Dear Mike,

I am writing to thank you and the trustees of harmony foundation for the grant that enabled me to attend Directors College last weekend. I learnt a lot, but also had a thoroughly enjoyable weekend, so my thanks are doubled.

I found the whole weekend to be superbly organised, from the moment I arrived every detail had been thought of and catered for. The time management was extremely well handled and I look back in awe that so much could be squeezed into 48 short hours!

I arrived on Friday night an absolute novice, feeling subconscious about even raising an arm to start a song, (or even a warm up exercise!) By the end of the weekend I was confident to beat time through a piece of music and even allow a little freeform directing - believe me a large step forward!

The coaches (novice stream) were friendly, helpful and supportive and in this atmosphere I found a safe place to learn the basics that were conveyed in a structured and professional way.

Royce Ferguson, the guest speaker, was an inspiration, and I felt privileged to be present in both the general coaching sessions and also in the college chorus session on Sat evening - an extraordinary experience.

Although I was initially dreading the experience, the video session on Sunday (and the feedback) was invaluable and Rob gave just the right combination of confidence building encouragement and ways to improve.

Please pass on my thanks to Colin Bennett and the trustees of Harmony Foundation for the scholarship, which made this possible. To yourself, Mike, and the DC team for all the hard work you have obviously put in to make the weekend run so faultlessly. To all of the coaches who gave of their time and expertise, especially to Paula and Rob and the team in the Novice group.

I hope to be able to attend again next year to build on the foundation your team have helped me build.

In Harmony Dave George