Freshers Week - a synopsis...

In the UK they have 'Freshers Week', which seems to be a highly alcohol-infused freshman orientation. Now, don't get me wrong - everyone enjoys a good beer, but it seems like they are really enjoying themselves. While the school of music here in Manchester is definitely 'wet', meaning that there is not only alcohol allowed on campus, but here it actually sold. The student union has a bar in it, and there is a bar right next to the cafe.

So, the Student Union organizes Freshers social gatherings all evening long everyday the week before classes begin. Now, this isn't a problem, but the 'social club' comes banging on our door while me and my flatmates are about to eat - every night. And, just like every other night, we tell them that we aren't coming - because we are old and boring. Actually, we are just very hungry and we don't really want to walk all the way back to school just to have a beer.

Today was a pretty good day. Some of my friends back home were in Washington D.C. for the final round of the Army Band Audition, which one of them won. I haven't posted an atta-boy here because the information is second hand that they won - hopefully will post soon about that. But, it they did - awesome.

Practice space is at a premium here at the RNCM. Probably because there is a brand new wing of the building that is currently being constructed, and set to open in March with new studios and such. But, in the meantime, almost 15 practice rooms have been cut because they are in the construction zone. But, unlike both of the previous schools that I attended, you book your practice space and get a key for the rooms that you booked. There is one person who schedules every room in the building and it is awesome. University of Kansas - if you are reading this, you could learn something from this...

I had an interesting experience at the grocery store this afternoon. My flatmates and I take turns cooking for everyone, and it was my turn to cook. So, I went to the ASDA (which is owned by Wal-Mart), and was trying to find everything that I needed. I was looking for chicken breast strips, which they refer to as Mini-British Chickens. Also, I was looking for zucchini and finally found it, but they don't call it that - I don't remember what they call it, but it's definitely not zucchini. Oh well, more of that colourful spelling... ;)

The rest of the week will be spent getting all of my ducks in a row, and planning out how I am going to attack the next 3 weeks before I return to the US to take the USCG and NAVY euphonium auditions by storm! Well, we are going to do our best - we'll see about the 'by storm' part. Anyway, I now have my dock for my digital camera, so I promise to start giving you all some pictures of the layout here. All the best for an enjoyable weekend - more to come on Monday!