Beach day! On Wednesday we headed down to the beautiful coastal town of Bournemouth for a day of British seaside culture.

 

across all our courses. The choir were joined by the second of their two conductors for the week, Adam Saunders (National Youth Jazz Orchestra, Aldeburgh Young Musicians) to work through a beautiful arrangement of "Row Me Bully Boys". Meanwhile, the pianos worked on their techniques and sight reading in workshops with Simon Callaghan and Hiro Takenouchi, and Richard Sisson led a workshop of a student's composition to be performed on Thursday.

 

 

The saxophones worked in detail on technique and intonation skills with Dom, and the orchestra were workshopping Tchaikovsky's Romeo and Juliet. We welcomed back Miranda Allen for violin lessons, and our oboes had lessons with visiting professional oboist Ruth Contractor (London Symphony Orchestra, Philharmonia Orchestra, Berliner Philharmoniker Orchestra).

 

 

After lunch the coaches arrived and we set off for the sandy beaches of Bournemouth, where the students enjoyed a packed lunch in the park on arrival before spending free time exploring the town. After some brief sightseeing and shopping it was time to hit the beach, and even brave the chilly English Channel for a swim! There were football and rounders games for the non-swimmers, and even ice creams and fish & chips for the ultimate British seaside experience.

 

 

Once back to Winchester the fun was not over! For our after-dinner activity, a visiting ceilidh band led us in a joyous and energetic evening of Scottish country dancing. The students threw themselves into the spirit of the evening and it was the perfect end to a fun day out, and well-earned recreation after a few days' hard work rehearsing. We even managed a 'Strip the Willow' - sensational.

 

 

 

Musicians of the Day

 

Piano

Marina A.F. and Eunice for learning a really difficult duet very fast, being open to new ideas and being willing to work hard.

 

Saxophone

Elias, for giving maximum effort every day and persevering with tricky music.

 

Orchestra

'Team Clarinet', for all-round excellent playing, orchestral discipline and team work.

 

Choir

Hayes, for concentrating hard, making a real effort in rehearsal, and making a super sound.