28 staff the opportunity for a refreshing dip in the North Sea. Filled with fresh fish and chips, ice cream and candy-floss, the musicians then transferred to Ripon where rehearsals began for our eagerly anticipated service of Evensong that evening. A rich musical programme, including Hadley’s My Beloved Spake (originally composed to be sung in Ripon Cathedral), was expertly performed by the students, whose concentration, commitment and poise was tangible throughout - it was indeed a very special and moving service, which was gratefully received by the large congregation within the Cathedral. Our final day began with a short visit to the Minster, where the students once again performed, amazed by the sheer acoustic of this wondrous Cathedral. Following a light lunch the merry band of young musicians were transferred to Harrogate for the final Big Band performance of the tour and, for departing Upper Sixth students, of their musical careers as students at Brentwood School. The evening did not disappoint and the setting of the Valley Gardens bandstand was truly exceptional. Once again the Big Band were treated to a huge audience, a standing ovation and a seemingly neverending call for encores, which delighted all members of the Band, who eagerly delivered. A final meal of celebration followed, including many student awards, comedy sketches and a true sense of camaraderie between all musicians from ages 11 - 18. The tour will live long in the memory of all students, staff and many members of the school community who were able to join us throughout our time in Yorkshire and was the perfect tonic to the soul, following 18 months of reduced musical opportunities. By Mr F Cooper
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