New groups and more adventures!

It is about 10pm here on Friday night, and this has been a great week. After a lot of emailing and work I had my first brass band rehearsal with a real British Brass Band. I got the call from the Besses o' th' Barn Brass Band which is about 20 minute commute from my dorm here near the RNCM. They currently have a few openings, and I sat in for a rehearsal last night. Everyone in the band was super nice and very friendly. The band plays really well, and the conductor is top notch - great style and great ears. It will be fun to play. They asked me back for another rehearsal next week, and this time they won't have to listen to my horrible sight reading.

Tomorrow I am traveling down to London with a few of my buddies from the studio here at the RNCM to see the British Open Brass Band Championships. The best bands in the world will be there, and I get to see the historic Royal Albert Hall. Check one off the "to-do-before-I-die" list. Here are a few screen shots from the internet of the hall. Quite beautiful. Also, the brand new Besson Prestige Euphonium will be on display with my teacher nearby, I'm sure - so that is also something cool to look forward to.

So, two Americans and a guy from Taiwan are going to traverse the UK Train System and the London Underground - wish us luck. I promise to take lots of pictures while I am away, and more updates soon!