The Music Department have been incredibly busy later; the Winter Concert was a resounding success, and the upcoming lunchtime concert and music masterclass with professional session drummer Gabor Dornyei (more information here) has caused quite a stir within the department. However, the staff and pupils still managed to find time to make a trip to London, Knightsbridge. Brass and woodwind pupils travelled to the Hyde Park Barracks, with Director of Music Mr Richard Curran and Mr Paul Jones, to enjoy a day exploring the barracks and playing their instruments with the Band of the Household Cavalry. Many thanks to Mr Curran for the following piece of an unusual and inspiring trip:
'"Atte~~ntion!" Today some of our finest brass and woodwind pupils spent a day with the Band of the Household Cavalry, at Hyde Park Barracks, Knightsbridge. We arrived just in time to see the cavalry being inspected before they set off for the changing of the guards at Buckingham Palace; a rare treat. We then got involved straight away in rehearsals with their Pop orchestra and Big Band for the remainder of the morning. The rehearsals were fast-paced and engaging, providing the kind of challenge to which our boys rose admirably.
After a hearty lunch we were given a tour of the barracks, which included a visit to the stables and room decorated with an assortment of uniforms. To round off the afternoon, we were treated to performances by the Clarinet Quartet and Brass Quintet, who regularly perform at some of the most-high profile events in the Royal Calendar. It was a fantastic day out, and a great experience for the musicians.’