Ashford Sinfonia community orchestra is based in Ashford, Kent and meets on Mondays at the church of St Mary the Virgin, Bentley Road, Willesborough, Ashford, Kent TN24 0LB. New members are welcome to join us at 7.15 p.m. ready for 7.30 to play classical and popular orchestral music. Please bring a music stand as well as your instrument!
Next Concert 24th March 2024
Dates for your diary
Spring term – first rehearsal 8th January, half term 12th February, concert and end 24th March
Summer term – first rehearsal 15th April, half term 27th May, concert 14th July.
AGM 15th July 2024
Ashford Sinfonia 
Great news that you’ve got this going. All power to your elbow (no relation), lungs, lips and embouchures, hands and fingers.
Good afternoon, I would like to join the sinfonia, I play oboe at Grade 7-8 standard and was in the orchestra at university. I used to go to Highworth and I am now doing a Secondary Music PGCE at Canterbury ChristChurch University.
You will be very welcome – next meeting is 24 April at 730 pm at Willesborough Church.
Regards
Roger
Sorry, that should be 23rd April!
Hello, I’m a grade 8 flautist and have been looking to join an orchestra. Do you have availability for a flute player?
Delighted – next practice is Monday Sept 11. Come and see how you like it!
Hello,
I was wondering if you have an opening for an oboe player? I have a music performance degree on the oboe although I’ve not played for a while.
Just what we’re here for! Come along and see how you like us!
Hi
I played in Ashford Sinfonia last term in first violins, but haven’t been able to come this term so far due to health and work. Hoping to come back soon.
Hope you make it soon, and keep well!
I am a very experienced trombone player, moving into this area. I play tenor, alto and bass trombone (and also the sackbut). If you have any vacancies, either for a regular member or an occasional extra, I would be happy to hear from you.
Keith
Pleased to hear from you. Come along and see what you think – we start again on Monday 9th – bring a stand!
Just enquiring about the orchestra
I’ve stained my ARSM on flute and studying theology music and worship BA honours degree as a mature student. I’m also working towards my flute ABRSM diploma. I’m wanting to stretch myself.
Looking to continue teaching and start performing work once I’ve graduated next year
Sounds as if you are highly committed to your music. Not sure if we would stretch you though – the only way is to turn up and see!
Hi, I play the saxophone and took my Grade 3 last year, would it be ok to join you. Sally-Ann
You would be welcome. Next rehearsal is 6 January! Happy New Year!
Thank you see you then
Happy New Year to you too
Hello,
I played the clarinet in my school orchestra and wind ensemble for one year and had to give it up due to leaving secondary school. I didn’t get to take any grade exams, but I love to play and do so whenever I can at home. Do you need to of a certain grade to join the Sinfonia and is there a fee?
Hi Joti, thanks for contacting us. There is no exam level requirement for joining us, but a good guideline is to be about grade 3 or higher. Most of us have either not taken exams, or it was a long time ago. The fee is currently £30 a term (but we’d negotiate if somebody was finding that difficult). Unfortunately we’ve had to suspend activities because of the Coronavirus, but keep watching our website!
Hi
Is there a certain grade you need to be at to join please? I’m not ready yet, about to get in touch with a teacher as I’m quite a rusty player at the minute but would like to know how to join when I’m at a good standard. I think I am at grade 3 level but need a few lessons first!
Please let me know as you’re very local to me and I’d like to get involved. Thanks.
We generally say grade 3 – but many of us have never taken grades! Brass possibly a bit more exposed and need more advanced, strings you play what you can and improve with the rest of us!
Hi
I’m a 19 year old, grade 5 violinist looking to get more orchestra experience before I go to Durham university at the end of my gap year that I’m currently on.
I have had experience with a lot of folk music and have even worked alongside a sister orchestra in performances at the Royal Albert Hall and other more local scenes.
However, I would like to move further into the classical sphere as I think it is something I identify with a bit better.
Thank you,
Colmcille
Looks like just the right place for you! Come and join us – details on this blog, bring a stand and your violin!
Hi,
I have moved to Ashford fairly recently and am looking to join an orchestra. I was grade 8 a long time ago and studied music at university. Will be a bit rusty but do you have any spaces for a violinist?
Thanks,
Aimee
We do indeed! We would be happy to see you – please bring a music stand! Mondays 7.15 pm at St Mary’s church, Willesborough.
Hey There !
Im a 15 yr old grade 6 drummer ! if you have space i would be delighted to join you! or if you ever need anything else, let me know ! I can also play percussion, things like the congas, cowbell, bongos e.c.t. I have a massive passion for music and this is all i want to do when Im older.
regards
Nate
Dear Nate
So sorry to delay replying to you – I’ve been away on holiday! We would be very happy to have you join us, though we will need to sort out the practicalities. I will email you direct.
Best wishes,
Roger
Hi, I am looking for a group to begin playing with.
I am a late-starter to the viola (54) and have been having 1:1 lessons for about a year and a quarter now. I have very little recent experience of playing in a group.
Please could you let me know whether I meet the criteria for your group.
Many thanks
Nicki Paterson
You have found the right place! This term starts on 9th January, 7.15 p.m. at Willesborough Church,Bentley Road. Hope to see you there!
Hi Roger, I did try to find you but the church I ended up at was locked. Willesborough, Baptist Church. Tried Bentley Road and didn’t see a church at all. Please let me know the exact name of the church and post code if possible and I will try again next week.
Thank you.
Nicki Paterson.
What3Words location is ///blank.arena.patch. We park in the Willesborough Surgery car park, walk along the back of the surgery to the Church Of St Mary the Virgin, Willesborough.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/Ty9BsFN3xXPxMwTv8?g_st=ic
Message for Roger Pinnock
Hello, Sue Elkin suggested I contact you. She & I are hoping to get together occasionally for Haydn & Mozart string quartets at mine in Tenterden, & we wondered if you would like to join us?
Best wishes
Helen France
Love to! Susan could co-ordinate – she has my contact details.
Hi,
I was wondering if I could pop along to listen to a rehearsal on either July 3 or 10? I played the viola and violin a while ago to Grade 8 level but am out of practise!
I would love to join a regular group.
Pippa Brook
You will be welcome!
Great.
See you Monday