1st Full day in Kristinehamn

After an evening with the hosts, we all met at the 1st school Sodermalmsskolan, where we did two performances, first to students of a similar age to the Big Band and then a second performance to younger students. Again there were many great solos, and dance moves. The audience were very appreciative at both of these concerts.

We then had a snack before walking the the Brogardsgymnasiet(which in our terms is a 6th form college. He we played a concert in their amphitheatre where there is a coffee shop. This concert was greatly received and they requested two encores. In this concert the small group played two new numbers as well.

We then had a little time to chill in Kristinehamn, pick and mix seem to be a favourite amongst the students on this tour!

The Band and the host families are now playing ball games together, followed by a BBQ.

More news to follow tomorrow.....

Katie

Arrival in Kristinehamn

After a 3 hour coach journey yesterday we arrived safely in Kristinehamn to a musical reception and then departed to stay with host families...

Concert video

A clip from our very first concert in Sweden showing some audience participation and a brief sample of James' stonking trumpet solos!

Hey everyone,

As the tutors didn't do a very long post yesterday because they were 'tired', we thought we'd do one.

We woke up ridiculously early (not for Kate!) to get one of the few hotel showers- which were actually really hot.

At about 9 we left for a primary school where we did 3 concerts back to back with some interesting dance moves from me, Frances and Joe to 'I feel good' and some great soloing from Louis and Emmanuel- as usual! (and the rest of us...)

Then, they fed us some school dinners which were very good- minus the dry cardboard cracker things, and we spoke to a few of the Swedish children (which was embarrassing for us as their English at 6 years old was miles better than our Swedish- Maddie and I have just been told hi means shark here...)

Next we visited an old people's home and did a quieter concert for them. They really enjoyed our jazz music and said it was a nice change from the folk music they are used to.

Soon it was time for the part of the day I had been looking forward to most, going shopping! The mall was huge and the pic 'n' mix here is insane- Frances managed to buy 0.98kg for just £7... I think most of the others just bought McDonald's, sorry parents.

In the evening we had a workshop session with some sweeds who were really friendly- especially the boys.. Being the only flautist in band I somehow ended up in a practice session with 7 people from their band and no-one from ours which was quite scary as we had to learn dance moves [Kate was in her element - loving every moment, giggling and dancing well -PD].

We had a 'Wilko' jam- basically, we all soloed and then Nick Wilkinson took over for about 5 minutes... We ate with them and then they showed us some more Swedish dancing which was hilarious.

Soon after, we returned to the hotel and were allowed a whole 10 minutes in the boys' room before bed.

I have to go now as we are about to leave for our 5th concert in 2 days but hope you're all well and missing us loads.

Hugs from all your children, Kate xx

4 concerts and a workshop later

4 concerts and a workshop , plus lots of nice food! School dinners have never tasted so good. Seriously, Lots of the band were seen going for seconds and even some for thirds.

The students did us proud with very successful performances. Everyone in the Band at some point in the day did a solo.

Sorry for the short blog today, we are all very tired.

The tutors.

The end of an 18 hour day!

Day one! Even though few of us got more than six hours of sleep, we were all surprisingly lively. After arriving in Sweden we were taken to our hotel, before long we were taken for an interesting boat trip along an old moat in Gotenburg. On this tour of the river, we learnt about some of the history of the town such as the ship building along the river and the original purpose of the river. One of the most interesting parts of the tour was the bridge nicknamed "The Cheese Grater" Bridge. It was given this name because is incredibly low. So low in fact that we had to literally duck under our seats as simply bending over just wasn't enough head clearance! After the boat trip we went for some fine cuisine in Pizza Hut and had quite an enjoyable dinner.

All in all, with the weather on our side, we had a great introductory day to Sweden and we're looking forward to the other delights that Sweden has to offer.

By Ama and Rashada

First impressions of Sweden

'Like England but clean' - Matt Wickham

All arrived safely

We have arrived at the hotel in Gothenburg and are relaxing, waiting for lunch. The flight was a little turbulent but everyone coped very well. One (trumpet!) player left his passport on the plane but thankfully it was recovered before we went any further! Everyone seems happy if a little tired. We will be going on a boat trip later this afternoon and our coach driver will also take us on a little tour of the city.

Peter