Bobby's account of our week in Wicklow...

The short trip to Bray was quite an experience, together with my friend Cheryl, we were fearfully expecting a wild horde of schoolchildren throwing fruits and vegetables at us at every workshop. However, it did not turn out that way!

We started the trip by spending an evening at the Bray Arts Club, where we were entertained by some charming and heart-warming verse and poetry readings, as well as the singing of a lovely local choir. Topping that all off was a bold and engaging performance of some numbers from the Musical 'Chicago' by some local ladies, which drew enthusiastic applause from the intimate crowd! We managed to squeeze a few sentences in, introducing the project, and playing some music from our 2 CDs. We then invited members of the Club to come forward with ideas and stories which may be used in the composition. We jotted down some tales and e-mail addresses before heading back to the B&B with lightened hearts.

Over the following few days, we visited several schools, some close by, some in the neighbouring town of Wicklow. Each school has a very different character, and different sized classes. We brought along some leaflets which Cheryl had done, filled with photos of the local landscape and questions designed to stimulate the children into sharing their thoughts. After a short while talking with them, we divided them into 2 groups, with each group creating an original musical work, based on scenes or stories from Bray. At the end of the preparations, the 2 groups came together for a performance in front of each other, and one senses a little competition between them! After the applauses, the children and teachers went back to their work..

We were assisted throughout the trip by Sarah Ross, who met with us several times and was on hand to help with anything, even having her car break down at one point! She took us to meet with the people at the Mermaid Centre, one of the venues where the concerto will be performed, as well as taking us to have a meeting with a supervisor in the Council Office.

With some time to burn after the sessions, we went round exploring the surrounding countryside, taking in Glendalough, a 13th century medieval ruins, to sampling guiness in the highest pub in Ireland, Johnny Fox's Pub. We spent some time taking the car round bends and twists, always following mysteriously appearing signs pointing the way to this famous watering hole. Boasting visitors such as former President Bill Clinton, and Hollywood star Val Kilmer, Jackie Chan and Jack Nicholson, the glamour seemed not to have rubbed off the local punters, who sat there sipping their drinks with such a nonchalant air!

After the end of the last school workshop, we felt extremely relieved to have done all the things, and on the plane home, recounted all the experiences and looked at the photos we took. Phew! After such an experience in Ireland, we are looking forward very much to the premiere set for May 2009, it should be a fantastic occasion for everyone, Cheryl, I, and Wicklow County Council!