Amateur Orchestras - South East England

Orchestra	Conductor Leader	Rehearsal Venue/Times	Contact	Notes
All Saints Concert Band	Robert Mason and Brian Cox	Monday evenings from 8pm - 10.15pm in Upper Norwood SE19	Sarah Prior	Please contact us to find out about current vacancies.
The Ashford Baroque Ensemble	Philip Buckmaster	St Matthew's Church, Church Road, Ashford, Middx. Fortnightly on Monday evenings	Philip Buckmaster 020 8751 5315	Enthusiastic players wanted! Modern instruments accepted. We play music from c.1575-c.1775. Grade 8+ standard. Please visit our web site for more details and sound clips.
The Bagshot Concert Band	Roger Sanders Cathy O’Carroll	Fridays from 8.00 pm to 10.00 pm at the Bagshot Methodist Church Hall, Jenkins Hill, Bagshot, Surrey	Brenda Cooke 01932 344463	The Band was established in 1898, has about 35 members and welcomes new players of all ages and standards.
Basingstoke Symphony Orchestra	Stephen Scotchmer Tim Griffiths	Friday nights in Basingstoke	Anne Smith, Personnel Secretary	The BSO does three concerts a year in The Anvil, Basingstoke’s prestigious concert hall, generally in mid November, mid March and late June.
Bourne Concert Band of Woking	Esther Freeborn	Tuesdays from 8pm-10pm at Darley Dene School, Garfield Road, Addlestone, Surrey	01483-721729	A friendly community band which rehearses every Tuesday and performs several concerts a year, including various events during the summer months. New players always welcome.
Brighton & Hove Concert Orchestra	Michael Lloyd Bernard Dombey	St Philips church hall, New Church Road, Hove. Tuesdays 7.30 - 9.30pm	Michael Lloyd 01273-778086	We are a very friendly light orchestra. Give 4-5 concerts a year in local area venues. All players welcome.
The Broadstairs and St Peters Concert Band	Richard Baker	The Albion Sports Centre Albion Road Car Park, Broadstairs, Kent. Mondays and Fridays 7:30 - 9:30	Richard Baker 01304 366009	A friendly, progressive and go-ahead local band who have just celebrated their 21st birthday - Always on the lookout for new players of all instruments. Age is no barrier - we have players aged 17 to 80+! Regular concerts performing very varied programmes.
Bromley Concert Band	Martin Gibbs	Friday evenings from 8pm to 10pm in the Lower Church Hall of the Good Shepherd Church, Moorside Road	Natalie Walsh 07789483303	We are currently looking for new players, particularly oboe, euphonium and clarinet. Please contact the band secretary if you are interested in joining.
Bromley Symphony Orchestra	Adrian Brown Bernard Brook	St. George’s School Bickley, Mondays 7:30 - 9:45pm	Roy Banks 020 8402 0889.	One of the oldest and most distinguished non-professional orchestras in the country. Since its foundation after the First World War, the BSO has earned a high reputation for concerts of professional standard. It has worked with many internationally famous musicians, including Sir Adrian Boult, Norman Del Mar, Paul Tortelier, Ralph Holmes, Hugh Bean, Emma Johnson and Leslie Howard. The Orchestra welcomes applications from prospective new members.
The Brook Orchestra	Norman Blow	Tuesday 7:45pm, St Stephen's Church, Maidstone Road, Chatham, ME4 6JE.	Norman Blow Mark Carbutt	Light Orchestra Playing music from Popular Light Classics, Radio, Theatre, Film and Modern Theme Tunes. The orchestra is a friendly group of 40 people who meet up once a week on a Tuesday evening and give 5-6 public concerts a year. Additional 1st Violin, 2nd Violin and Viola players required, also Tuba and additional Trombone. Standard should be a minimum of ABRSM Grade 6-8.
Burgess Hill Symphony Orchestra	Michael Stefan Wood Andrew Biggs	Wednesday evenings, 8.15-10.15 p.m. during term time	Richard Light	The BHSO performs public two concerts a year, normally in May and November, plus a Patrons’ Evening in the spring. New players welcome where vacancies exist: please get in touch if interested.
Buxted Orchestra	Adrian Shepherd	Saturday, 9.30 to 11.15, Church Road, Buxted in the Village Hall beside the Church	Gillian Deane	We play annually twice a year in Buxted Park St Margarets Church. Vacancies for trombones, cellos, harp (would be nice) violins, 1 clarinet player and tuba. Grade 6 recommended
Canterbury Music Makers	David Pestell	Harbledown, near Canterbury; Monday evenings	David Pestell	Beginners and more advanced players equally welcome.
The Canterbury Orchestra	Andrew Lowen	Friday evenings during term-time, Canterbury	Orchestral Manager 01304 812755	A thriving group of enthusiastic amateur players who regularly tackle major works from the symphonic repertoire. The orchestra gives between 4 and 7 concerts each year
The Central Band of The Royal British Legion	Captain David Cole	Norbury Royal British Legion Club Every Wednesday evening 7:45pm - 10pm	Secretary, Caroline Docherty 020 8646 6066 / 07977 523114	Always welcoming new players of a high standard, especially trumpet/cornet players. Need not be ex forces. Many engagements throughout the year including Fairfield Hall, Croydon, Sittingbourne, Gravesend, Eastbourne Bandstand for a week, Picnic Concert at Fort Nelson and Festival of Remembrance at St Paul’s Cathedral each year.
Chichester Symphony Orchestra	Michael Walsh Mark Hartt-Palmer	Tuesdays during term time, 7.30-9.30pm, County Hall, Chichester	Mark Hartt-Palmer Leon New	We are a friendly group who give 3 or 4 concerts per year, including taking part in the Chichester Festivities and the Chichester Cathedral Lunchtime Series.
Cranbrook Symphony Orchestra	Michael Robertson Rob Eastwood	Monday night in term-time at Angley School, Cranbrook	Aileen Lehos	We are looking especially for violins and violas.
Crowthorne Orchestra	Robert Roscoe Melissa Lynch-Bowers	St Johns Church Hall, Waterloo Rd, Crowthorne, Berkshire. Monday evenings, 7.45 - 10 pm	Ruth Winchester 0118 972 2164	Vacancies for all string players.
Da Capo (Do All Come And Play Orchestra)	Patsy Moore	Padworth Village Hall (between Reading and Newbury) on Thursdays from 19.30-21.30 in term time	Patsy Moore 0118 9832098	No minimum standard is set, and the orchestra offers a friendly and supportive introduction to playing in a conducted group. For "beginners, returners and rusties".
Dartford Concert Band	Ian Harby Heather Kennedy	Wednesday 8-10pm St John Hall, Princes Road, Dartford	Don Valentine	Friendly band playing wide variety of music from Vaughn Williams to Shostakovitch, Lloyd Webber to Glenn Miller. 5 or 6 performances a year, mainly Saturday Evenings in N.W Kent. All wind and brass players welcome, see web site for more information
Dartford Symphony Orchestra	Rupert Bond, David Grubb, David Osbon, Alan Vincent Drusilla Harris	Fridays 19 45 - 22 00 hrs, Mick Jagger Centre, Dartford Grammar School, Shepherds Lane, Dartford, Kent	Mr Julius Bannister 01689 896405	Vacancies in all string sections - standard should be a minimum of ABRSM Grade 8 The DSO recently celebrated 50 years of concert giving, and currently gives around 6 concerts per season at the new purpose built Mick Jagger Centre, and also accompanies various choral societies.
Dorking Chamber Orchestra	Adrian Bawtree Brigitte Furze	Tuesday Evening in Dorking 7.45 -10	Julia Philpott 01306 888844	The DCO was founded in 1988 and specialises in 18th and 20th century works. It gives its regular players opportunities to perform chamber concertos. The DCO welcomes enquiries from string and brass players.
Dorking Philharmonia	Jonathan Regan Alex Postlethwaite	Wednesday evenings, 7:30 – 9:45, St. Martin’s Church Christian Centre RH4 1DW	Stephen Penny 07788 857154	Friendly orchestra with regular concerts and undertaking education days in schools. Enquiries from new players always welcome.
East Sussex Concert Band	Johnathan Bailey	Chailey Parish Hall, Wednesdays 8 - 10	Martin Forward	We are a well established friendly concert band rehearsing on Wednesday evenings in Chailey Parish Hall at 8.00pm. Play a wide variety of music including classical, big band and show time. The library is extensive and our concert programmes are chosen to suit each venue. New members are always welcome, particularly brass players.
Epsom Symphony Orchestra	Darrell Davison Eric Hastings	St. Martin's Junior School, Ashley Road, Epsom. Thursdays 7.30pm - 10pm	Janet Burr 01372 -812798	A very friendly orchestra currently enjoying it's 54th year. 5 concerts performed at Epsom Playhouse, 1 children's concert at Fairfield Hall and an outdoor lakeside picnic concert. Vacancies particularly for violas, trumpets and trombones.
Eynsford Concert Band	John Hutchins	Tuesday 7:45pm – 10pm, Anthony Roper Primary School, Eynsford, Kent	Paul Gould 07506 679015	Current vacancies for Percussion, Euphonium & French Horn. Our required standard is Grade 8.
Farnborough Concert Band of The Royal British Legion	David Smart	Central Aldershot, Tuesday Evenings 8pm - 10pm	David Smart 07798 925 934	Military style wind band providing music for the local Army Garrison as well as public concerts. Currently seeking clarinet players.
Farnborough Symphony Orchestra	Mark FitzGerald	Memorial Hall, North Camp Methodist Church, Lynchford Road, Farnborough. Thursday mights	Eleri Bailey, Secretary (via website)	Four concerts given per season. Actively recruiting all strings, harp, trombone, french horn, percussion.
Farnham Occasional OrchestraNEW	Chris Pelly	Farnham United Reformed Church. Rehearsals will be arranged as and when people are available.	Chris Pelly 07546 303 418	My intention is to put on 2 or 3 concerts in Farnham URC this coming year, as a way of getting some experience in conducting. Also if you are interested in playing a concerto with a small orchestra then get in touch, it may be possible.
Fleet Orchestra	Paul Moloney	SS Philip and James Church, Kings Road, Fleet, Every Wednesday during term-time from 8.00-9.30pm	Diana Beach, 01256 702650	An enthusiastic and friendly orchestra, mostly for adults, that welcomes anyone who can play an orchestral instrument or who is learning to play. No undue commitment is required - come when you can! We usually give two concerts a year.
Folkestone & Hythe Orchestral SocietyNEW	Andrew Lowen Flo Peycelon	Folkestone School for Girls in Coolinge Lane on Mondays during school terms, from 7.30 to 9.30,	John Bateson	The orchestra is a friendly group of people who meet up once a week and give three public concerts a year to very appreciative audiences.
Gravesend Borough Band		Thursdays 19.30-21.30 , Ebbsfleet Rainbow Centre, Rose Street, Northfleet, Kent		Always happy to meet other musicians. Please visit our web site for more information.
The Grosvenor Orchestra	Michael Hitchcock Tom Scholten	St Philip’s Church, Birken Road, Tunbridge Wells, alternate Saturdays, 7.30 - 9.45 pm.	Michael Hitchcock 01732 364538	We are a friendly orchestra, playing a mixture of classical, romantic and 20th-century works. New string and brass players will be very welcome. Concerts are given in aid of local charities.
Guildford Light OrchestraNEW		Slyfield Industrial Estate in Guildford, Sunday afternoon between 2.30 and 4.30.	Helen Harratt	We are looking for string players especially 2nd violin and viola players.
Guildford SinfoniaNEW	Rob Croft	Thursdays (term time) 7.30-930, Westfield School, Bonsey Lane, Woking, Surrey GU22 9PR	Rob Croft 01483 517141	Amateur orchestra run by Surrey CC Arts Southwest for adult learners. Friendly and informal, no min standard but players mainly grade 4-8. All welcome – especially strings. Just come along and try us out.
Halden Sound Music Group	Judy Hollis	Northiam Village Hall, most Thursday evenings in term-time.	Howard Kilner	We are particularly keen to give the opportunity to play to those who might lack the confidence or experience to engage with the usual large-scale amateur orchestra. The orchestra is growing and we need to recruit more violins to preserve balance.
The Haslemere Music Society Orchestra	James Ross Nicholas Concannon-Hodges	Monday evening at 7.30 in the Haslemere Hall, between September and April	Valerie Hardwick, 01428-751390	HMS also has a choir
The Hayes Symphony Orchestra	Ben Ellin Lynn Cook	Wednesdays, 7.45-9.45pm, at the Emmanuel United Reformed Church, The Grove, West Wickham, BR4 9JS	Mrs. Helen Hopkins, Hon Secretary 0208-658 2466 David Thomas, 020 8851 5830	We perform three concerts per year, playing works by composers such as Beethoven and Brahms, and occasionally later works and world premiers by contemporary composers such as the conductor, Benjamin Ellin. New players will be warmly welcomed, especially string and brass players.
Haywards Heath Symphony Orchestra	Ronald Sampson Gillian Ferguson	Thursdays 7.45pm at United Reformed Church Hall, South Road, Haywards Heath	Valerie Stevenson Angie Craik 01273 835926	We are a relatively new orchestra at present looking to recruit more string players as well as oboes and brass. We have recently performed our first concert in aid of the South London Mission, and hope to perform many more concerts in the future.
Horsham Symphony Orchestra	Ben Pope Martin Palmer	Millais School, Depot Road, Horsham; Wednesdays 7.45 to 9.45 pm	Angela Greene, Secretary Tim Corbett-Clark, Chairman	3 concerts a year in The Capitol, Horsham (formerly Horsham Arts Centre) with excellent soloists.
Hythe Town Concert BandNEW	Harry Cook	Tuesday evenings 19:15 – 21:30, Range Road, Hythe.	Deryck Euden 01303 812381	The Town Band was established at some time before 1880. The band plays a series of Concerts, Bandstands and Civic functions. All players of Grade 5 Standard are welcome. Players from Grade 1 will be welcomed at training Band.
Kent Coastal Concert Band	Paul Valentine	St Peters Church Hall, Greenhill, Herne Bay on Mon Eve 7.30pm to 9.30pm	07970 013586	Formed in 1992. Currently over 40 members. Always welcome new members.
Lancing Orchestral SocietyNEW	Tony King Bernard Dombey	Fridays 7-9 p.m. Guide Hall, Penhill Road, Lancing, West Sussex	Eleanor King	We give 3 concerts a year, each including both a concerto and a classical symphony. We concentrate on classical works (especially Haydn and Mozart), but often include short lighter pieces. We are in urgent need of more string players, especially first violins.
Leatherhead Orchestra	Geoffrey Harvey	Leatherhead Institute, High Street, Leatherhead, Surrey Wednesdays 8:00 pm to 10:00 pm during term.	Ruth Chappell 01372 376871 Ian Russell	We are a friendly amateur orchestra catering mostly for adult players but welcoming younger ones, including those with little or no orchestral experience. The music we play is from the standard classical repertoire. If you would like to join us please call the contact number below or just come along. At the moment we need string players and a percussionist.
Lewes Concert Orchestra	Russell Morgan Sheila Beckensall	Four Sundays before the concerts, from 2.30 to 5.30pm at St Marys Hall, Lewes.	Mick Horscroft	Formed in March 1993 by Russell Morgan at the request of The Lewes Town Council to perform concerts of popular classical music for the people of Lewes. Since then the orchestra has performed three concerts every year at The Town Hall, Lewes. Currently has string vacancies (see website for details).
Littlehampton Concert Band	Bob Haselip	Thursday evening at St Mary's Church hall in Church Street, Littlehampton.	Bob Haselip 01903 213028	We are a community band playing a host of different concerts throughout the year. We pride ourselves on interesting music, a fun atmosphere and we welcome anyone who would like to come along and have a play with us.
Maidstone Symphony Orchestra	Brian Wright John Ludlow	Thursdays, 7.30pm, Invicta Grammar School, Maidstone.	Ron Hegarty, 01580 892060	Community orchestra gives 5 concerts a year with pro soloists in Mote Hall, Maidstone. Always on the look out for good string players, violins and violas.
Maidstone Winds	Brendon Le Page	Invicta Grammar School for Girls, Maidstone 7.45 - 9.45, alternate Tuesdays	Brendon Le Page 01622 871576	Advanced wind band. Regular concerts. Currently require good standard (grade 7/8) clarinets and trumpet players. Also 4th horn.
Oare String Orchestra	Peter Aviss Robin Morrish	Oare Village Hall, near Faversham	Peter Colman 01795 534407	3 concerts per year in the Alexander Centre in Faversham.
The Old Barn Orchestral Society	Bryan Gipps Derek Webb	Friday evenings in St Martin's Church, Maidstone, starting at 7.45pm		The Old Barn Orchestra (the orchestra for Medway and Maidstone) was founded in 1927 and incorporated with a full constitution the following year. Its name derives from its first meeting place, which was the music room - a converted barn - of Dr Ponder and his familty at Abbey Court in Sandling (north of Miadstone).
The Orpington Symphony Orchestra	Raymond Lewis	Thursdays 7.30pm-9.30pm during term time at The Church of Unity, Rye Crescent.	Mrs L U Jones	String players required, also vacancies in some wind sections
Pelly Concert Orchestra	Christopher Braime Amanda Lake	Tuesday from 8 - 10 pm at Oak Farm School, Farnborough, Hants	Secretary	The Pelly Concert Orchestra gives five concerts a year in the Hampshire/Surrey area. Its wide-ranging repertoire includes well-known classical works, selections from stage and screen musicals, and themes from radio, television and film. New members are always welcome.
Pfizer Wind OrchestraNEW	Simon Gayton	grades 1-5 5.00-7.00, grades 6 and above 7.00-9.00 every Wednesday, Pfizer Social Club, Ramsgate road, Richborough Kent	Jules Prosser (Chairman)	All instrumentalists welcome. Regular concerts throughout the year. Orchestra celebrates it's 5th anniversary this year. Please check our website - thank you !!
Police Unity Memorial Band	PC Charlie Harris PC Geoff Nichols	Every Thursday 8pm to 10pm Surrey Police Headquarters, Guildford, Surrey	Geoff Nichols (Secretary) 07527 957250	We are a uniformed concert band which undertakes a number of concerts throughout the year across the southern counties. Currently expanding the size of the band, we are looking for woodwind, brass and percussion musicians (no link to the police required!) over the age of 16 who are of a reasonable standard (Grade 5 or equivalent). If you haven’t played for a while and are a little rusty then that’s not a problem, come along and give us a try. We’re certain you’ll enjoy the friendly atmosphere and come back for more !
The Redhill Sinfonia	Pavel Kotla Andrew MacDonald	Monday evenings at 7:30 at Holy Trinity Church, Carlton Road, Redhill		To join the orchestra, your playing needs to be of a minimum grade 8 standard for all instruments. You must have relevant experience. We do not currently have any vacancies for woodwind players, but operate a waiting list where appropriate.
Ripley Symphony Orchestra	Calvin Downey Amy Radcliffe	Two days a year – next sessions April 23rd, October 29th 2006 9.30pm – 5pm	Janet Burr 01372 812798	A very large orchestra who meet together twice a year to play all day for enjoyment. Wishing to keep a balanced orchestra, all enquiries for all instruments will be considered.
The City of Rochester Symphony Orchestra	Michael Thompson Lindsey Purcell	Monday Evenings at Rochester Grammar School for Girls, ME1 3BY		We are the leading Medway orchestra, with four concerts a year, at the Central Theatre, Chatham. New Members are always welcome, subject to trial.
Runnymede Sinfonia	Martin Ingram Martin Ingram	Heriot Hall, Chertsey, Surrey, on alternate Mondays from 7.30 to 10pm	Martin Ingram, 01932 343121	This is a small, friendly orchestra, good for sight reading. No concerts, no pressure.
Rushmore Concert Band	Len Tyler Peter Woods	Mondays 8-10pm Ash Manor School Aldershot	Peter Woods	A friendly concert band with vacancies for trombones bassoon and barrie sax
St George’s Players	George Wittingham George Wittingham	To be established	John Pirbright David Hirdbury	Skilled players wanted for a world-class amateur orchestra based near Weybridge, Surrey. All instruments welcome to apply - players must be of diploma standard (although an actual certificate is not necessary). Rehearsals will be held once a week (or fortnight) for 2-3 hours. If you are a willing to put effort in and would like to play in some of the finest concert halls in the world, you are strongly encouraged to apply for an audition.
Sevenoaks Symphony Orchestra	Darrell Davison Catherine Smart	Wednesdays 8pm - 10.15pm at Sevenoaks County Primary School, Bradbourne Park Road, Sevenoaks.	Secretary Emma St. Jacob 01732 455930	Friendly orchestra. 4/5 concerts a year. Regular rehearsals. Large catchment area.
Sevenoaks and Tonbridge Concert Band	Trevor Edwards	Friday night at Christchurch Hall, London Road, Sevenoaks		Formed in 1980 and is made up of players travelling from a wide area including such places as Tunbridge Wells in Kent, East Sussex, and South East London, as well as locally.
Slinfold Concert Band NEW	Malcolm Gay	Weekly Tuesday 7.30 - 9.30 Slinfold Village Hall, Slinfold, Nr Horsham,West Sussex	Paul Pearson	The Band undertakes a variety of engagements throughout the South East of England, which range from local bandstand performances to indoor concerts, and from weddings to company functions. New players are always welcome. If you play brass, wind or percussion instruments, then why not come along and join the fun
South West Surrey Concert Band	M. Fielder	Saturday Morning, Queen Eleanor's School, Guildford, Surrey.	David Perrelet Stephen Melling (Chairman)	New members always welcome, see website.
Southdowns Concert Band	Mike Crisp	Fortnightly at Arundel C of E school on Jarvis Road in Arundel. Meet from 7:30pm till 9:30pm	Bob Haselip 01903 213028 Brenda Bailey 01243 551481	The Southdowns Concert Band is a group of about 30 musicians who play regular concerts all over Sussex. We pride ourselves on high performance standards and achieve this by having a grade 6 minimum standard for players.
Strings & Things	John Myhill	Broadstairs, Wednesday afternoons	John Myhill 01843 600059	For beginners (inc. children).
Surrey Brass	Various Guest MD	Wednesday 7:30 Music School, Reeds School, Sandy Lane, Cobham, Surrey KT11 2ES	John Goodwin 07957 217835	Surrey Brass gives the best brass and percussion players in Surrey the opportunity to play symphonic brass ensemble music to a professional standard, and to perform enjoyable concerts that are inspirational, fun and educational.
The Surrey Philharmonic Orchestra	Jonathan Butcher Diana Cummings	Friday evenings, 7.30-9.45, at St. Andrew’s School, Grange Road, Leatherhead
Sussex Band of The Royal British Legion	Pat Ferris	Tuesday evenings 8pm to 10pm, Horsham	Gerry Harris (Band Chairman) 01342 716 992	We are a concert band , marching band and have a dance band. We are in need of an oboe player , trumpets , French horns and any other player of a good standard that wish to join us.
Sutton Symphony Orchestra	Nigel Stephens	Tuesday evenings at The Parochial Rooms, Cheam, 7.30 to 9.30 pm	Nigel Stephens 020 8660 2473 Sue White 0208 644 4055	If you have any orchestral experience please come and try us out on Tuesday evening.
Thanet Light Orchestra	George Martin Ben Jones	Wednesdays 8-10 p.m. at Wellesley House School, Broadstairs	Ben Jones 01843 847701	Long-standing but now small group, keen to attract new members. Few concerts; play mainly for fun, ranging from Haydn to 20C London shows.
Woking Symphony Orchestra	Roy Stratford Pete Marsden	The Church of the Good Shepherd, Coldharbour Road, Pyrford, Woking, Tuesdays 7.30 to 9.45	Roy Stratford	Three main concerts plus one Family concert per year. We welcome new members of good standard. We urgently need a competent First Bassoonist
Worthing Philharmonic Orchestra	Robin Page Rita French	Mondays 7.15pm – 9.30pm Assembly Hall, Stoke Abbott Road, Worthing	David Holmes (Chairman) - 01903 236927	We play five concerts a year in the fantastic acoustics of the Worthing Assembly Hall We perform a varied and appealing variety of orchestral works and often joining with choirs in the area to perform large scale choral works. We are always pleased to hear from players, particularly string players, who might be interested in joining.

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:

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