Newent Orchestral Society - News

Wind Workshop a Success

The orchestra's wind section was recently privileged to participate in a day's workshop with David Campbell, an international clarinetist, soloist and teacher.   He is Artistic Director of Musicfest, Aberystwyth, UK chair of the International Clarinet Association and participates in frequent film and TV session work.  He has played with many major orchestras and had significant works written for him.

Clarinetists, Claire Kear, Monica Evans and David Campbell

The workshop was a great success and we hope to repeat it again next year.  On the following day, members of the Newent Orchestra's string quartet, joined with clarinetists Claire Kear and Monica Evans (pictured below with David Campbell) to play movements from the beautiful Mozart Clarinet Quintet and Finzi's Bagatelles, under David's watchful eye and ear.

CD of Concert "Memorabilia"

The Society has published a CD of concert memorabilia, the first volume recording the special atmosphere that the orchestra creates at its annual Christmas concert, including some audience participation.  The CD costs £8.00 and is available for orchestra members, friends and family.

50 years with the orchestra

George and June Taylor - 50 years of making music...
Photo: Robin Lister, 01531 822317

Congratulations to our Conductor and Musical Director, George Taylor. George's association with the Newent Orchestra began 50 years ago when he first arrived at a rehearsal with his trumpet at the tender age of 17.

George was presented with a memento at a recent NO concert and the photo (above) shows orchestra chairperson, Monica Evans (left), presenting George's wife, June, with flowers to mark the occasion for her, too. June has, of course, supported George's music making throughout the years and has given much to the orchestra.

A big thanks is owed to everyone who supported us, including players from Newent School and Gloucester Academy of Music.

Lots of Interest at the Newent Onion Fayre

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The orchestra's stall was buzzing at the Newent Onion Fayre in September. The orchestra has "gone green" raising money with recycled products on sale and we also managed to put on about three hours of continuous live music, too, with the help of Ken Boon and his sound equipment.  Thanks to everyone who helped make this day a success for the orchestra, promoting our music making and forthcoming community events.

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Elgar Anniversary Outing

To mark the 150th anniversary ofOrchestra members enjoying the sunshine outside Elgar's birthplace. the birth of Edward Elgar, the orchestra organised a visit to the Elgar Birthplace and Museum at Lower Broadheath near Worcester.  Members began their visit with a video about the life and works of this great composer and then enjoyed the atmosphere of the little birthplace cottage full of Elgar memorabilia, including original music scores and Elgar's personal possessions.  Elgar conducted several small orchestras in and around Worcester early in his musical career and notably at one rehearsal venue  orchestra members were obliged to bring their own candle and piece of coal.

 

Orchestra Mascots.

Right, meet the orchestra's mascots!

 

 

 

 

 

Chamber Groups

We rehearse chamber groups for both strings and woodwind.  The orchestra is developing music making in smaller groups - with some tuition.  The chamber groups currently meets on a monthly basis.  If you are interested in either of these, but don't feel able to commit to the full orchestra, please get in touch for a chat.

Newent Orchestra Membership & Info:
The Secretary, Guy Fletcher, tel. 07763 186927;
email

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