I had been looking forward to our wind band tour for ages. It was supposed to be in 2020, to celebrate our 25th anniversary (it always freaks me out that the band is older than me). But it got cancelled, obviously. We were thinking of doing it in 2021. But that year we had like three rehearsals together in person after restrictions lifted, and weren’t ready. We did have rehearsals during Covid, but they were spaced out and social distanced, and it didn’t really work. So last year we kept it small, and had a picnic concert as where we rehearse has a large outdoor garden, which was still lovely, and performed with a stunning sunset.
So I was excited for the wind band tour. Everyone was. And it was a blast.
On the Friday, we got up rather early to catch the coach, and after doing some meditation, I wasn’t as worried. We first headed to Ely Cathedral, to perform Holst. This was something I was really looking forward to. Holst has some stellar pieces, which are already grand, and I knew was going to sound amazing. I enjoy Holst’s music. There’s a certain catharsis about it, as it doesn’t have to be perfect. Sure its great if you can, and get the right notes. But with Holst, its more about the sound, the feel, the experience, and the story, so it doesn’t matter if you fumble a trill or mix up scales.
We had a great guided tour of the cathedral, with a lovely man who was prepared to describe everything, including items in glass windows. My friend Ken, who plays the trumpet, had already mentioned my visual impairment to the man in advance, and he was super supportive, which meant I could just enjoy my time. Afterwards, we warmed up, and played the Holst. I don’t think I will ever forget that. It was incredible, something otherwordly. His music soared, to the stars, the song of this giant genius of a man amplified by the acoustics, made even more wonderful, especially when the last section took off. I felt like I was flying, like nothing could bring me down.
We had a small lunch, and then headed to out hotel nearby. My room wasn’t ready, so I chatted with Anne, a bassoonist. She’s an older woman, but easy to talk to, and we soon passed the time. I was guided to my room by a member of staff, when I explained, and got super excited to find a poetry acceptance email in my inbox when I logged into the wifi.
We then had a small dinner, and went to the first church for our concert. I relaxed into my seat, and let the music take me forward. I just went for it, and had lots of fun, even nailing one particular piece I’ve been struggling with fairly well, possibly my best performance of the weekend, and we even had cake in the interval. I think that day was my favourite, and my best concert.
On the Saturday, we took a steam train ride, with some delicious coffees and pastries. We had some time in the city, so we paddled in the sea and had some lunch. We then went to Felbrigg Hall, and some time there, and my friend Janet (clarinet) was happy to read aloud guides and describe things to me. We then went to our dinner, and the second concert. We had a slight drama when our double bass realised he had left his music in the previous church, and a member of the trumpets who ahd come by car had to a mad dash to find it (he did, don’t worry). I tried out a new stand light, and pushed through some issues with a dodgy reed, and performed a lot better in the second half, once I’d struggled through South Pacific. I was a little upset the sound meant I hadn’t been able to do the Holst well, but I knew I could redeem myself on the Sunday.
On the Sunday, we went on a trip down a river, celebrating our anniversary in style. It was really enjoyable, with a great guide and some lovely cake, and calming being beside the river. We then had some lunch, and went to our last concert. I was a little sleepy, after a fun packed weekend, and was a little sluggish in the first half, with the slow Samson and Delilah not helping. In the interval, I decided to get a coffee. Now, I’m not sure what this woman put in that coffee, but it was the strongest coffee in existence. Rebooted, full of energy, I flew through the Holst, on top of the world, getting it perfect, and the second half was one of my best. I was in the moment, with the music coursing through my fingers, happy and free, and I’ve never felt more alive. I was even praised for it, by my wind band conductor, who said she could hear me playing really well from the front. I really enjoyed the rest, with some more cheerful pieces like the Hawaii 5 0 or Oliver.
We had our dinner, and then went home. And it was a lovely weekend. It was great to chat with everyone, to just have fun. I loved our concerts, and don’t think I will ever forget Ely Cathedral. I learnt that instant coffee fuels perfect performances, and raised awareness of visual impairments and the work I do to those who asked. It was a wonderful weekend, and I can’t wait for next year!
