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| Orchestra | Conductor Leader |
Rehearsal Venue/Times | Contact | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
![[link]](./gif/notelink.gif) AD Concert Band | Dr Trevor Farren | Alderbrook School, Blossomfield Road, Solihull. Wednesday 8-10 pm | Jenny Phillips | Originally a youth band, the Band today comprises musicians of all ages, ranging from enthusiastic amateurs to graduate standard players. New members are always welcome. |
| Alveley Village Band | Iain Masson | Saturday mornings (term-time) 9am - 11am at Alveley Village Primary School, Daddlebrook Road, Alveley, WV15 6JT. | Carl or Leesa Aubrey 01746 761943 | The community band for the whole of Shropshire. Open to all instruments, ages and abilities, Alveley Village Band is famous for being the largest family-oriented community band in the country, bringing together grans and grandads, mums and dads, great gran and grandads, neighbours, children, teenagers anyone else who wants to take part. Pure fun for the whole music community. |
| Asklepios Orchestra | James Ham Denis Wardle | Wednesday evenings 8:0pm to 10;00pm at the Medical School, University of Birmingham. | Martyn Harris 0121 427 6187 | Founded in 1969, the orchestra originally rehearsed in the Birmingham General Hospital, but since 1997 we have met in the Medical School. We are friendly group, and despite the orchestra’s origin, welcome players from all walks of life. We give up to 3 concerts a year. We have vacancies for strings and brass. |
| Bedworth Symphony Orchestra | Iain Masson Helen Hollinrake | Monday evening 7.30 in Bedworth | Maxine Moody (Librarian) 024 7665 0322Bob Phillip 024 7632 6928 | Small friendly symphony orchestra 3 concerts a year, we meet most weeks to play even if not rehearsing specific works |
| Biddulph & District Youth Orchestra (BDYO)NEW | Ian Pickford | Friday 6.45 - 9.15 p.m. | Adam Smith (Orchestra Member)General Contact | See bdyo.org.uk for more info |
| Birmingham Chamber Orchestra | Martin Leigh | Intensively before each concert | Julie Billingham 0121 550 0956 Louise Wood | Recently in receipt of Arts Council recognition, Birmingham Chamber Orchestra is an ambitious ensemble of a high standard. In addition to a concert series throughout the Midlands, it specialises in semi-staged opera, collaborating with young professional singers. Participation is by invitation only. |
| Birmingham Concert Band | Eric Entwistle | Monday evening 7.45pm - 10pm St Catherines Church, Hampton Lane, Catherine de Barnes, Solihull West Midlands | Sue Fullard | Concert Band established over 40 years ago and comprises semi pro and amateur musicians age range immaterial but minimum grade 5 standard, playing all types of music and performing to raise money for local charitable organisations. Vacancies exist in all departments but in particular, percussion, bass instruments, and middle range brass and wind. Also limited numbers of flutes and clarinets required. |
| Birmingham Concert Orchestra | Chris Webb Tom Payne | Mondays 7.30 - 9.30pm, King Edward VI Handsworth School, Rose Hill Road, B21 9AR | Linda Cullen | Founded in 1934 as the Kings Heath Evening Institute Orchestra, and is now a flourishing group of musicians from all walks of life. All contributions are equally valued, and the uniting experience of performing good music in a relaxed setting remains central to the orchestra. |
| Birmingham Philharmonic | Michael Lloyd | Birmingham Conservatoire, Sunday 10.00 - 13.00 | Chris Bertram 0121 689 2835 | The Birmingham Philharmonic is one of the country’s leading non-professional symphony orchestras, with strong links to the CBSO and members from across the Midlands |
| Blackwell Concert Band | | Methodist church hall, Golden Cross Lane, Catshill, Bromsgrove Worcs, Thursday 7.45 – 9.30 | Kevin Pearson 07776170827 | We are a Village band made up mainly of keen players from the surrounding areas. We have a regular group of about 20 players on a Thursday night with just under 30 on the register. We play a wide range of music to appeal to as many tastes as possible. We do about 10 events a year from social clubs to bandstands Fetes to balloon festivals. We are always on the lookout for new players of any ability, we do not do auditions, all we ask is that you can play one octave of notes on your instrument. Come and grow with us! |
| Bridgtown Concert Show Band | Shaun Middleton | Mondays all year (except Bank Holidays) 7.00 - 9.00 pm at Bridgtown Social Club, 170 Walsall Road, Cannock | Becky Cartwright (member representative) 07973 134 830 Shaun Middleton 07973 408 036 | We are a friendly band made up of a variety of ages and abilities. Our repertoire consists of show tunes, popular songs, old Dixieland Jazz numbers and many more. We play concerts and gigs around the region at fetes, local bandstands and at the social club. There are no auditions we just need committed players with plenty of enthusiasm and at least grade 3 standard. Any wind or brass instruments are welcome however we are especially keen to hear from middle and bass instruments. You are very welcome to come along for an informal visit on any Monday rehearsal. |
| Bromsgrove String Orchestra | Pavel Kotla | Tuesday evenings in Bromsgrove | | Next concert on June 16th to include Shostakovich piano concerto no.1 and works by Finzi |
| Burton Concert Band | David Haines | Tuesdays 19:30 - 21:30 at Trinity Methodist Church, Burton on Trent. | Contact via website | A friendly wind band, we perform in a wide variety of settings. We have recently played at The Royal Show, local beer festivals, and local churches. We be celebrated 15 years in September 2008, and looking forward to planning a return visit to Italy in 2009. |
| The Bus Band | Chris Wilson Chris Wilson /Ulrike Wilson | Mondays 19:30 - 21:30 at National Express West Midlands bus depot, Carl Street, Walsall. | Chris Wilson 07933281890 Ulrike Wilson 07983850095 | Recently formed band, all wind band instruments required especially top woodwind, horns and trombones. No fees charged, very friendly and we play a good variety of music |
| Central England Concert Band | John Meadows and John Saunders | Friday evening from 7:45pm through to 9:45pm at Meadow View School Stanfield Road Great Barr B43 7UJ. | Tel 07523583372 | We welcome wind players of all ages and abilities and play several concerts during the summer months (West Park Wolverhampton, Stratford upon Avon, Tamworth are regular bookings) |
| Central England EnsembleNEW | Anthony Bradbury Anna Downes | | Central England Ensemble (CEE) brings together graduate musicians and other talented performers to play symphonic repertoire to the highest standard. We are committed to promoting Midlands music. | |
| Chandos Symphony Orchestra | Michael Lloyd Kathryn Rutland | 2 weekends prior to each concert in Malvern – see website | Roger Clift | Playing the big symphonic repertoire mainly from the 19th and 20th centuries, Chandos gives three concerts per year in Malvern, under professional conductor Michael Lloyd and professional leader Kathryn Rutland. The orchestra also runs two workshops per year open to all comers. Numbering around 90 players from all over the West Midlands region and around the UK, the orchestra holds an annual young musician competition in January whose winner may be invited to play a concerto. |
| Cheltenham Philharmonic Orchestra | Duncan Westerman Sue Belinfante | Wednesday evenings in central Cheltenham | Secretary 01452 714209 | The orchestra gives four public concerts in Cheltenham Town Hall or other local venues. |
| Cheltenham Symphony Orchestra | David Curtis | Prestbury Junior School, Cheltenham. 730pm Thursdays in term time | Secretary Andrew Chapman 01684-772272 | The orchestra gives 7-8 concerts a year in Cheltenham and surrounding towns. There are potentially places for good string players. |
| Cirencester Philharmonia | Ian Higginson Steve Jones | Sunday afternoons in the Barn Theatre, Cirencester. 14.15-17.00 | Dave Richardson 01793 861594 / 07743 769896 | A friendly, local orchestra centred on Cirencester (formerly the Ashton Keynes Orchestra). We play a mixture of music - from standard classical music to modern film themes. Players come from a wide area around Gloucestershire and North Wiltshire. New players always welcome, particularly strings and French Horns. |
| Cirencester String Orchestra | | Wednesdays 8 00 pm, Watermoor Church Hall, Cirencester | Alan Bingle 01453 764626 | String orchestra for adults who are of intermediate level. Ideal for players who used to play at school and who want to start playing again. |
| Colwell Arts Concert Band | Phil Cowley | Colwell Arts Centre, Derby Road, Gloucester. Monday evenings at 7pm in term time. | Phil Cowley 01452 528008 | The band gives 4-5 concerts a year, mainly in and around Cheltenham. There are potentially places for woodwind or brass players of above Grade 5 standard, especially horns and lower brass. |
| Dancing Bear Symphony Orchestra | Bro. Paul Francis TBA | 2nd & 4th Sunday of the Month 12.30-3.00pm. Journey MCC building, 17 Shaw's Passage, off Allison Street, Digbeth, Eastside, Birmingham. B5 5JG | Bro. Paul 0121 457 7598 / 07882 530320 | The DBSO is Birmingham's new Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, and Mixed Orchestra. We perform orchestral music to a high standard and we are a charity working to support the needs of our large community. We have a strong link with Birmingham Pride, and perform at both Pride and as part of 'Queer Arts Fest'. We welcome players of all ages, including young glbt players under the ages of 18 & 16. |
| Gloucester Charter Concert Band | Simon Stephens | Thursday evening 7.30pm till 9pm at St. Georges Church Grange Road Tuffley | Keith and Shiela Stephens 01452 413681 | Welcome Woodwind and Brass players of any age and standard. Various gigs during the year mainly fetes, and christmas services with a couple of concerts mixed in. Playing a wide variety of music show tunes, classic arrangements and more contemporary items. |
| Gloucestershire Symphony Orchestra | Mark Finch | Tuesdays from 7:30-9.30 pm at Elmbridge Road Junior School, Gloucester | Mark Finch 0117 9248433 | The Orchestra is always keen to welcome new members as players. There are no formal auditions but members are expected to be of a reasonable standard, usually Grade 8 or equivalent. At present, we are particularly looking for viola and violin players. |
| Great Wyrley Community Band | Vaughan Smith | Great Wyrley High School, Hall Lane, Great Wyrley, Staffs. WS6 6LQ, Tuesday 7.15 – 9.30pm. | Musical Director 01543 257535 | Whether you play Woodwind, Brass or Percussion and are Grade 3 standard or above, we would be pleased to hear from you. Even if you haven't played for years, come along on a Tuesday and sit in with the Band. |
| The Halesowen Orchestra | Martin Leigh Jennifer Smith | Monday evenings in Halesowen | Julie Billingham 0121 550 0956 | A thriving weekly-rehearsing orchestra in the West of Birmingham. Presenting four concerts a year and often working with professional soloists. |
| Harborne Orchestra | Pat Ryan | Every Friday, 7:30pm, term time at the Martineau Centre, Balden Road, Harborne, Birmingham. | Pat Ryan 0121 429 2628Marjorie Featherstone | Founded in 1940, the orchestras main objective has always been to provide a friendly atmosphere where players of all ages and abilities can enjoy making music. Rehearsals prepare for three concerts a year. |
| Harmonie Concert Band | Tony Veal | Wednesdays 8.00 pm until 10.00 pm at Langley Secondary School, Solihull. | Jane Robbins | Harmonie is a Solihull wind band with a long and successful history of providing the opportunity for players to rehearse and perform concerts. We have no age restrictions or entry requirements - everyone is welcome. We take part in several concerts each year and often with local schools involvement. The band also commissions works and engages top professionals to conduct workshops to improve playing skills. |
| Heart of England Cooperative Concert OrchestraNEW | Mark Wooton Jane Pudsey | Tuesdays at 7:30 in the Methodist Central Hall in Coventry | Claire Pavlou 07711 583 594 | We play mainly light music. We welcome new string players in particular; players should be prepared to attend weekly rehearsals. We play three or four concerts in each year. |
| Hereford String Orchestra NEW | James Slater & Kenneth Woods Stephen Brown | Every Monday in term time, 7.30pm to 9.30pm. Usually in The Griffin Centre at Hereford Sixth Form College. | Chairman - Derek Harries 01981 240936 | The HSO was founded in 1958. It became established as an independent orchestra, and today it is the only regular adult orchestra in Herefordshire. Initially founded as a string group, it quickly developed a pattern of concerts including wind, brass, percussion players and choral groups. In the past the HSO joined with the Hereford Orchestral Society to give large symphony concerts. But when the Society ceased to function, the HSO took over such concerts. |
| Leamington Sinfonia | Jenny Barrie | Tuesday from 7:30 to 9:30 pm (in term time) at Spencer Yard, Leamington Spa. | Jenny Barrie 01608 661262 | Leamington Sinfonia is one of Warwickshire's most accomplished and socially active orchestras. We enjoy ambitious programmes, projects with local choral and ballet groups, workshops, and many fun events such as International tours, bike-rides and pub-crawls. We are currently looking for additional string players - especially violin, viola and double bass - and a new trombone player. |
| City of Lichfield Concert BandNEW | Mark Vause | Mondays, usually at the Guildhall from 7.30 pm to 9.30 pm. | | The Band performs up to 10 concerts a year, varying from outdoor concerts performed in bandstands, to more formal concerts, many arranged by the Band and performed at the Guildhall. Membership now exceeds 50 but there are still openings for additional players. Currently, we are especially looking for trombone and french horn players |
| Monmouth Community OrchestraNEW | David Davies Mike Warmington | Fortnightly, 7 to 9 pm Fridays at Monmouth Comprehensive School. | Mike Warmington 0777195 6553 | 40-strong self-funding ensemble formed with considerable support from Gwent Music Support Services. Continually looking out for new members, we suggest a minimum standard of around Grade 5 and are particularly interested in string, horn and bassoon players. |
| The New Streetly Youth Orchestra | Ian Myatt/Ed Harrison Catherine Newson | Every Wednesday during term time, 7-9pm, Manor Primary School | Ian Myatt | No audition is required and although some instruments may have a waiting list the orchestra is keen to welcome anyone who displays a high level of enthusiasm and dedication. |
| Newent Orchestra | George Taylor Bill Anderton | Saturdays, 10.00 a.m.- 12.00 midday. Upleadon Village Hall | Guy Fletcher 07763 186927 | Amateur orchestra with regular concerts. No formal auditions; wide range of abilities and ages. |
| The Redditch Orchestra | John Graham | Kingsley College, Redditch, Worcestershire. - 7.30 till 9.30pm every Thursday during school term time | Richard Crook - 07970-187939 | The Redditch Orchestra, started in 1947, has a full symphony orchestra make up of mainly local musicians. We play three concerts a year and invite guest conductors and professional soloists from time to time. Presently we could do with more cellists and brass players. |
| The Royal Forest of Dean Orchestra | Richard Coppack | Thursday evenings at 7.30 at Newnham St Peters CofE Primary School, Station Road, Newnham | Tony Veazey, 01452 618219 | |
| The Shirley Band | Martyn Ford | Wednesdays and Fridays, at Light Hall School in Shirley. | Brian Johnson - 01564 703787 | The Shirley Band is a traditional British brass band based in the town of Shirleyin the Borough of Solihull. Each year we have a full programme of local concerts, and often play further afield at venues such as Cheltenham, Worcester and Stratford-upon-Avon |
| Shrewsbury Concert Band | Ken Lumley | Meole Brace secondary school, Longdon Road Shrewsbury, every Thursday evening 7.30pm - 10.00pm during term time | Liz Carr 01743 874096 | Regular concerts including band stands, charity events. Enthusiasm, commitment, approx grade 5+ required. Current vacancies |
| The Shrewsbury Light Orchestra | Peter Road-Night Sheila Thompson | The Priory School, Longden Road, Shrewsbury. Fridays (during term time) 7.30 - 10.00pm | Secretary - Pat Evans 01743 362684 | Founded in 1968, the orchestra plays a variety of music is played including light classical, show music, film and TV themes, traditional and modern popular numbers. Over the years the Orchestra has given both formal and informal concerts of light music in and around Shrewsbury. |
| Sinfonia of Birmingham | Michael Seal | Cambridge Road Methodist Church, Kings Heath. Typically Tuesdays and Fridays, 7 – 10pm | Sue Peters (Secretary) – wind & brass: | The Sinfonia of Birmingham is a high standard chamber orchestra giving up to 5 concerts a year in the Midlands along with an international tour every 2 years. The orchestra has a close association with members of the CBSO either as conductor or concerto soloists. |
| Solihull Symphony Orchestra | Martin Leigh Sarah Sasse | Tuesday evenings, Christ Church United Reformed Church, Warwick Road, Solihull | Membership Secretary 0121 745-5548 | Formerly Knowle Sinfonia, we are a friendly local orchestra with a growing reputation who enjoy taking on the challenge of an exciting repertoire. We are currently very keen to find more violinists, but there are often vacancies in other string sections too - why not get in touch to find out more? |
| South Birmingham Sinfonia | Lee Differ | Bournville Friends Meeting House, Monday evenings 7.30pm | Michael Winwood (Chairman) 0121 471 2472 | A thriving friendly orchestra with over 65 members performing a broad range of music from major symphonic works and concertos with professional soloists to shorter classical and light pieces. For current vacancies please see our website. |
| Staunton Concert Band | | Monday night at St. Hardulph's School at Breedon on the Hill | | A group of amateur musicians of all ages presently consisting of 50 members. We play music of all kinds, classical, film, other and give a number of concerts each year. |
| Stourbridge Choral & Orchestral Society | Martin Sleaford (orchestra) vacancy (Choir) | Mondays (orchestra) and Tuesdays (Choir) in The Stourbridge Centre, Mere Road | Jim Pearman 01562 632172 | It was founded in 1884, and is one of the oldest choral and orchestral societies in England. Usually 3 concerts per year; one of which is specially for children. Currently vacancies for oboes, horns and strings. |
| Stratford Upon Avon Symphony Orchestra | Andrew Swinn Diana Lucas | Friday (19:45-22:00) in school terms, at Shottery Village Memorial Hall, Stratford (western outskirts) | Andrew Swinn 01789 763954 Diana Lucas 01386-840442 | The orchestra performs works largely from the classical repertoire from the 17th to the 20th century. Concerts are given three times per year. The orchestra is always on the lookout for new players, particularly in the string and trumpet sections. |
| Stroud Symphony Orchestra | Jonathan Trim John Woodward | Wednesday eves 7.45-9.45pm at Marling School, Cainscross Road, Stroud | Martin Green (Chairman) 01453 763375 (daytime)Lil Brooks (Secretary) 01242 603255 (day/eve) | We are a large, established and very friendly orchestra. We perform three concerts a year (Nov, March and June/July) usually at Holy Trinity Church, Field Road, Stroud. Our members (and audience!) enjoy a rich variety of concert programmes including guest soloists and premiers of new works. There is currently room for expansion in the string sections. Warm welcome guaranteed. |
| Sutton Coldfield Orchestra | Guest conductors Jeremy Blunt | Thursdays, 7:30 pm to 9:45 pm | Kevin Boyd, Secretary 0121 308 8755 | Sutton Coldfield Orchestra is an enthusiastic small orchestra, playing concerts in and around Sutton Coldfield five times a year, including a Young Soloist Concert, a concert of chamber works, and a family Christmas Concert. |
| Telford Orchestra | Ruth Matthews | Mondays 7.30-9.30 at Chilcott Gardens ,Bridgnorth Road, Madeley. | Elizabeth Bailey 01952 505766 | We perform about 3 concerts a year. Everyone is very welcome,you need to be at least grade 5. |
| Thorns Community Music Group NEW | Bobby Johnson | Wednesdays 7.00 – 9.00pm, Thoms Community College, Stockwell Road, Quarry Bank | Adrian Barrett | Thoms Community Music Group is a community band, mainly wind instruments – but all welcome, that is intended for those who may not have played for a while or those who wish to enjoy playing with others. |
| University of Gloucestershire Chamber Orchestra | Ian Higginson | Tuesday 7.30 - 9.30pm, Francis Close Hall, Swindon Road, Cheltenham | Ian Higginson 01242 230455 07788153776 | Players are recruited from the University and the community. The orchestra gives performances at venues off campus, very often in churches in Gloucestershire and it occasionally joins with the University choir. It is a very friendly group and anyone interested in joining the University orchestra is warmly invited to contact Ian. We do expect players to be Grade 6 standard or above. |
| University of Warwick Symphony Orchestra | Colin Touchin | Tuesday evenings. | Music Centre 024 7652-3799 | Mainly a student orchestra, occasionally require extras for more esoteric instruments |
| Walsall Symphony Orchestra | Clive Allsopp Carol Edwards | Forest Community Association, Hawbush Lane, Leamore, Walsall, WS3 1AG. 7:45-9:30pm Mondays during term time. | Andrew Birkbeck | Usually performing 3-4 concerts per year, we are particularly looking for violinists and horn players. Grade 5 standard or above - no audition needed! |
| Warwick Orchestral Winds | Dan Jones | King Henry VIII School, Coventry Alternate Sundays 10:30-13:00 | | Warwick Orchestral Winds was formed in 1992. The band draws its members from all over the Midlands, giving concerts in the Warwick and Leamington Spa area. The ensemble has a deserved reputation for programming less well known works together with more traditional and well known classics from the Symphonic Wind repertoire. |
| The Warwickshire Band | Barney Barnes | Monday evenings 19:30 - 21:30, Central Coventry | | A very social and active wind band with many performance opportunities and a large range of repertoire. To get more information please take a look at the website. New players are always welcome, get in touch! |
| Warwickshire Symphony Orchestra | Guy Woolfenden Jeremy Ballard | Usually Wednesday evenings at Myton School, Myton Road, Warwick | Malcolm Rowson 01926 491785 | Drawing players from all over Warwickshire and beyond, this large Symphony Orchestra has a challenging repertoire and gives high quality performances with internationally acclaimed soloists. |
| West Midland Light Orchestra | David Etheridge Jane Ware | Alternate Sundays at the Garden Room, Stone Manor Hotel, Kidderminster from 7.30-9.30 | Dennis Brown 01905-773178 | WMLO is not yer average Light Orchestra: it's actually a jazz big band with a 20 piece string section and six extra woodwinds. Formed in 1982 by Les Pursey, we specialise in playing songs from the 'golden era' of songwriting (1930s-70s) , so our repertoire includes standards, film themes and songs from the shows. We have over 200 original arrangements in the book, providing jazz with a hint of Mantovani! |
| West Midlands Concert Band | Craig Sproston | YMCA, Claverly Drive, Warstones, Wolverhampton on Thursdays at 1930 till 2130. | Claire 01384294292 | We are a group of about 50 musicians who have a common interest in playing and performing music. We perform at many venues such as fetes, concert halls, churchs, band stands etc |
| Wolverhampton Symphony Orchestra | Peter Morris Ros Rayner | 7.45pm Thursday, Cranmer Methodist Church, Newhampton Road West, Wolverhampton. | Richard Anderson 01902 752755 | Formed in 1973 by a group of keen amateur players to satisfy a need for local players to prepare to as high a standard as possible interesting works for public performance. |
| Worcester Philharmonic Orchestra | Neil Aston | Wednesday 7.30 - 9.30 in the Magdalene Room at St Geoges Church, Barbourne, Worcester | Ian Pattison 01905 453521 | A very friendly group rehearsing from September to June each year under a professional conductor and giving four varied concerts each season in Pershore Abbey. New string players always welcome and vacancies exist in the brass section. |
| Worcestershire Symphony Orchestra | Richard Laing | Thursdays 7:30 - 9:30 at Oldbury Park Primary School in St Johns, Worcester | Helen Morris 01905 424228 | We are an established, friendly, well respected orchestra who perform 3 concerts a year in Worcester and surrounding area. A very warm welcome awaits new players - particularly string players of at least grade 7 standard. Please see our website or contact the secretary for more information. |
| The Wyre Forest Symphony Orchestra | (vacant) Jenifer Smith | Usually Stourport Civic Hall, Wednesday 7-30 - 9.30 full orchestra, strings from 7pm. | Jim Pearman 01562 632172 | New players are always welcome. There are currently some vacancies in the strings. Players should be a good grade 7 and be prepared to attend weekly rehearsals |
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
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