[photo courtesy of Fiona Latham]

The East Riding Senior Wind Band and The East Riding Youth Jazz Orchestra went on tour to Croatia from 24 to 29 July. Here is a report on the tour written by Rebecca Caley.

We had a long day travelling from the Hexagon to Stansted Airport, flying to Trieste and then a coach journey from Italy to Lovran via Slovenia.

We were all up early next morning for breakfast but due to a burst water main there was no water in the Hostel, but this was soon resolved and we were on our way to visit the historic town of Rovinj where we climbed up the many steps to the top of the Church tower. The views from the top were well worth the climb.

We performed 3 evening concerts during the tour – all were outside and had a different atmosphere:

  • Trsat Castle – a castle on a hill. It was very dark and you could barely see the audience.
  • Krk Riva – a market place. The audience were all sat or stood very near to us and joined in.
  • Fuzine – we played in a green parkland on a wooden bandstand.

We played a varied selection of pieces including 633 Squadron, Yorkshire Overture and Cry of the Unicorn at each concert and the audiences were great.

As well as the concerts we had time for sightseeing, swimming and trips around Lovran and the surrounding beautiful coastal area. Mrs Walker even gave an interview on Croatian national television.

We spent an enjoyable day on a boat trip to an island and enjoyed a fresh fish picnic with lots of swimming in the sea. Everyone enjoyed a chocolate tasting in Opatija. It was also nice to get away from the heat with an afternoon visit to the caves at Vrelo.

On the return journey we visited a horse farm in Slovenia and had time to look round Trieste before the flight home.

Everyone had a wonderful time and Croatia was very picturesque. We will all have very happy memories of the 2017 Tour to Croatia.

Members of both ensembles would like to thank Mrs Walker and Mr O’Brien and all the Schools’ Music staff who made the tour possible.

“We would also like to thank the Friends for subsidising the cost of the tour and contributing to the excursions as well as for the tour hoodies.”