Bob Disney (one of our Bass players in the senior band) had gone on holiday to Malta this April, and played in a millitary band! find out how he went on here.

 Holiday Malta 1st April 2008

Before I went to Malta I made enquiries on the internet with the idea of "having a blow" with a local band whilst I was there; to keep my "lip in" and o meet other musicians.

I contacted the Secretary Ivan Grixti at the Kings Own Band Club, 274 Triq ir Republic (Republic Street) Velletta, Malta, and I solicited an invitation.

I attended the club on arrival and met with Iwen and other members of the band.

I attended a rehearsal Thursday 3rd April; I was made very welcome and i was introduced to the conductor John Galea of University of Malta Music studies department.

Ival also a degree holder secured at Lancaster University is familiar with the area.

The band was formed by Royal Charter by the King of England.

I was provided with an ancient; battered; sticky valved Bb Bass that wasn't in much condition at all, though with some attention and maintenance it was playable. I had a very enjoyable rehearsal reading Contra Bass Military band musician Bass Clef, written completely on ledger lines below the stave, (Transposition 1 octave and a tone + 2# in bass clef!), through all of this however i was able to make it "sing" (figuratively speaking).

At the end i was given a CD, several band magazines and i was invited back (with my own bass) to play with them at one of their prestige events.

            Also on my holiday I attended a parade and performance Saturday evening and Saturday and the Sunday afternoon parade around streets - St Publius Valletta.