Spain Tour - Summer 2022

GM Spain Tour 2022

Three GM groups (Gloucestershire Youth Orchestra (GYO), Gloucestershire Youth Wind Orchestra (GYWO) & Gloucestershire Youth String Orchestra (GYSO)) embarked on a concert tour from 3rd - 9th August 2022 with performances in Becerril de Campos, Melgar de Fernamental and Cuellar Castle. All three performances were outstanding and gratefully received standing ovations to capacity audiences. Read below from some of our students who created many sepcial memories:

Elsa - GYWO

'The Gloucestershire Music Spain tour was a life-changing experience, which I would happily do again! It was really well planned and thought out, all of the places the we played at and visited were amazing for learning the history and culture of Spain! Before we went, I was very excited and not nervous at all because I felt that we were really well prepared by Phil, GYWO’s conductor. I found the two day rehearsal before we left, very helpful because we worked with the other orchestra, GISE, to become a mast ensemble and polished all of our pieces. The bus journey to Spain was a very enjoyable experience as we watched a couple of movies and had a music quiz! On the way back everyone was really tired, which made it feel shorter then the bus journey out! The hotel that we stayed in was a great base, with only a 5 minute walk to the centre of Palencia, where there were a lot of shops to buy food in and souvenirs! The breakfasts there were always varied and a lovely start to the morning when we came back so late the night prior. Normally after breakfast, we would have some free time before going out to our venue, which I spent either in the pool, or sunbathing by the pool, as the mornings were always very pleasant there! Each venue we travelled to was a new adventure with a different program for each night, and new skills to learn. On our last night, we played outside in the beautiful Castilla, and the breeze had a lot of fun with our sheet music! But, we persevered and over came! I would like to thank all of the staff at Gloucestershire Music for supporting and supervising us on this trip - we couldn’t have done it without you!'

Maisie - GYO/GYSO & Riley - GYWO

'Over our trip to Spain, we strengthened existing friendships and made new friends and memories that we’re sure we will treasure forever (late night laughter, the Christ statue, jumping into the pool, lots of ice-cream …). We did things we didn’t think we would, like going on a thirty-hour journey from Gloucester all the way through France to Spain, past bright yellow sunflower fields. The hotel was really nice (especially the pool!) and Palencia was lovely for walks and lunches, with lots of beautiful architectural features (and ice-cream). Exploring Burgos was an adventure, climbing stairs and exploring the cathedral. It was extraordinary. We had a lot of freedom and trust which was appreciated. The point of the trip was the music though and each concert was unique, even magical (for the musicians at least). Each venue was amazing; from the celestial-themed cultural centre in Becerril de Campos, to the resplendent art in Melgar de Fernamental and the historical beauty of Cuellar castle. Our personal favourite performance was in the church near Burgos – the open space and stone arches provided fantastic acoustics, especially when the orchestras combined to finish off the concert with Ever Forwards, and we particularly enjoyed playing together for a change. None of this would’ve been possible without all of the instructors and staff on the trip giving up their free time for us. Thank you.'

Lois - GYO/GYWO

'Going on the tour to Spain was such an incredible experience! It gives such a thorough insight into the daily life of a professional musician, and is a big boost to carry on your musical career. From the long bus journeys, to performances at incredible venues, and swimming in the hotel pool to playing cards games in the evening, it was such a rich experience! It was a great opportunity to develop companionship between all of the orchestras, and hone those musical skills, like playing all together, and in front of a (rather large) audience, and I would definitely go again. It encourages you to be the best you can be, not only as a musician, but as a friend and fellow instrument player. I made friends for life that I didn’t even know I could be friends with, and I learned a lot about myself in the process. It challenges you, and stretches you, but it has taught me invaluable musical skills that I will never forget, like music-keeping, playing as a whole sound, improvisation and responsibility. It was a wonderful week that I will never forget, along with the friends I made, and I experiences I will treasure!'

Image from Melgar, 6th August 2022

Watch our memory box video below