So we battled the most awful weather and arrived, some of us, several hours late in Coventry for Directors College 2008. It had been suggested that I go because our chorus "Kings of Herts." needs some trained backup when our CD is away. I had expressed some interest some time back, so I was the man. I had the full support from both our club executive and the Chorus Director. Unfortunately my funds are not inexhaustible and coupled with the fact that we had just moved house and just had Christmas I really did not want pay out any more on my hobby for a bit. Having to explain to my wife just why it was so important for me to disappear for yet another expensive weekend was not something I was looking forward to. This was especially the case because we both know that I will be going to convention in May and to my fifth harmony college in August. Fortunately The Harmony Foundation came to my aid and paid for me to attend. I had been at Milton Keynes' anniversary calibration when the BABS Chairman (lovely man) had asked, nay pleaded, to be able to give grants away. So I applied and here I was. The hotel was spacious and comfortable with really nice rooms. After the student accommodation at Harmony College, I didn't know what to expect. I was very pleasantly surprised.

The weekend started really well and got better. The Key Note Speech turned into a master class from Royce Ferguson. (International Gold Meddle Chorus CD for Westminster Chorus) If we can use even a small part of his technique, over here, it must vastly improve our scores.

The singing in the bar that evening may not have been quite as plentiful as Harmony College but the quality of the singing was in general better.

The Coaching was really good and I must thank Paula and her team, who coached me, for their endless patience and encouragement over the weekend. I must also say a big thank you to the other delegates that made the sessions so enjoyable. I will be practicing and I will be back next year.

The high point came on Saturday Night when Royce coached the Delegate chorus and Rhiannon while she was directing it. This was a truly memorable and magical experience and we were all deeply moved. (If you get the chance ask Rhiannon about it)

Sunday came and it was my turn to direct the Octet. (Retro/Cadence) The guys were really good and took my direction seriously, thanks guys. I don't think that I will look at the video again in a hurry though.

All in all a wonderful experience and I am really glad I went. I know that I will be able to use the skills I have learned, or started to learn, and will be able to pass them on to other Barbershoppers in the future. Thanks once again to the Faculty for a great weekend and to the Harmony Foundation for the Grant so that I could attend.
Thanks again

Kevin Barnes