Looking back three terms, September 2019 seems like a lifetime ago. Our first project this academic year was to work with the community choir towards another successful Christmas concert at Revelation St Marys. I think this a wonderful event which will continue to grow and improve if members are happy to continue the partnership. The Sound of Music Medley was a very special highlight and it is fantastic to be able to raise so much money for charity while working with the choir. This is what community music-making is all about in every respect in my opinion.  We will of course have to wait and see what next term brings but the venue has already been booked (pre covid) for a repeat event on 7th December 2020. We will have to watch this space with tightly crossed fingers.

During the Spring term I enjoyed (and I hope the players did too!) working towards another repertoire of dances with the Kachaturian being my own personal favourite. I felt the growing of confidence and ensemble within the orchestra as we tackled these pieces. As we are all far too well aware, the concert did not take place. When we are able to meet again we will revisit these pieces and give them the performance they deserve.

The bizarre and challenging nature of the last 6 months has cemented in my own mind the importance of making music as an ensemble. I have missed it enormously! While we must wait to restart safely, I have no doubt that we will be back with gusto when allowed to do so. There may well be people who have restarted instruments as a result of lockdown who will be looking for a group to join too. In September I will send out some more music to keep you busy if you would like to begin work on these and get a head start for when we are able to rehearse again.

I cannot wait to return, rehearse, perform and enjoy music together again. Until then I hope you all stay safe and are finding time to keep playing.

Gill