This is a report from the second day of the training camp, August 9, 2019.

Practice finally starts today!

By the way, before the training camp, the secretariat staff went to Namiyoke Shrine in Tsukiji to pray for the success of the camp.

The wooden plaque we received will be displayed in the practice field during the training camp.

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Breakfast for this day. We had vegetables grown by a contracted farmer!

Practice starts at 9am in the morning!

However, there was an unfortunate incident where the conductor, Mr. Yanagisawa, who was scheduled to join us on this day, was unable to reach Lake Kawaguchi as his plane was cancelled due to the typhoon.

So, we asked Mr. Takeda from the Fukushima office to take charge.

It's hot...! Oboe Sekine-kun puts a cooling sheet on his forehead while playing the solo in the 4th movement.

After this, he started to get a fever and had to rest in his room. He had to leave work early that night. Take care of yourself.

After morning practice, it's time for lunch.

Speaking of camp meals,

It's curry!

The Sendai Shirayuri duo goes into the kitchen to help serve food.

The person in charge of saying "Itadakimasu" this time is Hibino Makoto, a cellist who joined the group from the 5th term.

Hibino-kun is the younger brother of violinist Hibino Ai!

By the way, this is the Isogai sisters during their break.

Hinako, the older sister, gives advice to her younger sister Yoko, who plays the double bass.

In the afternoon, a sudden heavy rain and thunder started.

It was a typical summer "guerilla downpour," but the thunder that echoed during rehearsal of the Ninth Symphony somehow felt sacred...

In the afternoon, Mr. Arakawa from NexTone, who also helps us with music commentary at regular concerts, was there.

Arakawa-san always brings in cream puffs for everyone, and when he announced this again this time, the members erupted in cheers of joy!

Then, in the evening, director Ryuichi Sakamoto finally arrived!

On this day, there was a time set aside for Coach Sakamoto to read the score.

First, we all listened to a famous recording of the Ninth Symphony. The director says that the part around rehearsal number "K" in the fourth movement is the part that always gets him excited...!

Next, we will take a famous melody from the fourth movement and explain how to construct and sing the phrase while looking at the score.

Then, the director said, "Let's try playing it on our instruments just as I explained," and they played the melody of the Ninth Symphony in unison under the direction of the director.

By just changing your mindset a little, the sound becomes more cohesive and the phrases feel more natural!!

To all members of the orchestra, please continue to read the scores and study the songs.

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Luckily the rain stopped and we had our much-anticipated BBQ in the evening!

The BBQ was held on the terrace of the training camp, and it had a stylish atmosphere that was perfect for photos.

The university students took the lead in grilling the meat!

Director Sakamoto also enjoyed the event! It was a rare opportunity to talk with the director at length. Everyone seemed happy.

And we received lots of wonderful gifts!

From Taniguchi of Fujingaho comes a refreshing "Salt Cider."

Taniguchi is scheduled to come and interview us on the 3rd or 4th day of the training camp!

And the cream puffs I received from Arakawa-san.

We received spare ribs and ice cream as a gift from St. Village!

thank you very much!

It was a moment that felt like summer.