wednesday saw the City of Bristol Brass Band perform at their annual Rotary Club concert and included in the programme was the comic duet Another Fine Mess! based on tunes featured in the Laurel & Hardy film Way Out West. The performance wasn't too bad at all (even the dancing!) and we'll be performing it again at our next concert in Downend (Sat, 19th May). For more info visit the Band website.
That's it; the entries for exams have been submitted. Good luck to all who have entered, but don't forget to practise! There's loads of time this weekend... #BankHoliday!
On Saturday, City of Bristol Brass Band competed against 7 other bands (including the Welsh Regional champions, Goodwick and Runners-Up Llwydcoed) in the South East Wales Brass Band Association (Ebbw Vale) contest. The rehearsal at 11.30 was a good one (most likely due to the excellent teas, coffees and bacon butties available!) but
The first week into the new term and so far this week I've been asked if 3 of my students to attend the High Scorers Concert (for those who achieve a distinction in their AB results) and an invitation to play in the pit at the Everyman Theatre in Cheltenham. I have several students lined up to take exams this term, too, in brass, piano and theory (the closing date is Friday, 4th May).
And there's just one week to go until the Ebbw Vale contest with the City of Bristol... we're sounding good, but how will an English Band fare in a Welsh contest?! |