FIrst night of the Gang Show was definitely better than rehearsal

I can tell that this cold is losing its hold on me. Tonight, I played most of the right notes, mostly in the right order (you have to know that the most famous person to come from Harpenden is, probably, Eric Morecambe to get that joke).

Anyway, the show went well and it's amazing how inspirational it is to play with a group of kids who are working really hard at what they're doing.

The pit band is working its socks off. Definitely wasn't when I took this photo:

But once they actually made it down into the depths of the pit, it all went swimmingly. It would have been nice if we'd all played the National Anthem in the same key(!) but the rest went well thereafter.

It's going to be a good week. Tiring, but enjoyable.

Some of the arrangements are excellent (thanks to Chris), which makes it more worthwhile. Always entertaining to be sitting in front of Rob on trumpet and being conducted by Ewan. It all feels nicely familiar, despite being not far away from sight-reading.

On the basis that I will NOT allow this cold to win, tomorrow night will be even better.