I'll explain why I was in Germany. Last year, near the end of June, our band took part in this programme and a German band called Spielmannszug Hattstedt came to Dubin and stayed in our band hall with us. It was like having new additions to our band so we had a great time. In just one week we managed to become really close to each other and it was like they had always been a part of our band, so when they left last year we couldn't wait to see them again. Now a year later and our week with them has come to an end and saying goodbye to them was so hard. It was like saying goodbye to someone from your family. It's amazing how with only 2 weeks of actually seeing each other face to face that we have managed to become as close to each other as we are now. It's like they're a part of our band and we're a part of theirs. I can honestly say that being a part of it was one of the best experiences of my life. Any trip away with the band is always with great but this one was something else. Our band have become a lot closer because of the two trips. We'll continue to keep in touch with each other and we'll see each other again some time, no doubt about it.
Ever since they left Ireland we worked much harder on our marching, making sure everyone was in step, trying out counter marching. A lot of work was done. We even took part in a competition in Germany and worked hard on a routine for it. We're not a competition band so this was completely new to us but we gave it a go anyway. There was also a concert competition and we played The Second Waltz, The Lord of the Dance and a Coldplay Medley. The Coldplay medley was only a new piece that we got a few months ago so it was a bit risky doing it. One of the parents that came with us recorded it and after watching it back it actually sounds really good, very impressive. Here's a link of it http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s0P3RmBRUSM
We spent a good few weekends going over the routine and everyone knew it. My recording of it isn't great so when someone else puts theirs up I'll share it on Facebook. When we were at the festival we watched all of the other bands and some of them were really good. Spielmannszugs routine was excellent, especially the drum solo. But when all of the bands went back onto the field to see who had won what and I don't think we were expecting anything. We never did competitions and we were only taking part in this one to see what it was like. We ended up winning 3rd place trophies in the concert and marching competitions! We were absolutely delighted! I'm so proud of our band for all the hard work we put in so if any of them are reading this well done guys and a huge thanks to Liam our conductor, wouldn't have been possible if it wasn't for him and everyone in the band. There may have been a few setbacks when we got there but we did it anyway. Our CCYB family and German family will meet again some day. As always I'll end with a quote, this one comes from Lilo & Stitch, "Ohana means family, family means nobody gets left behind" / "Ohana bedeutet familie, familie mittels niemand hinter wird links"
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