New Year, New Term

    I have been back at work for a couple of weeks after the summer holidays and things have settled down to a comfortable routine.  I have more private students and new schools (and a revised weekly timetable!) and everything is running very smoothly (so far). 

    This term I have only entered three candidates for ABRSM exams, so an easier run for me, though no less easy for my students!  Their exams should take place in December, but I will notify parents and student as soon as I find out.  I am really looking forward to next term, as I shall get to use the new publication Shining Brass, specifically written for the exams and encompassing all instruments in the brass family except trumpet and trombone (which have only just had a new syllabus).  The children who have started playing these have taken to them really well and things are looking good.

    The City of Bristol Brass Band have played in a few events over the summer holiday.  Most notably, we played at the Wychavon Festival of Brass entertainments contest in Droitwich.  The Band, though having drawn the dreaded number one slot, didn't disgrace themselves by being placed fourth.  I got to perform Another Fine Mess, the euphonium duet based on tunes used in Laurel and Hardy films and (apart from my dancing) I didn't do too badly.  Next up are two own-choice test piece contests.

    Keep practising!