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
Monday 23rd May 2022 at 8 p.m. – the orchestra meets at 7 p.m. for a private rehearsal.
Dates for your diary
Half term – no rehearsal on 30th May
Summer Break – last rehearsal 11th July
AGM and Social 18th July
Autumn term starts 5th September
Half term break 24th October
Last rehearsal probably 12th December, depending on Christmas Concert arrangements.
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.