Hello and welcome to my second installment from Takoradi, my new home for the next seven months! It has been a busy and eventful week both in and out of the music school, and has included a TV appearance of me playing trombone on TV, my first gig with the Highlife band, and a rather improvised appearance at a local street parade! Infact, I'm feeling pretty worn out (what with the heat and all!) so this weekend I'm heading to Busua beach to relax!

Last Friday I went to the studios of Ghana's 'Skyy' TV (spot the extra 'y'!) as Fiffi's choir were being recorded for the Ghanaian version of Songs of Praise, and the music teachers from Mansek formed a makeshift band to accompany the hymns (all traditional Anglican hymns from Ancient and Modern!) so we had trumpet, trombone, violin, piano, drums and percussion. The choir looked immaculate in their black and white cloth and sung really well. Then on Sunday, it was shown on national TV and it looked and sounded great... in particular the closing number, which was an old Highlife song, very energetic! There were a few close ups of me, but I was hardly conspicous as a white man ('Obruni' in local tongue). I will try and get hold of a copy!

This week I have been really finding my feet at the music school, and trying to get into the same timezone as the Ghanaians! (which is very laid back!) At times it can feel frustrating as nothing happens for a long time, and then all of a sudden a load of students turn up and the place is rife with music making! But I'm sure I'll get used to it! This week we've been rehearsing a lot with the teachers, forming the basis of an orchestra. We have decided for the moment to concentrate on building up ensemble skills with the teachers, and then perhaps start the student orchestra in the new year. Anyway, we have ploughed our way through our first three pieces: 'All Through The Night' 'Amazing Grace' and 'Andante' from Haydns Surprise Symphony. The teachers are beginning to be more critical and analytical of their performances, as usually if you ask them what the problem is with a piece they'll say 'lets just play it again!. Rehearsals are daily and are fun and relaxed, and usually involve a lot of laughter! Then yesterday we started on a Xmas piece. Somehow it didn't feel right as I was dressed in shorts and T-shirt! We are now awaiting a delivery of more music I have ordered from the UK, and our first appearance will be at the end of the month, followed by a recording for Skyy TV! So things are moving fast! other than coaching the orchestra, I have been teaching lots of trombone to eager students (who will practise for hours!) and music theory classes to the teachers. Also, this week we purchased some filing cabinets (with money I raised) and I've started sorting and filing the vast quantities of music that is lying around the school! But in general. the school is very relaxed, productive and has a lovely atmosphere!

My first gig with the Highlife band was overshadowed by me being ridiculously tired, as the previous night there had been no electric (which happens every few days) so no fan in bedroom, and then at 3am the Mosque calls started! So I had minimal sleep! But I played a few Highlife tunes I have learnt, at the gig in Sekondi, at an idllic beachside location and look forward to our next gig next Saturday in Cape Coast. My Highlife 'teacher' is trumpet player John, who has been teaching me all the funky riffs I need to know. He is extremely patient with me as it is all completely from memory, but I am improving rapidly! He invited me along to play at a street parade in his town- New Takoradi- on Tuesday and was an amazing, life affirming experience! Take four trombones, three trumpets, three percussionists, a glittery Virgin Mary doll (!) and five hundred Africans dancing and singing through the streets and you get an amazing (if tiring) evening! Brilliant stuff. A night I won't forget!

Anyway, my time is almost over in the internet cafe so will sign off. It is far too slow to upload photos so that will have to wait, sorry! Thank you for all the messages, it is so good to hear from you and glad you find my news interesting!

Take care and have fun!

James x