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| Orchestra | Conductor | Leader | Rehearsal Venue/Times | Contact(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
![[link]](./gif/notelink.gif) Aberdeen Strathspey & Reel Society | Graham Reid | Cornhill Community Centre/Primary School, off Beechwood Road, Aberdeen. Monday evenings - Juniors 6:30-7:30, Seniors 7:30-9:00 | Karen Gill, 01224 676482 | |
| The Society was established in 1928 to practice, perform and preserve traditional Scottish music. Violin and accordion players of all ages are always welcome to join the orchestras. No auditions are necessary. Usually two larger concerts are performed each year. Opportunity to perform at various smaller group concerts throughout the year and also the potential to participate in the fiddlers' rallies of other Societies. | ||||
| Bathgate Concert Orchestra | Marco Marzella | Angela Smith | St.John's Church Hall Bathgate Friday evenings 7:30 | Morag Gent 01506 843 207 |
| Bathgate Concert Orchestra is a voluntary group of musicians who meet on Friday evenings for rehearsal and performance of show music and light classics for fund-raising, education and entertainment. | ||||
| The Berwick Concert Band | The Stobo Building, Longridge Towers School, Berwick upon Tweed. Monday evenings 7.30-9.30 | Laura Wilkinson | ||
| The band was formed in 1993 and gives regular concerts of an interesting and widely varied repertoire of wind music from its extensive library. New players welcome, especially a euphonium (instrument available) a trombone &/or tuba, and clarinets of a reasonably high standard. | ||||
| Capital Concert Band | Kevin Lamb | Trafalgar Lodge, St Anthony Place, Leith, 7.30 to 9.30pm on Thursday evenings during school terms. | Kevin Lamb | |
| Membership is open to all players with an interest in making music We are always pleased to hear from anyone who is interested in joining the band. In particular, we need percussion, bassoon, trumpet/cornet, french horn, trombone and euphonium players. Some instruments are available on loan. | ||||
| Carluke Primrose Orchestral Flutes NEW | John Bryce ARCM (Perf.) | Sunday evenings from 6pm - 9pm in the Carluke Lifestyles Centre, Carnwath Road, Carluke, ML8 4DF | Stuart Laird (Secretary) 01555 773394 | |
| We are an enthusiastic group of around 30 amateur flautists and percussionists, taking our membership from all ages and abilities, including beginners. As one of Scotland's best amateur community music groups, our repertoire is extremely varied from classical music to movie themes and easy listening. We use a full range of flutes from piccolo to the 7.5 foot tall subcontrabass in G, some 3 and a half octaves below. Come along on a Sunday evening and see us, a warm welcome awaits. | ||||
| Colinton Amateur Orchestral Society | Hector Scott | St Cuthbert's Church Hall, Westgarth Avenue, Edinburgh. Tuesday evening 7:30 | Lynda Grant | |
| An amateur orchestra that plays a variety of music ranging from baroque to 20th century. | ||||
| Concordia String Orchestra | Tim Tricker | Tuesday evenings in Ferryhill Parish Church from 7.30 to 9.30pm | Dave Southwood 01467 642408 | |
| Concordia was formed in 1997 and comprises musicians from all walks of life, including students, teachers, accountants and engineers. We generally perform two or three concerts for the public each year. The Ferryhill Parish Church is a regular venue for our concerts. | ||||
| Deeside Orchestra | Glynn Hesketh | Richard Clark | Victory Hall in Aboyne, 7:30 on Tuesday evenings | |
| he Deeside Orchestra started life in 1984. It is now a group of around 40 enthusiastic amateur musicians. New players always welcome | ||||
| Dundee Symphony Orchestra | Robert Dick | Mondays at Bell Street Music Centre, Bell Street, Dundee. From 7.30 - 9.45pm | Dr Morag Ward 01382 522744 | |
| The Society was founded in 1893 by a group of enthusiastic amateur performers. The orchestra has a core membership of some thirty, mostly amateur, players. Extra players are brought in when necessary. | ||||
| Dunedin Wind Band | Sarah Naish | Old St Paul's Church Hall, Jeffrey Street, Edinburgh on Monday nights from 7.30 - 9.30pm. | Sarah Naish 07711 956308 | |
| We are a community Wind Band in Edinburgh, of approx 45 players at present ranging from 14 - 80 years of age. We welcome anyone who plays Woodwind, Brass or Percussion of any standard, from beginners to advanced - all we ask is that you have an instrument and enthusiasm! We have a varied programme of music (Film Music / Original Works / Small Ensembles etc) and events, ranging from Play Away Rehearsal Days to Charity Concerts as well as playing at St Columba's Hospice twice a year. | ||||
| East Glasgow Concert Band | Ryan Sullivan | Stephen McKerrall | St Andrew's Secondary School, Glasgow. Tuesdays 7pm-9pm. | Stephen McKerrall |
| EGCB was founded in 1988 and is open to players of all ages and abilities. The standard of our music is of Grade 4 and above but we welcome all players. We perform informal concerts throughout the year and work towards an annual summer concert. We look forward to hearing from you! | ||||
| Edinburgh Chamber Orchestra | Alberto Massimo | Jim Ferguson | Morningside United Church, Holy Corner, 15 Chamberlain Road, EDINBURGH. Wednesday 7.30-9.30pm | Allan Radcliffe |
| All string players welcome, especially violins, | ||||
| Edinburgh Concert Band | Sarah Cunningham | Boroughmuir High School Annex (formerly St Oswald's Hall), Montpelier Park, Edinburgh on Tuesday evenings at 7.00 for 7.15pm | | |
| The Edinburgh Concert Band is a community group of amateur musicians, which was founded in 1988 by Stephen Callaghan. There are no auditions to join, but it is recommended that players have left school and reached Grade 5 standard. So if you are a woodwind, brass or percussion player - why not come along and join us! | ||||
| Edinburgh Orchestral Ensemble | Raphaël Mollaret | TBC | Tollcross Community Centre, 117 Fountainbridge, Edinburgh EH3 9QG Monday 7:00 - 9:00 pm | Raphaël Mollaret |
| Founded in 2009, this orchestra is a mixture of students and professionals dedicated to making music to the highest possible standard. The orchestra works on a number of ""projects"" which may involve a full size or smaller-size orchestra (incl. string or wind orchestra), choirs or soloists. Most members will play throughout the year but some may wish to be involved in a limited numbers of ""projects"" during short periods. We are still recruiting and musicians who want to be involved are welcome to contact us. | ||||
| Edinburgh Players Opera Group | Mike Thorne | Philip Taylor | One weekend opera course per year in Portobello Town Hall, Edinburgh, held on the last weekend in September (Fri - Sun). | Philip Taylor 01368 850235 |
| An annual course in Edinburgh rehearsing and performing a complete opera with full orchestra and professional singers. Having now worked through the entire Ring, Tristan, Parsifal and Die Meistersinger, we've returned to the Ring and 2009 will be Die Walküre. Vacancies for strings and harps. Grade 8+ standard. Players from outside Edinburgh very welcome! | ||||
| Edinburgh Studio Orchestra | Leon Coates | Philip Heywood | The German speaking church on Chalmers Crescent, Monday evenings in term time from 1930 to 2130. | Paula Brown 0131 553 1251 |
| The orchestra is a rehearsal orchestra - we play for our own pleasure, rather than performance. Approximate level required is Grade 6/7 upwards. New string and brass players welcome, and one bassoon needed at present (Dec 2011) | ||||
| Edinburgh Symphony Orchestra | Gerard Doherty | Fiona Coutts | The Reid Memorial Church, West Saville Terrace, Edinburgh Wednesdays 8.00-10.15pm | Rob Saunders 0131 447 3871 |
| New strings always welcome; some openings for brass and percussion | ||||
| Edinburgh University Chorus | Neil Metcalfe | Tuesday during term time, 7-9pm, St Peters Church Hall, Lutton Place, Edinburgh. | Dan Pyzer-Knapp | |
| EUMS Chorus is a non-auditioning SATB choir. It is conducted byNeil Metcalfe and all are welcome to rehearsals, students and non-students. | ||||
| Edinburgh University Sinfonia | Michael Graham | Saturday in term time in Reid Concert Hall, Bristo Sq, Edinburgh 10.30am - 1.30pm | Andrew Mason | |
| Wind, Brass and Percussion are auditioned during Freshers' Week. It is non-auditioning for strings. A grade 6 or 7 standard is expected but all are welcome so do come and join us. | ||||
| Edinburgh University Symphony Orchestra | Russell Cowieson | Rehearsal 6.30-9.30 every Monday during term time. | William Jamieson | |
| EUMS Symphony Orchestra is a fully-auditioning orchestra. Auditions take place during freshers' week. Standard Grade 8+. Students and non-students welcome. | ||||
| Edinburgh Wind Orchestra | Theresa Charlton | Bristo Baptist Church, Dean Path, Edinburgh EH4 3DJ Mondays at 7.30pm | Theresa Charlton 07949 589 796 | |
| This is a fun and friendly wind band which does concerts, goes away for residential musical/social weekends and regularly goes abroad. There are no subscriptions and the music is varied and interesting. We are looking for woodwind, brass and percussionists. | ||||
| Glasgow Amateur Flute Ensemble | Ms Aisling Agnew | Lorne St. Primary School Glasgow G51 1DP, Friday Evenings 7.15 p.m.- 9.15 p.m. | Robert Murray 01294 461187 | |
| New Members always welcome whether complete beginner, graded, or experienced, flautists or percussionists, free tuition and instrument, complete range of flutes Piccolo, Treble G, Concert, Alto G, C Bass & Contrabass and percussion equipment. Music: Classical, film themes, modern and traditional. Friendly atmosphere. | ||||
| Glasgow Chamber Orchestra | Peter Jones | Tuesdays from 7.30pm-10pm, Cowcaddens Campus of Glasgow Caledonian University. | | |
| The Glasgow Chamber Orchestra was founded in 1956 and is one of the leading amateur orchestras in Scotland, attracting some of the best amateur musicians in the region. With our conductor Peter Cynfryn Jones we give three concerts per year, and we are also keen to accompany choral societies. We have space for strings, horns and trumpets of grade 8 level (entry by audition). | ||||
| Glasgow Orchestral Society | Marco Romano, Eric Dunlea and others | Sally Wilson | Monday evenings 7.15- 9.45pm in Maryhill Burgh Hall, Gairbraid Avenue, G20 8YE | Donald Gibson (secretary), 0141 942 7754 Meg Munck, 0141 946 6667 |
| We give 4 excellent concerts per year in the Glasgow area with challenging, varied and enjoyable programmes including choral works, and we welcome enquiries about membership from interested players, especially strings. We have a long tradition of commissioning new works from Scottish composers, and are keen to encourage young musicians in all aspects of orchestral life - playing, conducting, and solo performance as well as composing. | ||||
| Glasgow Sinfonia | Gerard Doherty | Mondays, 7.30pm at Woodlands Methodist Church, Woodlands Road, Glasgow | | |
| If you live in, or around the Glasgow area and are interested in joining up, please contact us by email. Although we are an amateur orchestra, our standard is quite high, so ideally players should have passed Grade 7 or above. | ||||
| Glasgow Symphony Orchestra | Tommy Fowler | Tuesdays at 19 30hrs at Notre Dame High School, Observatory Road, Glasgow G12 9LN | | |
| 3 Concerts per year. We pride ourselves on being a very friendly outfit and have a wide range of ages and backgrounds. We are currently looking for players especially in the string sections of the orchestra | ||||
| Glasgow Wind Band | Kevin Price | Gavin Bryce | Monday nights from 7pm until 9pm(ish), Hyndland Church. | Gareth Cole |
| The Glasgow Wind Band (originally called The Glasgow Youth Band) was formed in 1972 to provide an opportunity for senior school pupils, students and adult members of the public to participate in a symphonic wind band of the very highest calibre. | ||||
| YMCA Glasgow Wind Orchestra | Michael Philip | Glasgow city centre, Friday evenings | | |
| For a list of vacancies visit our web site. | ||||
| Grampian Concert Orchestra | Dr Tim Tricker | St Ninian’s Episcopal Church, King Street, Aberdeen. Thursdays 7:30 to 9:45 | 07831 223422 | |
| GCO is a friendly and informal community orchestra, which rehearses and performs all year round. We welcome new players Grade 6 or above on any instrument - no auditions. | ||||
| Helensburgh Orchestral Society | Robert Baxter | Christine Sinclair | Victoria Halls, Helensburgh, on Monday evenings at 7:30 | Ruth Sinclair |
| An excellent amateur orchestra which plays a range of classical music from early to modern music. Membership is open to anyone who plays at Grade V level or above, no auditions necessary. Vacancies exist for string players, especially lower strings, percussion, trumpets and trombones. The orchestra puts on 3 concerts a year in Helensburgh and sometimes further afield. | ||||
| Inverurie OrchestraNEW | Paul Tierney | Alex Morrison | Inverurie West Church Hall Thursday 7:30-9:30 | Julian Slater 0784 087 9961 |
| The Inverurie Orchestra was formed in the summer of 2007 after a public meeting was held to judge the response to such a venture. Currently vacancies for Strings, Oboe, Horn, Percussion, Tuba, Tenor Trombone. | ||||
| Isle of Man Symphony Orchestra | Maurice Powell | Tom Field | Wednesdays 7.30, St. Ninnians Church | Libby McIntosh |
| Experienced amateur or professional string and Brass players are always welcome; there are currently no vacancies in the woodwind section. | ||||
| Isle of Man Wind Orchestra | Paul Dunderdale | Every Thursday during school term time | Joanna Drysdale | |
| The Kelvin Ensemble | Guest conductors | Tuesday evenings, Bute Hall, Glasgow | 0798 660 9764 | |
| The student-run orchestra of Glasgow University. We’re happy to hear from any students in Glasgow who want to play. | ||||
| Kintyre Orchestral Society | Saturday afternoons in the Heritage Centre Hall from 3 to 4.30, Campbeltown Kintyre. | Jacqueline Fitzgibbon 01586 830181 | ||
| No audition necessary,we are either late starters or returnees and play easy arrangements of music like Singing in the rain, movements from Pictures at an Exhibition and a wealth of extracts from Handel's Water Music. | ||||
| Kirkcaldy Orchestral SocietyNEW | Graeme Wilson | Balwearie High School, Kirkcaldy Tuesday evenings 6.45 – 9pm | Craig Steedman | |
| Membership is open to all players without auditions, although as a rough guide, there is an expected standard of Grade 5/6 and upwards. We would particularly welcome a bassoon player, along with viola players and percussionsists, however all will be welcome. | ||||
| Lanarkshire Cecilian Orchestra | Harry Watson | Sally Wilson | St. Andrew's Parish Church Hall, Glasgow Rd, Blantyre. Thursdays 7.15pm - 9.15pm, September to May in school term times. | Angela/Moira |
| New members always welcome, particularly strings (and particularly cellos). Wide range of music types from overtures and symphonies to film themes and show medleys. | ||||
| Learig Orchestra | Paul Tierney | Tuesday evening in Woodend Hospital day centre, in the outskirts of Aberdeen at 7:30 | Brian Priestley 01224-322617 Willie Primrose on 01224-638411 | |
| The Learig Orchestra has long been one of the most popular amateur orchestras in North East Scotland. We pride ourselves on our friendliness and welcome players of all instruments, at all standards. In a typical year we give three concerts, all supporting charities. Recent concerts have included works as diverse as the symphonies and overtures of the great classical masters to the sound tracks from popular films and arrangements of comic operas or popular dance music. | ||||
| Leith Community Concert Band | Frederick Frayling-Kelly | St.Margaret's Episcopal Church, 170, Easter Road, Edinburgh EH7: Thursdays 7.30 -9.45pm. | Director of Music 0131-554-0568 | |
| A concert and marching band with a wide repertoire of music. Entry around Grade 5, but promising players not quite at that level may be taken. No formal auditions. A friendly, busy band with a core of experienced players who are happy to advise and encourage newcomers. There are vacancies in all sections. Recent performances in Germany and Belgium. At home several concerts per year plus participation in the Festival Cavalcade, Norwegian Constitution Day Parade, the Leith Festival Tattoo etc.. | ||||
| Lomond & Clyde Community Orchestra | Bede Williams | Saturday 10.00-12.00 noon, St Michael's Church Hall, William Street, Helensburgh, Argyll & Bute | Via the website | |
| The orchestra is for all orchestral instruments, all abilities and all ages from primary school to pensioners - all that is needed is one year's playing experience, an instrument, music stand and a willingness to play music and enjoy yourself! We play a wide range of music from classical to modern with public performances at various times throughout the year, especially at Christmas. We're really in need of string players, oboes and bassoons at present - and we'd like additional adult members. We don't hold auditions - everyone is always welcome. | ||||
| Meadows Chamber Orchestra | Peter Evans | Fiona Coutts | David Rimer (Chairman) | |
| The MCO has performed regularly and with critical acclaim to audiences in Edinburgh and many parts of Scotland for almost 30 years. | ||||
| New Edinburgh Orchestra | Tim Paxton | Joanna Michael | Nicolson Square Church, Tuesdays, 7 - 10 | Wind playersString Players |
| The NEO is a friendly orchestra which performs 3 concerts a year which include new works, some commissioned by or written for the orchestra, as well as established classical repertoire. | ||||
| No Strings Attached Community Wind Band | Kim Stephen | Thursdays 7.15 - 9.15pm at Broughton St Mary's Church - Drummond Room at back of the church. | Liz Wight 0131-315 3622 | |
| 2 - 3 concerts per year. New players of woodwind, brass and percussion welcome.New members are always welcome to 'try before you buy'! | ||||
| The Open Orchestra | Andrew Lees | Laurence Egar | Wednesday (7.45pm - 9.45pm), September to June at: Cluny Church Centre, Cluny Drive, Edinburgh | |
| There are vacancies in the String and Brass sections. | ||||
| Peebles Orchestra | Kenneth Dempster | Tony Kime | Wednesday 7.30 - 9.30pm | Claire Garnett 01721 740256 |
| Peebles Orchestra was founded in 1976. It is essentially a community chamber orchestra for players of all abilities drawn from the surrounding area and further afield. We present two main concerts each year in the autumn and the spring, though we also put on occasional concerts at other times. We welcome new players across the instrumental spectrum; please contact us through the website. | ||||
| Perth Symphony Orchestra | Allan Young | Lorna McGovern | Wednesday evenings, 7.25-9.45 p.m. During term time, Perth Academy | |
| We are always happy to welcome new members, especially brass and string players. No audition is necessary but we do ask for commitment to regular attendance at rehearsals and concerts. | ||||
| The Really Terrible Orchestra | Sir Richard Neville-Towle | Wednesdays at St George's Music Rooms, Edinburgh. Generally 8pm | Peter Stevenson, Chairman | |
| " the Really Terrible orchestra has rapidly become one of the highlights of the Edinburgh Fringe. Why this group of [very] modestly talented musicians should presume to perform in public is beyond anybody " | ||||
| The Rehearsal Orchestra | Levon Parikian | Edmund Reid | Weekend courses in London; annual week-long course at the Edinburgh Festival | Anne-Marie Norman 020 7820 9994 |
| Not a regular weekly orchestra, nor strictly amateur, but has for many years rehearsed and played in London as well as around the country | ||||
| St Andrew Amateur Orchestral Society | John Mortimer | Tuesday evenings 7:30pm - 9:30pm at Christ Church in Morningside, Edinburgh (September to early May). | Frank Glynn 01383 860265 | |
| The orchestra is always interested to hear from potential new players: strings, wind, brass etc. (although we cannot always guarantee vacancies in all sections). | ||||
| St James Orchestra, Paisley | Fiona Butcher | Alan Laing | St James Church, Underwood Road, Paisley | Tom Ferguson 01505 816132 |
| St James Orchestra always extends a warm welcome to new members; there is no formal audition. There are currently vacancies for string players; woodwind and brass players interested in joining the orchestra should contact the secretary as vacancies can arise. | ||||
| The Scottish Fiddle Orchestra | John Mason MBE | In the afternoon prior to each concert plus an annual rehearsal day in February. | Nancy Frame | |
| The SFO, founded in 1980 is Scotland's foremost traditional music orchestra. It has 120 members, comprising violins, 'cellos, basses, accordions, flutes, percussion and piano. The SFO plays about 6 concerts per year in major concert halls of Scotland and the UK, and occasionally tours overseas. Entry is by audition when vacancies arise. | ||||
| The Scottish Recorder Orchestra | Eileen Silcocks | Ed Friday | St Columba's Church hall, Park Terrace, Stirling FK8 2NA. The second Sunday of most months 2:00-5:00. | David Powell (via website) |
| 60 players of recorders of all sizes up to contrabass at 8 foot pitch play varied repertoire with a rich orchestral sound. A good standard of playing and sight-reading is necessary, but auditions are not held. There are one or two concerts each year, occasionally jointly with the Dortmund Recorder Consort in Germany. | ||||
| Scottish Sinfonia | Neil Mantle | Michael Rigg | Concert weekend and three Sunday afternoons beforehand | |
| The orchestra is a mixture of professional players, instrumental teachers and amateurs, who aim to make music to the highest standard of which they are capable. The orchestra is organised concert by concert, and changes in size according to the programme requirements. | ||||
| The Skye and Lochalsh Orchestra | Becky Milne | Margaret Cormack | Approx. fortnightly, Aug-Dec/Jan-May. Saturdays 10 - 12.45 (main orchestra) 12.45 - 2pm (training orchestra). | Becky Milne |
| Founded in 2000, approximately 60 members divided between the main orchestra and the string training orchestra. We give 2 main concerts a year in December and April/May, the Christmas concert is a fund-raiser for local charities. | ||||
| Solway Sinfonia | Geoff Keating | John Phillips | 4 Sunday afternoon rehearsals for each of 2 main concerts per year. | Nick Riley (Chairman) |
| Founded in 1997 and drawing members from round the Solway estuary, we give two concerts a year, one in Dumfries and one elsewhere in the region. Our website, www.solwaysinfonia.org.uk gives full details of our history, concerts, rehearsals etc. | ||||
| The South Side Community Orchestra | Geoffrey Emerson | Monday afternoons from 1.45 to 3.45 in the South Side Community Centre, 117 Nicholson Street, | Geoffrey Emerson 01 573 420 279 | |
| The SSCO is a friendly group catering for orchestral players of all ages and abilities. It regularly takes the precious gift of music to the more elderly and vulnerable in the city. Strings always welcome. Edinburgh's only afternoon orchestra. | ||||
| Stirling Orchestra | John McGonigle | Lois Stewart | Wallace High School, Stirling. Thursdays 7:15 - 9:30pm, September to May. | |
| Keen to recruit any strings and bassoons, trumpets and trombones. | ||||
| Stockbridge & New Town Community Orchestra | Louise Martin | Donald MacLeod | Thursday evenings at 7.30 at the Stockbridge Parish Church on Saxe-Coburg Street, Edinburgh | Infoline 0792 985-0483 |
| Friendly for-fun group working to 2 - 3 concerts per year. Grade 3+, no audition. Currently recruiting strings (especially 'cello and viola) and brass. | ||||
| The Truly Terrible Orchestra | Jon Hall | Tuesday Evening, 7.30 at Fairways, Inverness. | Annie Cole-Hamilton - Chairman 01667 461188 | |
| New members welcome, no auditions, sense of humour essential, good players will be drummed out (if we can find the drum and its sticks at the same time). | ||||
| The Yetholm Sinfonia | Geoffrey Emerson | Tony Kime | Rehearses on the concert day, concerts mainly given in Kelso's octagonal Old Parish Church | Geoffrey Emerson 01 573 420 279 |
| A hit-and-run one rehearsal orchestra with a broad and interesting repertoire, giving ten main concerts in 2011, with a related wind ensemble. Last Orchestra in Scotland! | ||||
| 60 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
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