Who We Are
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We are a friendly group of mainly amateur musicians who enjoy playing a wide range of music in a relaxed atmosphere. Instead of rehearsing set items for concert performances, we play for our own enjoyment, selecting different pieces each week. One half of the evening is usually devoted to playing a symphony and the other half to lighter music. This is a format which provides excellent opportunities to improve sight reading. |
Rehearsals and Repertoire
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We meet throughout the year on Thursday evenings between 7.45pm and 9.45pm at Baildon Community Link (see the Visit page for a map). There is ample on site or roadside parking. Instead of an annual subscription, members pay a weekly fee, only when they attend, thus giving members flexibility regarding attendance. Currently this fee is just £3.00 including refreshments in the break. |
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Our large, wide-ranging music library contains several hundred scores which include overtures, symphonies and ballet suites as well as lighter music such as selections from shows, marches and waltzes. As we don't rehearse to perform, the music is different each rehearsal.
Our Members
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As a community orchestra, we are proud that our membership reflects a wide range of age groups and backgrounds. We have members who have played for most of their lives and some who have returned to music after many years' break, while others have switched to a different instrument or started to learn later in life. Many of our members play in other groups, but enjoy the Baildon Orchestra in particular for the relaxed atmosphere of the rehearsals.
There is a mid-evening interval which gives members the opportunity to socialise and chat in the pleasant communal area. |
Orchestra Management
The affairs of the Orchestra are managed by a small, but hard working team:
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Conductor: Simon Gayton Leader: Lesley Gibbens Chair: Caroline Murray (violin) Secretary: Bill Marwick (clarinet) Treasurer: Gail Green (cello) Membership Secretary: Paul Bradbury (violin) |
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