With our Little Band, we took part in an Erasmus+ project, thanks to which we spent a week at a Spanish music conservatory. The main goal of the project was cooperation between our ensemble and the local orchestra. Every day offered us a rich and varied program – we went on trips to nearby villages and towns, discovering the local nature, culture, and traditions.
Wednesday 15 – Thursday 16 October 2025 – The Journey from Vysoké Mýto to Monzón
The first group leaves Vysoké Mýto by train, others join in Choceň, and soon we’re heading toward Prague. From there, we continue by bus to the airport, where we say goodbye to our beloved instruments and suitcases.
After our first attempt to board the plane, we are sent back to the buses due to a “technical issue.” After a short wait, the unnamed Irish airline finally lets us onto the “winged bus,” and after two hours, we land in Barcelona. From there, we take a direct bus to Monzón, a small town near the Pyrenees, where we arrive around 1 a.m. Host families greet us and take us to their homes.
Thursday 16 October
It’s our first full day in Spain. In the morning, we meet at the conservatory, where a guided tour of the entire campus awaits us. One of the rooms where our rehearsals take place can literally be called a church – because half of the school actually looks like one!
We then go for a walk around Monzón with a Spanish guide. We climb up to the local castle standing on a hill above the town and take a tour inside. We also visit the town hall, where the mayor tells us about the town’s history and traditional festivities.
After returning to the conservatory, we enjoy a lunch full of Spanish classics – tortilla de patatas and jamón. With full stomachs, we are ready for our first joint rehearsal. After several hours, some return home while others stay at school a bit longer. After such a long and amazing day, everyone deserves a rest.
Friday 17 October
In the morning, we take a bus to the historic town of Alquézar, about 45 minutes from Monzón. Upon arrival, we are welcomed by a beautiful town surrounded by mountains and the river valley below. We walk down to the valley floor, visit a cave, and continue along metal walkways suspended several meters above the river.
After a snack break, we visit a local hotel, checking out its pool and terrace with a stunning view. Then we climb up to the castle, from where we enjoy the breathtaking panorama of the surrounding mountains. In the afternoon, we return to Monzón for our second rehearsal.
Saturday 18 October
Saturday is dedicated to a full-day trip to Zaragoza, the capital of the neighboring province. The journey takes about an hour and a half.
Our first stop is the Aljafería Palace, dating back to the period of Muslim rule in Spain. Then we head to the city center, where our guide tells us about the history of Zaragoza – from its Roman beginnings to the present day. We learn, for example, that a large amphitheater once stood here, of which only the foundations remain. Finally, we visit the impressive Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar on the main square. In the evening, host families pick us up again at the conservatory.
Sunday 19 October
Family day. Everyone spends the day with their host family, relaxing after a busy program.
Monday 20 October
After a day off, we head to the town of Aínsa, about 30 km from the French border. On the way, we stop at a museum of musical instruments filled with music boxes and barrel organs – absolutely fascinating for us!
In Aínsa, we enjoy a guided tour of the medieval town. We see well-preserved houses, peek into the church, and visit 11th-century cellars. Then we return to Monzón for another rehearsal. Our bandleader Javier – Jaroslav Prudič – thoroughly prepares us for the upcoming concert.
How Our Rehearsals Went
Each day’s rehearsal began at 4:30 p.m. We started by playing on our own for about an hour, after which the Spanish ensemble joined us. Their orchestra could be described as a blend between a big band and a classical orchestra – alongside saxophones, trombones, trumpets, and rhythm section, there were also flutes, oboes, clarinets, violins, and French horns. An interesting and inspiring combination!
Tuesday 21 October
In the morning, we attend a harmony class led by a very passionate teacher. Together with Spanish students, we do harmonic exercises and receive sheet music.
For lunch, we are invited to a local restaurant where we enjoy a four-course menu. The afternoon is spent relaxing in a park near an old sugar factory chimney.
In the evening, it’s finally concert time! The Little Band opens the show, then we perform together with the Spanish orchestra, and finally, we play again on our own. The audience loved the concert – and so did we! After the performance, the conservatory treats us to a lovely reception.
Wednesday 22 October
Farewell day. In the morning, we say goodbye to our host families, teachers, and students of the conservatory, and around eleven we leave Monzón. The journey back leads again through Barcelona, which this time we get to see in daylight.
We arrive back in Vysoké Mýto around 1 a.m. – tired, but full of wonderful experiences.
We would like to give a huge thank-you to our art school, which made the entire trip possible. Special thanks also go to our amazing teachers: Javier (Jarda Prudič), Teresa (Terka Burešová), Andrés (Ondra Nešpor), and Pedro (Peťa Kazda).
And of course, to the Erasmus+ project – THANK YOU!
Contributors: Antonín Hošek, Kristýna Štorková, Anna Neklová, Anna Houdková
