Jet Lag Never Sounded So Good

5th July 2026

Hello!

Sarah Wright here, reporting from the back row.

Our first full day in the Netherlands and we are straight into it with a concert. This was a combined concert with the Amsterdam Staff Band.

First, we had some free time in the morning so explored the streets of Amsterdam after waking up way too early and smashing a hotel banquet breakfast. It was like a ghost town, very different from a bustling Wellington on a Sunday morning. Luckily for us, the heatwave has died down and we are enjoying some lovely early 20 degree weather.

After quickly ironing our white shirts and loading the bus we headed off to rehearse before the concert. It was lovely to meet the Amsterdam Staff Band, they were so welcoming and we were grateful for the coffee provided to combat the jet lag.

The concert was a hit. It was a great opportunity for us run through our pieces for the WMC to a very welcoming audience! Standing ovations all round. We even treated them to the Wellingtonian March. The combined pieces blew the roof off and we enjoyed sitting back and listening to the 2nd half by the Amsterdam Staff Band.

The day ended with Italian, the restaurant amazingly fitted in a whole band + supporters in a matter of minutes with no prior booking. Service was 10/10 even though Kodi smashed half their wine glasses.

We are very tired now but it’s the eve of Kate’s NZ 21st so signing off for now to celebrate!

Band photos courtesy of Daisuke Hayashi.