March Update - Exam results!

It is now well past the middle of April and I haven't updated for a while even though lots has been going on.

First the news you have all been waiting for...how did Pat get on in her grade 1 violin exam!! Did she pass with flying colours or did the examiner suggest she take up a new hobby...

I am very pleased to let you know she passed with merit! She was delighted and since then has bought the grade 2 pieces and booked herself on a course at Benslow. She is enjoying it and also takes some pleasure in the fact that a once-loved family instrument is being loved again.

Pat, along with two other GOATees had her certificate presented by Viv at a Cambridge Wind Band rehearsal last week, a few days before their Night at the Movies concert at the weekend (more about that later). Vicky, a clarinettist, passed her grade 1 flute, and bassoonist Simon, who plays oboe with CWB got a distinction for his viola exam. There were some comments that if he took grade 2 he would be ready to join the viola section of most of the local orchestras but I thought that was a bit harsh so I won't repeat it here!! Well done to all and hopefully any extra donation pledges for passing the exam have now been made!!

There are more exams to come. Liz, bari sax player will be doing her grade 1 trombone in a few weeks and my own exam is still on. I had a lesson in the holidays and learnt loads from Rohan. She did say that if I'd gone to her before I'd started learning some of the pieces she'd have given me some more efficient fingering patterns so I wouldn't now have to relearn anything, but that would take the fun out of it surely! In the meantime I've been playing my clarinet more than usual so harping has taken a bit of a back seat. It is out and I pluck it occasionally but I haven't done as much of the structured practise as I need to.

Cambridge Wind Band at West Road

The CWB concert was a huge success. I was right in the middle with the third clarinets and loved playing. A packed West Road Concert Hall heard an excellent and entertaining performance. Viv was outstanding in her directing and the soloists were also extremely good. Thanks to Viv's mum for the photo!