It looked like we weren’t going to get too many people turn up to the rehearsal last Tuesday, but in the end we maintained our excellent turn out to rehearsals. All the sections were full and we even had a couple of visitors, who even joined us in the pub afterwards. So if you’re reading this and thinking about coming along to Watford Band to see what all the fuss is about; get yourself along, you’ll be most welcome, you’ll have a good time both in the rehearsal and in the bar afterwards.

I think it’s testament to the enthusiasm and ability of Martyn our MD that we’ve got players queuing up to attend rehearsals despite our disappointment at the contest last weekend. After all banding is just a hobby (right Martyn?) and we’re there because we enjoy what we do regardless of whether we win a trophy or not. Sure it’s nice to win and I’m sure that will come as gain experience and confidence, but it’s not the be all and end all. For me I’d much rather be entertaining the public.

Looks like the rehearsals will be concentrating on the music for the CD and the area contest. I think this is good as we won’t get too bored with Partita as it keeps it interesting as we decide on a CD programme and practise those.

Martyn had also put out the beginnings of a summer programme and I noticed Buster Strikes Back was in there; gulp! Better get practising it again!

On another note, we had our first City Brass group rehearsal on Wednesday night. This is a 10 piece brass ensemble I play in based in St. Albans. We don’t have many gigs usually just 2 or 3 per year, but we’re all mates from various bands and it’s just another excuse to go out and play and then go to the pub afterwards! I got the opportunity to play on a trumpet that someone is selling. It’s a Yamaha 1320 model, which is their student line. Unfortunately all the slides were stuck so I couldn’t tune it and there’s no third valve slide ring to keep the low D and C# in tune:( I think I’ll look to get the next model up which has these or the Conn International as it was recommended by our first trumpet player (and also my former tutor), Ken Bache; can’t find a UK distributor for these though.