Audition Tips 2

I would like to reinforce Richard Lewis' point about not playing a piece that you are struggling with. Play a piece that's within your grasp and try to regard the audition as a performance rather than an exam, we're looking for musicians so play a piece that you enjoy playing.

Practice your excerpts with a metronome (I'm presuming your teacher will have done this with you for your pieces)and practice them slowly at first then build up to the required tempo.

Use the time at the beginning of the audition to tune up carefully; the walk from the warm up room to the audition room along a cold, draughty corridor can play havoc with the pitch of your instrument, and when you're tuning play some notes with a full sound; it will give you a chance to get the feel of the room which could have quite a different accoustic to the warm up room.

Finally remember that we all want you to play at your best but we all understand that auditions can be nerve racking; don't be put off by the odd fluffed note, try to keep the music flowing and the duff note will soon be forgotten.

Steve Broom, Viola tutor

Audition Tips - Part 1

Do some sight-reading every day until the audition, and in the audition sight-reading - keep going regardless!

Practice the last couple of times in the clothes you going to wear for the audition, so nothing feels weird or awkward on the day.

Finally, the panel is not there to eat you, we want you to play well! Try and feel that we are on your side, rather than we are there looking for faults.

Chris Stock, Percussion tutor

Always play a piece that you know well and that is within your capabilities. Difficult pieces performed poorly don’t impress.

Cello and bass players, make sure your spike is very sharp or bring along something to put on the floor to prevent your spike slipping.

Also, listen to a recording of the prepared excerpts. It makes a huge difference when performing them if you know how the music goes.

Finally, arrive in plenty of time and remember to bring all of your music, including photocopies for the panel!

Richard Lewis, Double Bass tutor

 

All aspects of the audition are important, but preparation of the set excerpts is vital, there are a lot of marks to be gained or lost depending on how you prepare these.

Scales and Arpeggios are also easy marks to pick up and again show the panel that you’re willing to put the time in to perfect the important building blocks of music.

Finally, some nerves are good and keep you on your toes, but some can be destructive. All of our tutors have been through many auditions themselves and so know what you’re going through. Try to relax – we’re not looking for mistakes, we want you to play to your best ability and controlling those nerves will help no end. Try some deep breathing exercises for the last few minutes before you audition time.

Matthew Jones, Youth Music Manager

Manager runs ½ Marathon for Orchestra – what was he thinking?!?

So as some will know, I decided (possibly in a moment of weakness) last spring that in order to try and raise some funds for the NYOW I would run the Cardiff Half Marathon. How hard could it be I asked myself, it’s not like it’s a full marathon and a 10k just sounds a bit, well, feeble. Besides, I play squash and touch rugby and so I’m generally fairly fit – it should be alright.

Well after a few months training my conclusions are:

1) 10k is not feeble at all; it’s still a long way and would have been much easier to pull off

2) Turns out that the short bursts of speed required to play squash and rugby don’t really prepare you for the rigours of long distance running with the stamina and mental toughness required

3) I’m very glad I didn’t decide to do a full marathon

As far as the training has gone, it started off pretty well; a couple of leisurely runs with colleagues from the WJEC made me think that this was completely do-able. I downloaded an app for my iPhone that would tell me my total distance, time taken and average speed – it was all great fun. However, after the first use the stats were a little disheartening. 3.5 miles in 40 minutes, whilst not atrocious, was no way near to the kind of speed I would need over 13.1 miles to complete the race within my own target of 2 hours – it was time to ramp up the training.

Unfortunately as soon as I’d decided this the summer residency arrived. My intentions were good, I was fully prepared to go for a number of runs during a fortnight in the beautiful surroundings of Lampeter. However, I managed the grand total of..... 1, and that was only a short one at just over 3 miles (although there was a very large hill!).

Since then I’m happy to say that training has been going a lot better. I’m gradually working up to decent distances in decent times – last run was 8.6 miles with an average speed that would bring me in under the 2 hour mark.

There is still a long way to go and the date (16^th October 2011) is getting ever closer. I’m determined to beat the aching muscles and ankles as well as the blisters on nearly every toe and get at least one 13 mile run completed before the day. I’ll keep you posted on my progress.

In the meantime, if you want to sponsor me – my fundraising page is below, to coin a supermarket slogan – ‘every little bit helps!’: http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/MattJones77

'Post-it' Note Feedback, St David's Hall 2011

Here is the final instalment of our 2011 ‘Post-it Note’ feedback, just a small selection of some fantastic and well deserved comments. There are some poignant messages in light of the violence in the UK during the week.

• An excellent concert, was proud of every member – just compare your standards: of musicianship, self esteem, confidence, power of concentration, team work etc and compare your personal skills with the lunatics who trashed Britain last week.  Well done all. Tony Small

• Absolutely brilliant – enough said.

• Swn Aruthrol.  Roedd hi’n pleser clywed grwp roedd yn gweithio mor dda gydai gilydd.  Roedd y Prokoviev yn wych.

• A super concert.  Very professional and of a very high standard.  Excellent choice of music that could be enjoyed by everyone. Garry Keeble

• Lovely choice of pieces and beautifully performed.  Loved the conductor!

• Extremely enjoyable.  The communication between every section of the orchestra produced a very tight performance with everyone working as one unit.  Well done.

• This is the first time I have been to see the NYOW, I thoroughly enjoyed it and will definitely come again next year.

• Lovely programme! How about a pre-concert talk from conductor/principal players?  Fantastic Prokofiev – brilliant playing from Horn 1, Oboe 1 and Flute 1.

• Absolutely amazing concert – so much wonderful, young talent.  An absolute inspiration to us all and a credit to all your hard work.  (well done Jamie on Bassoon)

• Wow! Excellent – better than professionals.

• Well done. I wish I had auditioned again – you sounded amazing!

• The pieces enabled the whole orchestra to participate to their full potential.  Very high standard of performance.  Most enjoyable.  Fantastic viola solo – made her auntie cry.

• Awesome.  Oliver we are very proud of you!

• Rhaglen gyffrous wedi’i pherfformio’n wych.  Llongyfarchiadau.
• Ardderchog – Excellent!  I found it hard to believe that the performers are all so young.  Very accomplished and a very ambitious program for a youth orchestra.  Thank you – diolch!

• What a wonderful evening.  So great to see such talent especially this week of violence and despair – to see youth united in this way – here to the future. Grandparents of James Ralph-Hopkins

• The Violas rock and the 2^nd Violins! A fantastic accomplished performance.  Thank goodness we know where our children are tonight and long live the NYOW for giving future generations a chance!

• Under Yuasa’s clear, unfussy direction, the NYOW play with a high degree of assurance and commitment.  Well done – class of 2011.

• First piece unfamiliar to me, but played with zeal.  The Liszt was beautifully executed.  Prokofiev – always difficult.  The orchestra swallowed the whole symphony with ease.  Magnificent sound.  Well done NYOW. All of you!

• Congratulations to you all.  A superb concert, all your hard work has paid off.  It was a huge privilege to sit in the audience tonight.  Well done

Post-it Note Feedback - part 2

Some more examples of the audience responses from the NYOW 2011 Concert Tour

Sage, Gateshead – spot the post by a family member!

• Absolutely terrific! Meghan and Natalie Evans made the performance!
• Speechless, unbelievable for their age! Harriet age 7.
• Bravo! We were absolutely swept off our feet! Very professional performance. Good luck for the future.
• Thank you for a wonderful concert. It was a tribute to your talent, hard work and enthusiasm. You are all a positive advert for the young people of today. Well done!
• Very impressed with your talent, musicianship and enthusiastic performance. Visitors from Sydney.
• Wonderful evening and fantastic performance. Our second chance to hear and see you. Please keep coming back. Royston & Pam Thomas
• Great performance, fantastic. Would have enjoyed the inclusion of one popular piece –a crowd pleaser!
• Well worth the 100 mile round trip from Carlisle to hear you! Well played! Prokofiev particularly stunning, thank you.
• You guys were great, so refreshing! Thanks for coming to the Sage – come again!
• That was quite astonishing and a remarkable performance! Made my baby bump kick like mad –maybe a member for the future!
• Well done – almost professional standard – choice was a bit esoteric. I would have liked the inclusion of at least one popular piece – Beethoven, Mozart perhaps or even Brahms!

RNCM, Manchester

• A great concert, vital, and when the music took off ie. Prokofiev so did the orchestra. Well done!  Great music – will be a huge experience for the orchestras and the audience.
• Bravo! My highlights: Ensemble – excellent, Intonation – very good, Communication and performance – Class.  A+
• A-maz-ing!!! Byth yn meddwl mai pobl ifanc oedd yn chwarae fab! Nia
• Fluid  - accomplished – stunning and mesmerising.
• Fabulous! Feather to the Mountain was a wonderful addition to the classical repertoire.  Thank you, also for introducing me to the Liszt.
• Rhagorol! Absolutely brilliant! A credit to all who participated.
• What a wonderful concert and marvelous advertisement for Welsh Culture.  The orchestra is remarkably good and seemed to handle the music’s technical moments with ease alongside some outstanding solo playing.  Please come to Manchester again.
• A very exciting performance of Prokofiev 5.  Thanks to all you young people from Wales for your abilities and enthusiasm for this great music.  John & Lucy Nathrass Altrincham and Susie Holaham, New Haven USA
• Diolch am brofiad rhagorol!

NYOW 2011

So having pretty much recovered from the summer residency it is time to turn our thoughts to 2012. But before we do that, maybe a little reflection on NYOW 2011 and what that brought.

With a raft of senior members leaving us last September, 2011 brought the largest number of new members to the NYOW – forty two in total, or over a third of the Orchestra. 2011 also saw a chamber orchestra of senior and recent former members accompany the National Youth Choir of Wales in a fantastic performance of Beethoven’s Mass in C at the Fishguard Festival in St Davids Cathedral.

But perhaps the biggest change for the NYOW this year was working with a new conductor. Maestro Takuo Yuasa brought with him not only a wealth of experience and musicality, but also a keen sense of humour, and he fitted in with the NYOW from the get-go. A sign of the respect afforded him by the members of the Orchestra was the near constant flash of cameras in the bar after the final performance in Cardiff.

And the concerts, well what can I say? Full of energy, musicianship and passion, with the performances getting better and better as the tour went on. The Orchestra, despite its number of fledgling members coped with the rigours of a challenging programme and lengthy bus journeys to do the ‘Nash’ name proud. A lengthy standing ovation from a large audience in Cardiff was no more than they deserved.

And so onto 2012, well almost! Despite the application deadline looming at the end of September and the annual tour of auditions in November, we have time for one last hurrah. 2011 heralds a milestone in the history of the National Youth Orchestra of Wales as it celebrates its 65^th Anniversary. To mark the occasion we have a Winter Ball planned for the 18^th November. We are hoping as many current and former members from throughout the Orchestra’s long history will be able to join us and help us celebrate this wonderful achievement. Here’s to the next 65 years and beyond!

Post-it Note Feedback - Part One

Having returned from a bit of a holiday after the course, I’ve been reading through the post-it notes that were completed by audience members throughout the concert tour. I hope you enjoy reading a small sample of the fantastic comments posted about NYOW 2011 (including some rather bias but totally deserving comments from family members!).

Feedback comments from Lampeter:

• Never fails to amaze me! With 1 week of rehearsals what you all can produce - Amazing! Congratulations to you all.  Can’t wait for Saturday.
• Feather to the Mountain – magical, transporting, otherworldly. Liszt was lovely and just drew you in. Prokofiev was rousing, joyful, electrifying, charged with power. Cheryl – San Francisco, California
• Perfformiad Gwefreiddiol! Absolutely cracking! (especially Cellos)
• Marvellous. Everyone in tune. Orchestra should be proud of their achievements.  Jonny Burton – Mature student in Ancient Greek of University Summer School, Lampeter
• Cerddoriaeth hyfrydol.  Diolch yn fawr!
• It cost me £60 and 3 points to get here and it was worth it.
• Thank you for bringing such wonderful music to Lampeter yet again!  It has been a privilege to hear your rehearsals over the course of the week.  Come back soon.  Mair – Lampeter
• Fabulous performance. So exciting to watch.  Perfformiad cyffrous iawn! Da iawn chi! Cellos yn Wych!
• Very good sound.  Fantastic percussion especially timps in the symphony.  Head of trumpets very good.
• I thought you guys were amazing.  The conductor is superb!  Really enjoyed the concert, well the first half anyway.  Look forward to second half. Dolly
• My heartfelt thanks to the NYOW for a wonderful performance of ‘Feather to the Mountain’ - Hilary Tann

Feedback comments from Wrexham:

• A privilege to have heard such wonderful playing. Congratulations to the orchestra for Prokofiev.
• So proud to be an ex member of the NYOW. So proud of the current orchestra – a fabulous concert tonight in Wrexham. The woodwind were excellent of course! (As was everyone else). This brought back so many happy memories.    Irene
• What a wonderful evening, such high standard.
• Fabulous, I wish I could play like that.
• Super! Youth Orchestra? Never - more like professional. Best of luck for the rest of the tour.
• Incredible performance, very high standard, beautiful.
• Inspirational. Thoroughly enjoyed it and look forward to listening to you again. Truly wonderful.
• The double bass section was really strong and the back desk showed particular flare.
• Concert was amazing from 1^st to last, never seen so many in an orchestra. Well done from Italy
• Ardderchog
• Cyffrous iawn! Llongyfarchiadau i bobl ifanc
• I am in shock. Not quite on the ground - this was an historic event. 

We're setting off to Cardiff (slightly delayed post!)

We're setting off to Cardiff this morning in the last of our coach journeys for the 2011 Tour for our final gig, and it seems as good a time as any for a bit of reflection on what has been another memorable Nash course.

When people (especially young musicians with NYOW ambitions) ask me about the Nash, my answer is usually worthy of Tolkien. So many tales and stories: the Lampeter pipe challenge, the ingenious DIY fancy dress costumes, the Double Bass section Cabaret acts, Davros our head of Welfare who seemingly can't go upstairs, the Nash Quiz, the personalities that make the Nash the social orchestra that it is.... and that is before you even mention the great repertoire, the brilliant instrumental tutors, the great players and principals, the world class halls, festivals and international conductors. When I've finished telling them about it, they usually seem a little overwhelmed; captivated by the mythical legend. They're probably wondering how much of it I've exaggerated or made up, but when they finally make it here themselves as my two Wrexham Bass protégés Kate Jones and Alissa Andrews did this year, they realise that everything I said was true, a Nash course really is that incredible, that enjoyable and that unforgettable.

This year is no different. We had an unusual rendition of the Mexican Hat Dance by the Bass Section for Cabaret, some incredible 'Feather' themed costumes including a bed, some native Americans, Fezes, CBBC's Raven and his Challengers, Angry Birds and Sesame Street's Big Bird. There was some Nash Quiz controversy over a disputed winner and this year's new ice breaker treasure hunt also proved entertaining. We also had the age old unofficial awards, a wonderful evening dining with our section for Tutors' night and the challenge of Prokofiev's epic 5th Symphony. Another first this year was Best Newcomer Award winner and all round legend, Maestro Yuasa; who's wink to me at the end of the final movement last night was his way of expressing his satisfaction with our performance.

Although only a brief tour this year, we've really made the most of it. Playing in my two home towns of Wrexham and Manchester (where I'm at University) were highlights, as was returning to the visually and acoustically stunning hall at The Sage Gateshead.

But alas we've arrived at our final destination, our final gig, our final performance with the Maestro, on our final day. The last concert always has been and will be one of mixed emotions. Relief that some sleep and a change of clothes is in sight, sudden awareness that a fortnight has just passed you by and that the course is nearly over, a slight longing for home, realisation that your time with the best orchestra and conductor you've worked with is almost up, relief that there are no more coach journeys, but a little upset that you probably won't see all the friends you've made again for another 12 months. And then there's the post-nash blues, but that's testament to how amazing the course is.

It has truly been another memorable year; another great Nash course. What would we all do with our summer without it?

Dan Evans, Principal Bass

1st Violins

It's the day of our first concert, after just over a weeks worth of rehearsals (including some extra "1st violin only" practices!).

last night was Cabaret, so we're all a bit tired. As we were the one of the only sections that participated we were all feeling very proud of our Mozart/Bond performance....... But then we won the worst section award after failing the challenges!

We've had a great week including a 1st Violin Curry and a lovely back to normal tutor's dinner.

A massive thank you to our tutor Adrian - you're amazing!

the 1st Violin sections

Manager's update

We've now spent a week in Lampeter, the weather has been changeable, as has the food! One thing that has been a constant is the eagerness of the Orchestra to learn from the excellent Maestro Takuo Yuasa.

Maestro arrived on course Thursday afternoon and quickly discovered he'd left his MacBook at Glasgow Airport security and the key to his luggage at home! After a phonecall to Glasgow and breaking into his luggage, he spent the evening listening through the door to the Orchestra's last rehearsal before he took over the following morning.

His immediate thoughts were that the horns and brass were too far apart, a casual comment in the SU Bar which led to our stage manager, Welfare Team, me and Maestro himself going into the hall at 10pm and changing the layout - something to keep the Orchestra on its toes the following morning!

From the start of the rehearsal he had the Orchestra hanging on his every word. His first comment as he took his ear plugs out was that he was very sensitive to "loud noise and bad intonation", a comment met with a nervous laughter, universal readjustment of posture and the widening of eyes. It was an excellent first day's rehearsal and the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive since.

The annual tutor's dinner is a 'Nash' tradition, an opportunity for the members to get dressed up and sit for a meal with their section tutor and thank them for the hard work put in and advice given. It is also an opportunity for the course awards to be handed out. That is news for a separate Blog, but all were of course richly deserved and congratulations to all.

Since then the emphasis of the morning and afternoon rehearsals has been very much preparing fully for the concert tour. Maestro demands a lot of the Orchestra, but the members are keen to please him and are responding positively and professionally. In the evenings members of the Orchestra have been involved in various musical activities. Someone have been involved in woodwind and brass chamber sessions, the majority have played through two Beethoven symphonies. Jonathan Mann, former leader of the NYOW returned to Lampeter last night for a rehearsal of the 6th Symphony, and this evening Steffan Morris, principal cello is taking orchestra members through the 7th.

Later this evening, the members hold the Cabaret night - a chance for everyone to show a different side to ther talents and for the 'unofficial awards' to be given out. I'm sure a good night will be had by all! Tomorrow the Orchestra will perform an informal concert at Lampeter University before heading off on tour on Wednesday. I can't wait to see this year' orchestra in performance - it's going to be special!

Day 4 - 18th Birthday celebrations!

Day 4

What a day, my 18^th birthday on the Nash course. After waking up and walking to the refectory, I was greeted by the typical 50 part choir ‘Happy Birthday’ chant from my other half asleep colleagues of the orchestra. After rehearsing the Liszt and Prokofiev in the morning, we were all introduced to our conductor for the remainder of the course, maestro Takuo Yuasa. I think I can speak for most of the orchestra in saying that we instantly liked him and realised what a musician he is. After having a productive full run of our programme, I changed quickly to gather with the rest of the brass section for our annual sectional curry. I quickly realised that I could actually buy myself a drink, and took full advantage of this. The curry was absolutely amazing – the best I’ve had so far. For a good curry, the Shapla Tandoori in Lampeter is ‘ThePlaice to Be’ (people from Bangor will understand ;) ). Thanks to the welfare staff for the trumpet inspired birthday cake – this was shared with the brass and horn sections. Upon my return to the Students Union bar back at the college campus, I learned that another ‘Happy Birthday’ chanting spree happened before I arrived, but in about 30 different languages!! A few drinks then ended a memorable day.

Thank you everyone from NYOW for a great day!!

Gwyn Owen (Trumpet)

Day 3 - Trombone Section

Wednesday 3rd August - 13:11, Lampeter
As we sit under the blazing sun on this pleasant Tuesday afternoon, the grey clouds and rain that greeted us on our arrival Monday seem firmly in the distant past. The lovely weather is helping to maintain the high spirits and keen optimism of this year's trombone and tuba section which is still in a chirpy mood despite spending the morning with the uncouth trumpet section.

The trumpets joining us for tutelage from Nash veteran John Hendy, due to the absence of the indisposed tutor Gareth Small, were introduced to a few of the trombone section traditions. The routine section raffle immediately caused a few problems for the mathematically challenged trumpets, who struggled to grasp the concept of a 20 pence bet. The famous joke competition also proved tricky for the trumpets who were pushed to (as John had requested) “keep it clean”. The trombones on the other hand were naturally able to come out with good, unobjectionable humour suitable for the whole family….

On a more serious musical note, the benefits of spending the morning with the trumpets working on creating a homogenous orchestral brass sound were very fruitful. At this point we’d like to extend a special thank you to john for all the time and effort he has spent whipping us into shape. Meanwhile, throughout full orchestra rehearsals, progress is evident, a sign that the great investment of sectional tutoring is paying off. We look forward to this evening’s annual quiz, where last year’s unlikely champions hope to retain their title.

We leave you now with a question posed in this morning’s sectional; “What’s brown and sticky?”….

Posted by the Lower Brass Section of Matthew Horne, Jake Durham, Thomas Scaife, Aled Rees and Thomas Howells.

A report from the Welfare Staff

It's the third day of the NYOW course (the fourth day for us Welfare Staff) and the breaking news is that the sun is actually shining in Lampeter for a change. Sectional and full rehearsals are progressing well and the new members of the orchestra have intergrated into the group really well. The inaugural Welfare Team Challenge event, which took place after last night's full rehearsal, was a great success. Lewis' team emerged victorious, despite being deducted 25 points for cheating! This morning Matt, Chris and Lewis have been putting the final touches to the legendary NYOW quiz which takes place tonight, while the girls enjoy the sun! There are some other fun activities planned for the week ahead that we're really looking forward to. We'll keep you posted! Gemma, Celi, Charlotte, Matt, Chris & Lewis (Welfare Team)    

Day 2 - The Percussion Section

Hi, we are the cerpussionists. Today, to break the repetition of rehearsing the pieces, we spent a whole two hours in a cymbal masterclass. This was a good relaxing session that allowed us to get over our tiredness. It also made us realise how we all play in ‘interesting ways. For instance, Paul sticks his backside out, Alun prays to the cymbal god, Mike looks like a dunce, Rich looks moody (as always), Phil looks as if he’s about to fall asleep and Will is boring. This year, we have enjoyed integrating our two new members of the section, Alun and Mike, with Paul, Will, Phil and Rich. We are looking forward to the night ahead as we hear it involves a treasure hunt. This will consist of getting to the sweets before Mike, who is currently drooling over KitKats.

New Members Welcome

There are forty two new members of the NYOW in 2011. On the first evening they were officially welcomed by their section principals.

 1st Violins - Katie Schmidt, Lucy Noden, Meghan Evans, Lydia Marshall (Leader of NYOW), Rachel Parry

 2nd Violins - Ruth Dingle, Georgia Williams, Thomas Congdon, Oliver Feng, Huw Jones, Rebecca Hobbs, Eranan Thirumagan, Noel Au-Yeung, Daire Roberts, Olivier Jago, Kiril Gianelli, Harriet Lawton (Principal), Ruth Reynolds

Violas - Elin Parry (Joint Principal), Natalie Evans, Amie Gronow, Lucy Jones-Angove, Bridget Mansfield, Angharad Thomas (Joint Principal)

Cellos - Carwyn Jones, Saran Davies, Steffan Morris (Principal), Jacob Owen, Oliver Irving

Double Basses - Alissa Andrews, Hayley Morgan, Daniel Evans (Principal), Kate Jones

 Flutes - Ashleigh Powell, Rebecca Griffiths (Principal), Caradog Jones

Oboes - Bethany Elliott (Joint Principal), Adam Bowman, Myfanwy Price (Joint Principal)

Clarinets - Rhodri Taylor (Joint Principal), Bethan Edwards, Sam Turton (Joint Principal)

Bassoons - Jonathan Davies (Principal), James Ralph-Hopkins

Horns - Sophie Lewis, Rupert Browne (Principal), Maximillian Boothby, Gareth Owen

Trumpets - Samuel Pierce, Matthew Williams (Principal)

Trombones - Matthew Horne (Principal), Thomas Scaife, Jake Durham

Percussion - Alun McNeil-Watson, Paul Stoneman (Principal), Michael Olivier

Amy Bradley - Piano, Harps - Marged Hall (Principal), Rhiain Dyer

Welfare Team - Celi Johnston, Lewis Gibbs, Charlotte Jones, Gemma Jones, Chris Williams (New Member), Matthew George

NYOW lauches it's new Blog

As NYOW 2011 begins, I welcome all current members and tutors to Lampeter for what I am sure will be a fantastic couple of weeks of music making in celebration of our 65th year.

In addition to our seasoned campaigners we have 42 new orchestra members, 2 new members of the tutorial team, one new member of Welfare Staff, and a new Conductor.

We have registered all members, had meetings galore and now we're down to the serious business of preparing the music. Sectionals are underway and the first tutti rehearsal starts at 7.

Welfare and management are on day two at Lampeter having spent yesterday preparing for the members arrival, and are slowly but surely overcoming the various technological obstacles that have been put in our way. We are now online and are looking forward to progressing our Social Media explorations through the NYOW Facebook site and our brand new blog.

Unfortunately the only problem is the weather - great for ducks, not so great for the course, fingers crossed it will improve!