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