No minimum standard is set. Appropriate music is provided to take account of whatever you can already do. The orchestra, conducted by Patsy Moore, is intended to offer a progressive introduction to orchestral playing for adults (beginners or returners) who are welcome to join the orchestra at an elementary stage of playing orchestral instruments. You don't need previous experience of playing in a conducted group.
It's an independent orchestra which meets on Thursdays 7.30-9.30, at Padworth Village Hall, South of the A4 between Theale and Woolhampton, West Berkshire, England.
Players of the following orchestral and band instruments are welcome: flute, oboe, clarinet, saxophone, bassoon, French horn, trumpet, trombone, tuba, other brass band instruments, violin, viola, cello, double bass.
The following are not appropriate for this group: percussion, harp, other plucked stringed instruments (e.g. guitar), recorders and fixed-pitch instruments such as accordion.
Joining in the middle of a term is not appropriate unless you have already had experience of playing in a conducted group, but do get in touch with Patsy anyway to express an interest and perhaps arrange to come and listen to the end of term performance. The Spring term 2008 ended with a performance in Thatcham for friendly eavesdroppers. As usual it included a mixture of orchestral items, solos and chamber music by present and ex-members of the orchestra. The Summer term 2008 will end with a similar performance, also in Thatcham, on July 3rd. Email Patsy if you would like to come along. The programme will include orchestral items by Gershwin, Handel, Robert Howard, Vaughan Williams and Peter Warlock.
If you are thinking of taking up an orchestral instrument and would like to have a chat about which one to choose, or would like to find out about instruments available on loan (e.g. at present bassoon, violin, viola), or are wondering about coming along, get in touch with Patsy (email or telephone: 0118 9832098).
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