Site Title: Amateur Orchestras - East Anglia (Beds, Cambs, Norfolk, Suffolks, Herts, Essex)

 Note: Clicking the little envelope icon SHOULD bring up your email program with the correct email address filled in automatically. If it doesn't work, I suggest you follow the link to the orchestra site directly for contact information.

Orchestra	Conductor	Leader	Rehearsal Venue/Times	Contact(s)
The A10 Concert Band	David Boarder			David Boarder 01992 623489 or 07876444701
	The A10 Concert Band is the adult concert band of East Herts Music Centres. The band is an extension of the A10 Orchestra offering adults who play wind and brass at grade 3 and above the chance to work together 3 or 4 times each term and explore some repertoire. There are no formal entry requirements: rather the emphasis is on making music together.
The A10 Orchestra	David Boarder		Wednesday evenings 8.00 ­ 10.00 or Saturday afternoons 2.30 ­ 5.00 at Roselands School, Highwood Road, Hoddesdon EN11 9AR.	David Boarder 01992 623489 or 07876444701
	The A10 Orchestra is the adult orchestra of East Herts Music Centres. Most of us learnt when we were at school, perhaps continued until we started work and then stopped when other things took over. Now we are enjoying playing again. Others have taken up their instrument as adults. We have no formal entry requirements - rather the emphasis is on making music together.
Abbey Gateway Orchestra (St. Albans)	Martin Beach	Keith Cotton	Meetings are on Thursdays 8.00pm-10.00pm at St Michael's C of E JMI School, St Albans	Roger Martin, 01727 854886
	This is an orchestra for all ages. The orchestra works with amateur and professional instrumentalists and singers of all ages. It promotes concerts with school groups and charities. Both informal and social.
Abbots Langley Orchestra	John Fryer	Anula Nikapota	Alternate Sunday evenings 7.30 - 9.30. See website for details.	Secretary Anita Catterick
	Founded in 1968 by local school students, who wanted an opportunity to share their enjoyment of music making, it has grown into a thriving local amateur orchestra giving three concerts a year. In that time it has covered a broad range of the symphonic repertoire, and soloists have been drawn from local talented musicians, students setting out on a professional career, as well as members of the orchestra itself. There are three concerts each year on Sunday evenings, held in a local church.
Ampthill Orchestra	Stephen Davies	Keith Saunders	Occasional, Saturdays	Tim Mackley
	Ampthill is an amateur orchestra set up for local musicians and aims to play at a good standard. We play 3 or 4 concerts a year, with proceeds going to charity or local community projects. Music is generally the popular classical side. Rehearsals are on Saturday afternoons, usually 4 or 5 over a few months proceeding each concert (i.e. not every week). There is no annual subscription. The orchestra is friendly and fun and we often play to a full house.
Bedford Light Ensemble	Victor Parker		Monday evenings 7:45pm - 9:30pm at the Bunyan meeting Free Church, Mill Street, Bedford	Victor Parker 01525 713202
	The Bedford Light Ensemble is currently a small group of amateur musicians, and as the name suggests, the music in our repertoire is “light” including music from shows and arrangements of familiar/popular classics. We would like to invite local musicians of any orchestral instrument to join us for fun and light-hearted evenings of rehearsal without the heavy and serious commitment of traditional orchestras. So dig out those old school instruments, dust them down, rekindle the talent and give us a try.
Bedfordshire Adult String Sessions (BASS)	Jeni Melia		1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month at All Saints Church Hall, Kempston.	Anne Quieti 01234 765181
	BASS was set up to fill a gap in the musical market place - adults who play at a level between grade 2 and grade 5. We have put on a couple of concerts for friends and family and have been invited to play at a Country Fair this coming June.
Bedfordshire Symphony Orchestra	Michael Rose	Jan Kaznowski	Wednesday evenings (term time) from 7:30 - 9:30 at Goldington Middle School, Bedford.	Caroline Stratford
	Formed in 1967, its aims are to provide an opportunity for amateur/semi-professional players to rehearse and perform to a high standard on a regular seasonal basis.
Brentwood Philharmonic OrchestraNEW	Alan Pegrum, Roger Lawrence	Helen Ryan	A month before each event, Sunday afternoon and Tuesday evening, Brentwood Ursuline Convent High School, Queen’s Road.	Jamie Merrick Alan Pegrum
	The player membership covers the full range of instruments required for a symphony orchestra. Woodwind and brass players need to be Grade 8++ but string and percussion members of about Grade 7+ can usually be considered for vacancies.
Bury Friendly Orchestra	Jenny Sewell	Polly Taylor	Tuesdays 7:30, Bury St. Edmunds	Sally Hazelwood
	Bury Friendly Orchestra is a community orchestra that has just been started in the Bury St Edmunds area. We would like new players to join us, especially violins, violas, brass and percussion (waiting list for cellos, flutes and clarinets).
The Cambridge Concert Orchestra	Suzanne Dexter-Mills	Susan Chapman	Wednesday evenings (school terms), central Cambridge
	Established for over 40 years, playing a repertoire of light music, light classical, show selections, film tunes, jazz and other popular items. Rehearsing weekly (during school terms) we perform two or three concerts per term, usually for those who would not ordinarily hear live music. New players welcome to apply, although we have waiting lists for most sections; no auditions.
Cambridge Philharmonic Society	Timothy Redmond	Stephen Bingham	Monday nights 7.15-9.45, Chesterton Community College (Orchestra), Tuesdays 7.30-9.45 same place (Choir)	Jan Moore (Society secretary) Orchestral secretary
	Established for over 100 years. The society comprises both orchestra and chorus, concentrating especially on the romantic repertoire, but also performances of classical works and more modern twentieth century compositions. Entry is by audition.
Cambridge Sinfonietta	Peter Britton	Helen Waller	7:30 - 9:30 Thursday evenings during term time, at Milton Road primary school, Ascham Road Cambridge	Matther Towler
	The Cambridge Sinfonietta exists to give amateur musicians the opportunity to play orchestral works in a friendly, supportive setting. The Sinfonietta welcomes new members subject to a reasonable balance between sections. Music is drawn from the classical repertoire and players are grade 4 to soloist standard, though it depends on instrument.
Cambridge String Players	Leon Lovett	Julia Frape	Tuesday evenings, at St Faith’s School, Trumpington Road, Cambridge
	We are a symphony orchestra of some 50 musicians who enjoy the friendly atmosphere, stimulating repertoire and high aspirations of the group. We hold weekly rehearsals in Cambridge for most of the year, performing around five concerts each season
City of Cambridge Symphony Orchestra	Leon Lovett	Julia Frape	Tuesday evenings, at St Faith’s School, Trumpington Road, Cambridge	Stephen Drew (Orchestra Manager) 01223 467767
	Previously called the Cambridge String Players. We are a symphony orchestra of some 50 musicians who enjoy the friendly atmosphere, stimulating repertoire and high aspirations of the group. We hold weekly rehearsals in Cambridge for most of the year, performing around five concerts each season.
Clacton Concert Orchestra	Francis Garland	Ruth Baker	Tuesdays at 7.30pm at Clacton County High School Community Hall	Brenda Ellis, Chairman. 01255 223455 John Baker, Hon. Treasurer & Secretary
	We are a friendly orchestra of about 25 players and give about 5 concerts a year, all in aid of local charities. All new players are welcome, especially strings and brass. If you would like to join us please contact Brenda Ellis, who is concert manager and chairman, on 01255 223455, or e-mail.
Colne Philharmonic Orchestra	Anthony Weeden	Jill Davison	Two Sundays (10:00am - 2:00pm) prior to each concert
	We are a friendly, enthusiastic orchestra who enjoy performing three concerts per year and are always on the lookout for enthusiastic musicians. We aim to feature local and young 'up-and-coming' soloists of high quality and perform a range of music in Braintree.
Dacorum Recreation Orchestra	Steffie Logie		Wednesday evenings from 8 to 9.30 p m at St John’s Church Hall, Boxmoor, Hemel Hempstead.	Peter White
	The Dacorum Recreation Orchestra welcomes all comers: re-starters, beginners and those with little experience of playing in groups. Auditions are not required and concerts are not performed.
Dacorum Symphony Orchestra	Thomas Loten	Mark Warner	Bridgewater School Berkhamsted on Tuesday evenings from 7.30 to 10.00	Darrell Dunning 01923 467502
	The orchestra has been established for 35 years. We play 4 main concerts a year with full orchestra and the Sinfonietta plays additional chamber concerts regularly throughout the season at numerous venues.
Dennis Light Orchestra	Ray Bell	John Winsworth	Monday 7.45 to 9.30 at the United Reformed Church, Jessopp Road, Norwich, Norfolk	Sheila Blowers (Chairman) 01603 505314 Debby Gregory (Secretary) 01603 610705
	The Dennis Light Orchestra has been in existence for over 50 years. We take our music mainly to venues such as sheltered housing complexes and residential care homes, but we also perform occasional public concerts. We have no formal entry requirements (although grade 4 or above would be an advantage), and would particularly welcome string and brass players at the moment. We’d also love to have a percussionist!
The East Hertfordshire Youth Orchestra	David Boarder		7-9pm on Friday evenings at Simon Balle School, Mangrove Road, Hertford (term times).	David Boarder - tel 01992 623489 fax 01992 643795
	Hertfordshire County Music Service
Ely SinfoniaNEW	Steve Bingham	Christina Everson	One or two full Sundays and Tuesday and Thursday evenings before concerts	Patricia Mathieson
	We are an educational orchestra: though our core membership is asked to have grade 8 or above, we also run workshops and occasional concerts where we give learners (youngsters and returners) the chance to play major works with a full-scale symphony orchestra, including concertos with big name soloists.
Essex Chamber Orchestra	Patrick Bailey Colin Touchin	Carol Ripley Lance Oliver	3 weekends per year on a resident / non-resident course basis.
	Established in 1979, ECHO recruited its players from those members of the Essex Youth Orchestra who were obliged to 'retire' on reaching the age of 21. The orchestra now also recruits players who live or work in the County, those who attend Essex schools or colleges, and other invited players for particular concerts.
Essex Concert Band	Geoffrey Harniess		Tuesday evenings at 7.30pm in the Village Hall at Rowhedge, Colchester
	We are an established community ensemble formed during the 1980s. For more details about the band and forthcoming concerts please visit our website. Please e-mail us for details of current vacancies.
Essex Symphony Orchestra	Tom Hammond	Philippa Barton	St John Payne School, Chelmsford, Monday evenings	Hilary Cheek 01245 471588
	The Essex Symphony Orchestra has been established since 1949 and has been conducted by world famous conductors. We perform four to six concerts per season; most of these concerts are in Chelmsford Essex, but we do take opportunities to perform around Essex, in such venues as Thaxted, Cressing, Rayleigh and Harwich. We are always in need of players; see our site under membership.
Evening Rehearsal Orchestra - St Albans	Martin Georgiev		Monday evening (8 -9.30) @Homewood Road URChurch St Albans	Roger Barnes 01727 851987
	Just for Fun"" approach. No auditions but ability to sight read helps. Can currently accommodate most instruments in the standard classical line-up.
Fen Edge Orchestra			Wednesday evenings 7:30pm to 9:30pm at Cottenham Village College, Cottenham, Cambridge, CB24 8UA	Mary Prechner 01223 426811
	A new amateur orchestra that plays for fun with the occasional concert for family and friends. No auditions and we try to include everyone. No minimum entry requirements although the music is probably grade 5 standard. Perfect for those who want to play again after a long break, adult learners, those who want a chance to play their second instrument or really good players who don’t want to have to practice.
Fleetville Community BandNEW	Edward Kay		Three, each spring, leading to one performance	Paul Olive 01727 844169
	We are an orchestra and choir in the Fleetville area of St Albans. Residents of every playing/singing level are involved - we make simple parts for beginners. We play mainly short popular classical pieces which form the focus of the Fleetville Festival; professional-level players and people with busy lives join in and we get together once a year - just before Easter. We also have a spin-off swing band and chamber groups, who have professional coaches, which we partly fund from a community grant.
Funky StringsNEW	Chris Pyne		Hitchin, Thursday evenings	Chris Pyne 01462 431206
	Open to all string players, any age/ability. Playing jazz,latin and world music.
Hadleigh OrchestraNEW	Ute Cooper		Mondays 7.30 - 9.30 p.m. in term time in the Small Hall of Hadleigh C.P. School, Station Road, Hadleigh, IP7	John Druce, 01473 827242
	We play a wide variety of music - mainly popular classical and welcome newcomers. If you are looking to join an orchestra for the first time - or are getting back into orchestral playing after a lapse of some years - we are an ideal orchestra for you. We give two concerts a year and some other occasional playing.
Harlow Symphony Orchestra	Andrew Bruce	John Hilton.	Tuesday during school term times, Harlow
	The orchestra was founded in the early 1960s. Membership numbers have varied over the years and are currently very strong, although we are always pleased to hear from local players who may be interested in joining.
Harmonie the South Essex Symphonic Wind Band	Roy Dignum	David Adlington	Wednesday 7.45-9.45pm The Warehouse Centre, Brooke Rd Industrial Estate. Rayleigh , Essex	Muriel Cornwell
	We are a community band. We play about 8 concerts a year, many to raise money for charities. We play each year at 3 local garden shows attended by thousands of people, Colchester Band Stand and in the past Eastbourne Band Stand , St James' Park and Greenwhich Park. Minimum standard is grade 5 but we welcome less experienced players. Trumpet players are particularly welcome as are percussionists.
Haverhill Sinfonia	Kevin Hill MBE	David Ogden	2.30-5.30pm, various Sundays	Deena Shypitka, Tel & Fax 01440-763799
	5 orchestral concerts per season, also promotes recitals and Haverhill Sinfonia Soloist Competition. Minimum standard grade 8
Hertford Symphony Orchestra	Gerry Cornelius	Margaret Holter	Millmead school, Port Vale, Hertford, Tuesday evenings 7.30
	The Hertford Symphony Orchestra has grown and developed hugely in the approximately fifty years since it was first formed. We have a busy season, giving three main concerts, a children’s concert, a family concert and a joint Christmas concert with the Hertford Choral Society.
Hertfordshire Philharmonia	Guest conductors	Various	Thursday evening 7:30pm-10:15pm at Applecroft school Welwyn Garden City	Peter Neville: 01438 714394
	We perform six or seven times a year in locations throughout Hertfordshire and are looking for Grade 8 standard and above string players, though enquiries from other players are welcome.
Hitchin Concert Band	Alison Eales		Sunday evenings every two or three weeks usually at Little Benslow Hills, Hitchin	Alison Eales 01462 896778 Colette Elliott 01462 835310
	The band's ethos is essentially one of a large group of friends meeting to rehearse and perform music for the pleasure of doing so. The band welcomes new members and can accommodate a wide range of performing ability.
Hitchin Light OrchestraNEW	Chris Pyne		Hitchin on Tuesday evenings in term time	Chris Pyne 01462 431206
	All ages, all abilities, all instruments. Repertoire light music, jazz, world music.
Hitchin Symphony Orchestra	Paul Adrian Rooke	Janet Hicks	Wednesday evenings during school term time from 7.30 to 9.30 pm at Kingshott School, Hitchin	Paul Adrian Rooke 01462 458614
	Founded in 1929 by Mary Ibberson at the Rural Music Schools Association. There are vacancies for trumpet, heavy brass, timpani, percussion. String players always welcome.
Hunstanton Concert Band	Chris Gutteridge	Alf Ball	7.30 pm. in the crypt hall of the Union Church, Westgate, Hunstanton (opposite the Library).	Tony Foster 01485 525149
	An amateur wind band based in the north west of Norfolk and the town band of Hunstanton. This busy band plays between 15 and 20 engagements each year at a variety of venues, playing a very wide range of music. There are no auditions or joining requirements at the moment and the band welcomes new players of all ages to join us and make music in a very friendly atmosphere.
Huntingdonshire Concert Band	David McClintock	Frances Reardon	Every Tuesday from 7.45pm to 9.45pm at St Peter’s School, Huntingdon Cambs PE29 7DD	01480 811027
	We are a Community Wind Band, self funding that plays about 8 Concerts per year. Our styles range through all genres from Original works for Wind Band through Big Band Arrangements, Film and Stage. We have vacancies for Trumpet, Horn, baritone Saxophone and Tuned Percussion and ask for a standard of Grade 6 as a minimum.
Huntingdonshire Music School			Saturday mornings (during term time), Huntingdonshire Regional College	Warren Middleton
	Saturday morning music school for adults and children. There are more than 460 students with ages ranging from 4 to 83, and at least 35 staff who give individual tuition and direct ensembles. See website for full details.
The Huntingdonshire Philharmonic Orchestra	Marcus Pashley	Kathy Faelber	Thursdays, 7:45 to 10:00 PM, Godmanchester Primary School, Park Lane, Godmanchester
	Also has associated choir
Ipswich Orchestral Society	Adam Gatehouse	Richard Armitage	Holywells High School, Ipswich, Thursday evening (from 7.30 to 9.45 pm)	Tracey Adams - 01473 740635
	Always welcomes new players. Associated Board grade 7 if you are a string player, and grade 8 if woodwind or brass.
King John Orchestra	Marie-Noelle Kendall	David Cope	Alternate Mondays during term time in either King's College School or St John's College School in west Cambridge	Penny Barton, Alice Garnett or Caroline Cope
	Founded in 2006 by a group of Cambridge parents, the KJO is now a flourishing small orchestra. The orchestra is friendly and non-threatening, and there’s a strong social element to rehearsals, which always include time for a glass of wine and a chat. There are vacancies for new members, particularly in string and brass sections.
Letchworth Sinfonia	Kerry Camden	Janet Hicks	Sundays 2.30 - 5.30pm every other weekend (term-time only) The Settlement, Nevells Road, Letchworth	Amanda Taylor Ann Parkhouse 01462 686309
	Founded in 1984 - we are a friendly Chamber Orchestra that perform 4 concerts a year. We welcome new players and have vacancies for String players Grade 6 upwards.
Lowestoft Orchestral Society	Frankie Ayers	Michelle Dorsey	Tuesdays at 7:45-9:45pm at 'the Coffee pot Preschool building' behind Oulton Broad Library.	Frankie Ayers 01502 513735
	Lowestoft Orchestral Society is an orchestra for ALL ABILITIES, we play a varied programme, We are always looking for new members, so if you are interested then either give me a call or come along on a Tuesday at 7:45 and enjoy making music together.
Luton Concert Orchestra	Terry Driver	Pam Davies	5 Fridays before each Concert in May and October at St Margarets Church, Biscot, Luton, 7.30 – 9.30.	Julian Towler Christina Pearce
	We hold at least 2 concerts per year playing a wide variety of Light Music featuring local singers and solo instrumentalists. Currently there are some vacancies in all string and brass sections. We do not hold auditions but welcome players of grade 7 and above.
Luton Symphony Orchestra	Uwe Radok	Terry Driver	Friday evenings, 7:30 - 9:30 at Stopsley Baptist Church, St. Thomas' Road, Luton	Louise Radok 01234 219054
	We perform 3 concerts a year covering a wide variety of the orchestral repertoire. New string players are always welcome, and at the moment there are vacancies for a 2nd bassoon and 3rd and 4th horn.
The Norfolk Symphony Orchestra	Alexander Walker	Grant Newman	Friday evenings 7.30-10pm at Downham Market High School, Bexwell Road, Downham Market.	Graham Jones 01953 717605
	Friendly and successful full-scale symphony orchestra playing to a high standard. Just a couple of vacancies for good first violins and double basses. See website for up-to-date information.
North Norfolk Orchestral Society	Freddie Pointer	Jonathan Folkard	Most Tuesday evenings, 8pm – 9.45pm, East Runton Village Hall	Brian Pymer (chairman) 01263 514916 Su (secretary) and Freddie (conductor) Pointer
	Founded in 1990, we play a variety of classical music for our own enjoyment and perform about twice a year to raise money for local causes. We are a very friendly group of 20 plus musicians and always welcome new members of any age and standard. Just bring your instrument, plenty of enthusiasm and a sense of humour!
The North Norfolk Youth Orchestra	Norman Moor	Mike Griffin	Cromer High School Music Block, Mondays in term time 7.15 - 8.30pm	Norman Moor 01263511600 Mike Griffin 01692 402202
	We are a very friendly band, playing all types of music from the standard classical repertoire to light music, and would welcome any musicians of Grade 5 and above who enjoy music making. We give four concerts per year. We have adult members and we welcome adult musicians
Norwich Philharmonic Orchestra	Peter Britton	Dominic Hopkins	Tuesdays in school term time at 7.15pm, Norwich High School for Girls, Newmarket Road, Norwich.	Rob Barnes 01508 521029
	The Orchestra welcomes new members as and when places become available - established over 150 years.
The Philharmonic at UH	Robin Browning	Richard Aylwin	Thursday evenings (7:30 – 10:30) at the University of Hertfordshire	Jane Anderson
	The Philharmonic at UH (also known as the Hatfield Philharmonic) is a sociable orchestra giving first class concerts at the University of Hertfordshire’s auditorium in Hatfield. As we are fortunate to have the support of the University we are able perform around six concerts a year of diverse symphonic repertoire.
Phoenix Concert Band	Chris McGinity		Thursdays 20:00 to 22:00 Christ Church, Watling Street, Radlett, Herts, WD7 7JJ	Chris McGinity 020 8364-9862 or 07901-972855
	The Phoenix Concert Band aims to set high standards in its performances, giving playing opportunities to musicians at the upper end of ability. Players are generally minimum Grade 6 – some well above – so do call if you would like to come along. We don’t audition, we’d rather you came along for a few rehearsals to see how it goes.
The Pulham Orchestra	Margery Baker	Martin Wyatt	Every second and fourth Tuesday in the month from 2-4 pm at the Village Hall, Pulham Market, Norfolk.	John Herschel-Shorland 01379852836
	An amateur orchestra (25 years old) set up for local musicians from both Norfolk and Suffolk, which is friendly and fun but which also aims to play at a good standard. We welcome players of any standard. We rehearse throughout the year. We generally have 3 or 4 concerts a year, and every 2 years hold a 3 day weekend workshop. Music is a mixture of classical and popular classical.
Rusty Players of OundleNEW	Vince Davy		1st Monday, 3rd Wednesday in each month – in or near Oundle	Chris Gill
	Formed in November 2009, the RPO exists to give an opportunity to adults who may be returning to playing after a break, or to good instrumentalists keen to develop a second instrument. We have great fun rehearsing, steadily exploring new repertoire and improving our ensemble playing. We may get around to giving some informal performances later this year! Generally Grade VIII to Grade III - all welcome, no auditions. Currently 25-strong, but we still need more violins, violas, cellos, a double bass – plus one or two additional brass.
St. Albans Rehearsal Orchestra	William Carslake	Judy Salisbury	Wednesday mornings (during school term) 10:00 to 11:30 at The Mid Herts Centre for Music and Arts, Hatfield	Ron Bell 01727 836 452
	Founded in 2002 to provide an opportunity for persons available during the day who wish to get together simply to enjoy the making of music. No commitment to a program of concerts although we do occasionally play for schools and the elderly.
St Albans Symphony Orchestra	James Ross	Jennifer Wigram	Homewood Road United Reformed Church, St. Albans on Wednesdays from 7.30 - 10.00	Alan McGlynn 01727 830203
	A large high-standard amateur orchestra performing approximately 10 concerts per season in St. Albans and beyond, including St. John's Smith Square, London. Recent repertoire includes Mahler, Symphony No.1; Janacek, Sinfonietta; Holst, The Planets. Normal minimum standard: Gr.8. Check website for playing and deputising opportunities.
Chamber Orchestra of St Ives	Chris Hiscock	Bryony Lang	Typically once per month, Thursday 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM in the Free Church, St Ives
	This newly formed orchestra in St Ives Cambridgeshire gives several concerts each year for the local community, usually linked with wider community initiatives. They are varied and include children's' concerts, traditional classical concerts, performances linked with the choral society, poetry and more contemporary productions. The playing is of a very high standard. There is no joining or membership fee nor are auditions required to join.
St Neots Sinfonia	Reginald Searle	Naomi Laredo	Every Tuesday during term time, 07:45 PM to 09:30 PM in music hall at Ernulf Community College in St Neots.	Jean Searle, 01480 212298
	We are the community orchestra for the St Neots area in Cambridgeshire. We typically perform five public concerts each year: two traditional concerts, one with the St Neots Choral Society, a PROM type concert for St Neots town and a children's' Christmas concert. We pride ourselves on being an extremely friendly orchestra and welcome new members of grade VII and above, Associated Board. We generally have vacancies for string players (all instruments) and occasionally also for wind players. There are no auditions to join.
Sillars Light Orchestra	Patrick Meehan	Ken Boast	Wednesday evening, 7.45pm at United Reformed Church, Ipswich Road, Norwich, Norfolk.	Haydn Brown 01603 413374
	A friendly amateur orchestra of approx. 30 musicians. It specialises in light classical music and is a member of the light Music Society. Formed in 1926 with the aim of raising funds for the YMCA and other good causes, it gives 4 to 6 concerts each year. A minimum of Grade 5 required or demonstration (during a trial period in rehearsal) of competence to perform the orchestra's concert repertoire.
Sillars WindbandNEW	Christine Jennings		Ipswich Road United Reformed Church, Norwich at 7.30pm on most Tuesday evenings during school term times	Ralph Dye 01603 454709
	The Sillars Windband is a group of about 17 amateur woodwind and brass players based in Norwich, Norfolk. The windband was formed in 2005 as an offshoot from the larger Sillars Light Orchestra. It specialises in entertaining the elderly in residential homes in and around Norwich, but it also performs in churches and other venues. Please see our website for more information and for details of any current vacancies for players.
SokenairsNEW			Fridays 7pm – 10 pm, Soken House, Triangle Shopping Centre, Frinton	David Rolph 01255 674982 or 07538 278234
	Contact David Rolph direct. We are more of a jazz/swing band, with other things thrown in and we do not have a conductor. We are based at Soken House, directions and a map will be sent and all are most welcome. We need help with anyone who can understand notation software.
Southend Philharmonic Orchestra	Paul Samuels	Elisa Bergersen	Tuesday evenings 7.45 pm - 9.45 pm. St Margaret's Church Hall, Lime Avenue, Leigh on Sea SS9 3PA	Helen Smith
	The orchestra is always looking for new members of all ages and experience. We have vacancies in some sections of the orchestra, particularly the string sections. Previous orchestral experience is useful but not compulsory. There is no audition. A warm welcome is assured.
Southend Symphony Orchestra	Matthew Andrews	Lorraine Kelly	Wednesday evenings at St Margaret's Church Hall, Lime Avenue, Leigh-on-Sea SS9 3PA 7.30 – 9.30	Mandy Bearman - 01268 793920
	We give three concerts a year. Occasionally we have vacancies in the wind and brass sections but string players are always welcome. There is no audition. We play a very varied repertoire.
Southend Wind Orchestra	David Clark		Chalkwell Park Methodist Church, Eastwood Lane South, Chalkwell, Essex, on Wednesday evenings 7.45 – 9.45pm	Sallie Falvey 01702 206156
	Only established in April 2002 but already 50 strong. Minimum standard Grade 6 but most members are well beyond that. We play the whole range of the wind band repertoire, with a special emphasis on contemporary works.
Stevenage Symphony Orchestra	Phillip Brunton	Pam Davies	Wednesdays 8pm at the Community Arts Centre on Roaring Meg retail park, Stevenage	David Handley (chairman) 01727 858714
	We are an amateur orchestra based in Stevenage, Hertfordshire, performing a number of public concerts each season. New players are very welcome, especially strings.
Sudbury Symphony Orchestra	Matthew Andrews	Maggie Hughes	Every Thursday in term time	Francis Mortlock
	New members welcome – Grade 5 minimum level.
Trianon Symphony Orchestra	Professor Christopher Green OBE	Steve Browne	Various/during college/university vacation periods	Paul Laughlin
	Based in Ipswich, Suffolk, Trianon performs varied and exciting programmes in venues such as Snape Maltings Concert Hall and Ipswich Corn Exchange. With rehearsals scheduled in and around college vacation times, membership need not interfere with other commitments. No audition is necessary but a minimum standard equivalent to grade 5 (Associated Board) is required.
Watford Symphony Orchestra	Edward Kay	Rebecca Boyle	Generally Thursday evenings - but not every week Friends Meeting House, 15 Smallgate, Beccles, Suffolk NR34 9AB	Vicky Vandy, Secretary
	A new orchestra aiming to provide good standard amateurs with an opportunity to make classical music in a friendly environment. Three/four concerts a year. Recruiting all strings in Grade VIII range.
Waveney Strings			Currently meeting on Sunday afternoons in Beccles, Suffolk	Netta Swallow 01502 470135
	A new string orchestra, taking string players (violin, viola, cello, double bass) of all abilities (from about grade 2/3). Members of the Blythe String quartet and other local qualified musicians conduct and provide coaching for all our sessions.
Welwyn Garden City Music Society	James Ross	Christos Kokkinos	United Reformed Church, Woodhall Lane, Welwyn Garden City AL7 3TP; Chorus: Mondays, 7.45-9.45pm, Orchestra: Tuesdays, 7.45-10pm	Celia Smith, Orchestra Secretary 01992 551943 Gill Kelsey Smith, Choir Secretary 01707 321922
	A chorus and chamber orchestra performing 4 main concerts and special events each season in Welwyn Garden City, Welwyn and Hatfield. Chorus and orchestra both perform together and separately. Inquiries from prospective members welcome.
West Norfolk Jubilee Youth Orchestra and Concert Band	Peter Strudwick and Chris Brown		Springwood High School on Wednesday evenings 6:30pm until 9:00pm	Debbie Hiles (Chairman)
	WNJYO has been around for 30 years now and was started back in 1977 by Sir Malcolm Arnold. Since then we have expanded and generally got better. We have two ensembles - the Orchestra and Concert Band.
Woodbridge Orchestral Society	Neville Reeder	Peter Hodge	Monday evenings from September to March during school terms St. Mary’s Primary School, Burkitt Road, Woodbridge, Suffolk IP12 4JJ	Neville Reeder 01473-240737 Bob Silvester 01379 586191
	Long established orchestra (1907) Our orchestra, currently numbering around 50, has players with a wide range of abilities. Since our repertoire has moved towards popular classical music, our string section has strengthened considerable. Our needs change from time to time. Currently we need brass and viola players most.
Wymondham Symphony Orchestra	Andrew Parnell	Frances Banham	Tuesdays during term time from 7.45-9.45pm at Wymondham High School,Folly Road,Wymondham,Norfolk	Adrienne Cleary 01953 789637 Brian Randall 01953 601939
	The orchestra was founded in 1984 as a community orchestra with the aim of providing an outlet for the musical aspirations of talented school children and adults who wished to play their instruments on a regular basis with like-minded musicians. Nicholas Daniel has kindly agreed to be the new patron since the recent death of Sir Malcolm Arnold, the orchestras original patron.
75 Entries

If you have any information you'd like to appear here about a non-professional orchestra you conduct, play in or know of, let me know: ku.gro.sartsehcroruetama@ffoeg
(You won't be able to cut and paste this address from here directly, you'll need to type it in to your favourite email program)

These pages are created and maintained by Geoff Rousell.

Last updated Friday, 27 Aug 2010 11:12pm BST

Privacy Statement

NEW - entries since 1 Jan 2010

NEW - entries since 1 Jul 2010

Regional Pages

• Scotland
• Northumbria
• Yorkshire & Humberside
• Cumbria
• North West England
• East Midlands
• Heart of England
• East Anglia
• Central Southern England
• London (inside the M25)
• South East England
• West Country
• Wales
• Northern Ireland

= page link

  = email link

Find these pages useful? If you would like to make a donation, consider sending me an item from my Amazon wishlist:


or send me a small donation via Paypal to my contact email address: