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
Future
At last we have sight of being able to gather again! At the moment June 21st looks likely to be the date from which we can get back to something like normality. Our committee met on 10th May and discussed the results of our Making Music survey, and made plans based on the results. We are actively communicating with the church to regain access, and it is great to say that they have kept our slot for us and will welcome us back when ready.
We have agreed that, subject to rules at the time, we will have a social evening at Yew Tree House on Monday 28th June at 7 p.m., and aim to restart rehearsals after that – Gill has kindly agreed that we can fit in 5 meetings, the last being on 2nd August.
Needless to say, we will need to start gently, as many will not have played much over the past year, and certainly not with others! Before anything starts though, we will conduct our own Risk Assessment, and implement whatever we feel necessary to minimise any risks. The church will have done the same.
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!