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Musicians’ Tour Of Holland

CBA’s music department has been on its first foreign tour – a five-day trip to Holland.

Thirty-three students travelled to Noordwijk, on the coast of Holland, last week.

They performed in three concerts: one in Amsterdam, in the Gelderlandplein shopping centre; one in Delft where they played on a canal; and one in Noordwijk on the seafront.

As well as the Senior Concert Band, members of the Academy's choir also performed, along with a rock band comprising of Daniel Bottrill, Joe Folan, Luke Carscadden, Victoria Brooks and Josie Murrie.

Alongside the concerts, students also had the opportunity to take a trip on a canal boat in Amsterdam and to visit one of the biggest theme parks in Europe.

Director of Music Clive Wears said: "We had a fabulous time and it was a great experience for students to perform in three different venues.

"I think the highlight was definitely the performance on the canal to a very appreciative audience of about 400 to 500 people.

"The students came back buzzing with excitement and energy. It's helped them to gel as a group.

"The fact that we are able to take a musical group abroad reflects how much the music department has grown and thrived in the three years since the Academy has opened.

"We now have more than 150 students at CBA playing an instrument."

Mr Wears said plans are already in the pipeline for another tour next year.

Robert Dawson, who is in Year 7, was among those who made the trip to Holland.

Robert, who is also a member of Gretton Silver Band, said: "The canal concert was the best because there were so many people watching. It helps you to improve because you had to concentrate on lots of different things at once - stopping your stand from blowing over, looking at what other people are doing.

"We had a really good time."

To see a video from the trip click here.

To see photos from the trip click here.