This one time, at band camp...

We have arrived at Swansea University, home of the International Brass Band Summer School. As we were checking in, I met the organizers of the event and outstanding musicians, to boot; Nicholas Childs, Steven Sykes, Owen Farr, and Allison Childs. They are all so down-to-earth and approachable.
My dorm room is on the eighth floor with a great view of the Swansea Bay. The room is efficent to stay the least, but it's clean and just the right size. The toilet, sink, and shower are all in one room that is removable by the looks of it.
I was apprehensive about "the audition." All these feelings of anxiety and judgement were creeping up on me - like a jury in college. :'( BUT, we didn't have to play them! Yay! So I really like Brett Baker, the trombone coach and 1st trombonist of the Black Dyke Band.
The day started out with a reception and a general overiew of the week. There are 134 people here, 120 of them are participating in the course. There are people from Norway, Holland, Japan, Britian, Ireland, Switzerland, and the U.S. - at least that's who I met thus far! In the trombone section, I've met a young bass trombonist, Wouter, from Holland (that's where my grandfather was born). Another two guys (one young, one really old) from Switzerland. The old guy from Switzerland is Jean Charles and he hosted the CSULB Band on their European tour. So he knows of CSULB, Marvin Bransan, and Larry Curtis! Small world, and we had something to talk about. There are enough people in the course, that there are two bands. I'm in the Eminence Band (the good one), playing second trombone. Placement was loose and both bands are an equal mix of levels. There are 3 firsts, 3 seconds, and 1 bass in our band and it's a good section, great people.
Our first rehearsal was a massed band rehearsal (which is everybody). So what happens when you put 100 brass players in a room? The walls shake, the floor shudders, and the players are happy. Wait until you hear the massed bands playing all of the 1812 Overture!
Each night, the tutors give a brief recital before we go to the pub. The first night was David Childs, euphonium. Amazing player! Last night was Owen Farr, tenor horn and Brett Baker, trombone. Truly impressive!
The past two days and the early part of today have been musically enjoyable and I'm holding my own. There are so many different level people here. Some just started their instrument after retiring, others are university students, and some just really love playing. I've met many and I am having fun meeting everyone.
Last night there was a brass band quiz, that was fun, but our team did less than good on. Tonight is karoke apparently and I have been dubbed first up since I was "cheeky" with the quizmaster! Totally out of character, I know. Today, the Royal Marines Music whatever gave a presentation and a conducting clinic which was informative. And it also confirmed what a great education I got at CSULB, Go Beach!
Do you enjoy my stream of conciousness writing? As I sit here in the Swansea University library typing away for a half hour?
I've taken a walk on the beach which is directly in front of the University. Low tide is really low here. You can walk out a really great distance before reaching the water. (Sorry, I'm a girl and have a bad judgement of distance.) The low tide did reveal lots and lots of seashells. Sophia, I've picked up some real unique ones for you! Sand is very soft and I don't know about the surf because of the tide. Hope you've enjoyed all of this. I'll update it more later but, that's what's going on right now. We'll see if I can manage uploading some more pics too. Adios.