Davenant Music Tour - Assisi

The Final Curtain

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The Final Curtain

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Overall, this has been the best tour for the size and enthusiasm of audiences. The quality of performance has been extremely high and the hotel, although mentioned previously we really must say this again!, has been incredible. We have also seen more parents flying out to attend and show their support than any other tour. Our final performance was a huge success with crowds begging for one more song as we "conga'd" (apologies if the spelling is incorrect - have asked around and noone is sure!) around the historic square in Todi. Please keep watching - videos will be uploaded on return to the UK. If you would like to have the full resolution version of the photos on this blog, DVDs will be available on return to the school - or see Mrs Theron with your memory stick! To finish Mr Taylor would like to say that there is no truth in the rumour that he was firing a water pistol at students to make them move more quickly up the steps!! As the Italian 2010 tour draws to a close and we prepare for "the coach journey" back to sunny Loughton it is with a tear in our eye that we say goodbye to many Year 13 students. Although the ten day tour is over the memories will last for a lifetime. Ciao x

The Last Lunch - Photos

2010-07-25T17:46:00.000-07:00

The Last Lunch

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The phenomenal food at our hotel has been a constant source of pleasure throughout our stay; if we all look a little rounder when we step off the coach these photos will show you why! Not only has the food itself been sumptuous and varied but the staff who serve it have been consistently cheerful and helpful. The other staff in the hotel have also shown incredible hospitality towards our group. Today was our last lunch and we officially thanked the staff for everything. Just before presenting to the staff we were thrilled when they surprised us with a huge cake featuring our students at their concert in Assisi – photos in slideshow. Lots of presentations were made to everyone that had helped with the tour. The climax was an emotional thank-you to John, The Legend, Powell MBE. Off to the last concert now in Todi – photos and updates to follow shortly!

Midges and Music

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Saturday - July, 24th. Following a series of late nights students and staff alike were all happy to spend a day in Assisi enjoying various activities, swimming, football, shopping, sunbathing to name a few, in between eating the scrumptious and diverse food offered at our magnificent hotel. At 4pm we set off for our 5th concert; this one situated on the shores of Lake Trasimeno in the quaint village of Passignano where they were celebrating their annual festival called El Palio Delle Barche. Students enjoyed chilling out by the lake and were even asked to adorn a bride's wedding photos! The concert featured the School Choir, Swing Band, Blue Heat and School Band. It was lovely to see so many parents there to support us. The students performed superbly despite the limited electricity supply and being attacked by hoards of voracious midges!!! After the concert we watched the festivities and even joined in the parade! Ciao for now!

Picturesque Perugia

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Notte alla Cattedrale di San Lorenzo

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Today was our second visit to Perugia however, on this occasion, instead of performing in the town square we performed in the ancient Cathedral of San Lorenzo with its beautiful frescoed ceilings and historic arches. Did you know that the word for arch in Italian "arco" gave us the modern word of architecture?.
Unfortunately the heat proved too much for some of our students but nevertheless the eclectic mix of classical and sacred music wowed the audience, made up of locals and parents who had travelled out to be with us. The vaulted ceilings added another dimension to the acoustics creating a heavenly echo that transported us to a different level. Back at the hotel the tired students went straight to bed while the staff toasted Martin Fourie on his birthday. The fun continues...keep watching!! Ciao

Davenant's Got Rhythm - Getting on down with Bacon and Brown!

2010-07-23T02:47:00.000-07:00

Thursday's Activities

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As no concerts were planned for today, after yet another superb breakfast, staff and students were given the option of visiting Siena or spending the day at the hotel. Most chose the Siena option, so three coaches set off to see this magnificent city. The day in Siena was spent sightseeing, shopping and eating the most delicious Italian ice cream - Jemima Rathbone had a shock when the nutella icecream she asked for turned out to be literally a huge scoop of cold nutella in a cone!

The hotel manager had been to see the students perform the previous evening and was so impressed that tonight, after dinner, the Swing Band performed in the grounds of the hotel. It was like Davenant's own private concert with staff and students alike having a fabulous time. Everyone was in exceptionally high spirits and the evening ended with a performers and audience on their feet in a huge conga line! Oh yes - we know how to have fun!!!!

Scorching in Spectacular Siena

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"An architectural jewel" Mr Brock

Second concert - in Assisi

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Perugia - Getting There and First Concert

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At 3.30 on Tuesday, 20th July, staff and students all set off to Perugia for the first concert of the tour. After an hour's coach journey filled with activities everyone arrived at this beautiful city. While the stage crew prepared for the concert the rest of the staff and students were given a chance to wander around the shops enjoying the architecture, stunning views and pizza! The students performance was amazing and a large audience soon began to gather. Enjoy the photos!

Photos of First Morning - Assisi

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Tuesday, 20th July - morning activities

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Waking up feeling refreshed and rejuvenated after a night spent appreciating how wonderful it is to sleep in a bed (or sleeping in general!) we were greeted with a breakfast fit for Kings! The choice ranged from cured meats, local cheese and fruits to a vast array of pastries and cakes, not to mention the cooked option. The three options for morning activities were relaxing in the hotel's beautiful gardens, swimming in the local municipal pool or a walk into the historic centre of Assisi.

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Arrival at Hotel Roseo

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From 3pm on Monday the Davenant Coaches started to arrive at the Hotel Roseo, situated in the rolling Umbrian Hills, overlooking Assisi. Staff and students were equally amazed at the elegance and style of this charming, traditional Italian hotel. "The rooms are awesome" Steve vanNiekerk, Year 12. Everyone was keen to get showered and head outside to enjoy the afternoon sunshine.

The Journey to Paradise

2010-07-20T05:16:00.000-07:00

Three of the four coaches had an long but uneventful journey to Assisi. However the fourth bus, ill-fated with the name "Mr Ede's Fun Bus", had to detour in Dover after losing both it's Wing Mirrors to Clays Hill en-route to Davenant. This minor problem fixed (with gaffer tape!) the "Fun Bus" was 2 ferries later than the rest of the convoy. However, it did manage to overtake the slow girls' coach, arriving in Assisi in 3rd place.

Copped Hall Slideshow

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Copped Hall

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Copped Hall was a huge success on Saturday with students from Davenant displaying a multitude of talents to the audience. The event was organised as part of the run up to the music tour which leaves for Assisi on Sunday. Photos, videos and updates about the Davenant Music Tour will be uploaded here regularly as they happen so watch this space!