Project Day

We had discussed going back to London today but the snow we woke to put the dampers on that one. She was furious for about 10 minutes and then happily accepted going to YYM project day instead.

We were merrily pottering around, getting ready to head out to our train when I had the horrible realisation I had got the London and Leeds trains muddled up, and that we were going to miss the Leeds train. So we decided to drive the whole way. After building ourselves a wee snowman of course (extra shot.... snowman, 18th March.... bonkers!!). Driving was a little interesting but it mean we made it in time.

Project day wasn’t entirely what she’d expected, and writing this from a retrospective position I have the information now from the director that it was really aimed at the much older students but apparently Katies instructors were impressed with her group. Perhaps moreso than she and her group were with the day! She said they talked about feelings in the first session. She was very “meh” about it but since the session has been writing a piece of music and has been describing the feelings going on in her piece and inspiring her piece.... so perhaps it’s actually had an impact!

Her second session had quite a few of the group groaning. “We did standing and sitting”. Practicing proper performance posture.... not exciting but very important! Also, a particular favourite of the director.

She’d asked me to come back for lunch break. We’d had to pre order her food from the bar and this sent her into a bit of a panic about if she’d find her dinner. It was there waiting for but she didn’t seem impressed at the experience. She’ll take pack up next time!

The final session went rather over her head. She didn’t understand a lot of it. From the one bit she could explain, I think it was possibly about the psychology of music, including performance anxiety. In the car on the way back, she declared “well that was NOT what I expected”. It wasn’t a compliment. She was even less impressed as she was one of only 5 students from her campus to make the trip to Leeds and the only one of her group of friends. But she’d gone, she made a couple of new friends and she’d shown willing.... and possibly learnt a few things.