The Kimberley School Newsletter July 2014 | Page 3

THE MUSIC FACULTY TOUR ITALY

Thirty-six members of the Music
Department at The Kimberley School
aged 11-17 and four staff headed to
Italy on 29th July 2014. Rain on
departure meant for a speedy exit but
didn’t dampen spirits. The blue hoodies
worn by the group became the uniform
of the week. We safely arrived Monday
afternoon at Hotel Parco della Fonte.
Students disembarked, slightly weary
from the overnight coach journey but
nevertheless the sun was welcomed
and the sun cream was soon flowing.
Tuesday saw the group embarking
on a journey to Lago Del Garda (Lake
Garda). A boat journey with stops at
Limoné and Malcesine made for a
pleasurable afternoon. We even had
time to reflect on what those back home
would be doing during what would
have been tutor time, not that this
happened for long. Some students
walked the many steps to the top
of Malcesine Castle. Mr Tate even
managed to accidentally ‘photobomb’
an English wedding party who had got
married that day.
Tuesday evening saw the group perform
open air in Levico Terme to an audience
of around 85 locals and visitors. Solos
from various students had some of the
audience in tears. First night nerves were
soon forgotten and the performance
continued until the heavens opened
and hindered proceedings. Teamwork,
which was prominent all week, soon
kicked in and the students packed away
equipment swiftly and calmly and
reflected on the first night’s performance.
For many of the students involved, this
was their first trip abroad and a first
opportunity to perform in the open air.
Wednesday, a welcome trip to the
Caneva Waterpark. Mrs Fitzsimons

and Mr Tate joined the students in the
thrills and spills of some of the tallest
waterslides I’ve ever seen - not for the
faint hearted! After dinner (pasta again!!),
the group descended on Salo and
performed for the public in what would
be the performance of their lives. Slight
problems with the coach meant a late
arrival to Gardone Riviera, but the
students put this behind them and
created a lively atmosphere which again
drew in the crowds. The Samba band set
the standard for a blistering set, followed
by duets and solos from Year 8 and Year
9 students. After a swift pack up (another
example of the group’s incredible teamwork), beds were calling but the students
remained hyped up the whole way home.

forming. Anna, another resident, even
managed to crochet in time to the beat
of the different songs.
After the best meal of the week (12 inch
wide pizzas and panacota), the group
arrived at the Arena di Verona to watch
“Aida”. Amazing use of performers had
the students glued, with requests to
stay right till the end (even though this
meant a very late night). Lack of Italian
translation did not put off the students
and I’m sure it’s an experience they will
never forget.
Friday, our last day. Comments of “Can
we stay another week Miss…? Sir, I don’t
want to go home… Do we have to go by
coach?” rang in the air. Soon forgotten
as the hoodies were donned once again
for the long journey home. The evening
scenery through Switzerland was
followed by the most intense and
dramatic electric storm ever seen. One
storm-followers would have envied.

Saturday morning and big breakfasts
were on the menu on our ferry bound
for Dover. We said our goodbyes to Paul
and Dave, our enthusiastic drivers of the
week, and we arrived safely back to our
Thursday provided the opportunity for families by 2pm in the afternoon.
the students to give something back.
All in all, the experience has definitely
Their last concert was at a Nursing
made a lasting impression on the group
home, Casa Serena, Verona. 60 out
and we would like to thank all those who
of the 400 residents took their places
made it possible.
for an afternoon of Rock, Samba, solos
and duets and all students were involved Ciao Ciao!
in making it an afternoon to remember.
Bruno, aged 76, told us that he danced
professionally in his youth and he
even took to the floor with Miss JohnBaptiste during Car Wash and to
show off his dance moves. His fellow
residents, Livia and Maria, were very voWords: Miss John-Baptiste
cal of their opinions and expressed how
well they thought the students were per- on behalf of The Kimberley Music Department