High Notes in the Alps

On Saturday 6th July the Junior and Senior School Brass Bands set off on their bi-annual concert tour this time to Austria.  

Band tours are quite unique as they are the only residential trip in the school that is a whole school tour with pupils from Year 2 up to Year 13 all working together as one big family. Soloists on the tour were Arabella B - Year 5, Ben R - Year 11, Olivia H - Year 11, Elliot H - Year 13 and Henry B - Year 13.

The bands performed three concerts, the first was by Lake Zell as part of the Lakeside water Fountain Show, the second was in the beautiful Mirabell Gardens in the centre of Salzburg. For the third concert we were invited to play in the Mid-Europe Band Festival in Schladming, the festival is in its 23rd year and goes on for four days and includes bands from over 15 different countries.

In-between performing concerts we had time to enjoy different activities in Austria including a River Cruise, a tour down the Salt Mines in Berchtesgaden dressed as miners sliding down slides the miners have used for centuries while learning about the so-called white Gold. A trip to Hellbrunn Palace and the trick Water Gardens in Salzburg followed by a funicular ride up to Hohensalzburg Fortress overlooking Salzburg. tobogganing in Saalfelden - a 1.6km long dry sled that descended 345 metres with 61 curves and 2 jumps. Riding in a Gondala to the top of the mountain in Schladming.

We made full use of all the outside activities at the hotel feeding the horses and rabbits. trampolining, zip wire, swings, seesaw, football, table tennis, volleyball and cricket, We even played a 15 a side game of Uno! After dinner one evening all lined up to have a group photo outside the hotel only to be drenched by Mr Brown with a hosepipe which was followed by a massive water fight!