A new amateur orchestra, formed in September 2017, and now expanding and 'spreading our wings' to welcome a wider range of adult players of all ages. The Brooklands Sinfonia is very much a 'players orchestra' - cooperative and friendly. No egos here!
COME AND JOIN US "IT'S A GREAT WAY TO START THE WEEK"
We have an extensive library of orchestral music (symphonies, concertos, overtures etc from Baroque to Modern) and members of the orchestra are encouraged to suggest works they would like to play. Each term we chose up to half a dozen pieces to play and then prepare a selection of these for an informal "end of term" concert for family and friends.
Orchestra members include parents, flexible, temp and part-time workers and retired people. If you are usually free on a Monday morning then come along. String players are welcome to "try out" the orchestra for a couple of weeks before joining. Currently we are in need of more cellos, double bass', bassoon and trumpet players. Flute, oboe and clarinet sections are fully subscribed, but we are happy for anyone to sign up to dep if needed. There are no auditions but to be able to get the most from the pieces we play, you will need to be at least Grade 5 standard for strings and Grade 6 for wind and brass. Members commit to attend most rehearsals and to enjoy playing. We are a very friendly group of musicians and rehearsals are informal.
The orchestra is led by Martin Ingram and conducted by Greg Wheeler - contact him on 01932 349967 for more information.
Greg has been involved in music education and amateur music-making most of his life, as a music teacher, percussionist and conductor. Recently retired, he founded the Brooklands Sinfonia for other amateur musicians who, like him, enjoy exploring the classical orchestral repertoire and want to improve their playing in a relaxed setting.
Greg explains that his conducting style "isn't about laying down the law, but about fostering communication and cooperation, and generally encouraging players". His informal approach is evident from his other musical enterprises - playing drums with the Fabulosos Big Band and the Reprobates Dixieland Jazz Band. He is also learning watercolour painting - slowly!
Martin started playing the violin at primary school, aged 8. Although his lessons developed his playing to a reasonable standard, he never took any violin exams because his teacher wasn't in favour! He stopped playing for some years, but in his thirties took it up again and joined a small orchestra. This slowly led to more experience
Martin started playing the violin at primary school, aged 8. Although his lessons developed his playing to a reasonable standard, he never took any violin exams because his teacher wasn't in favour! He stopped playing for some years, but in his thirties took it up again and joined a small orchestra. This slowly led to more experience in other orchestras, playing chamber music and, most recently, in a Hootenanny (country music) group. Martin also plays viola.
He says he was delighted (and a little flattered) when conductor Greg Wheeler asked if he would accept the role of Leader of the Orchestra, and is pleased with the way in which the orchestra has grown in number and quality under Greg's musical directorship.
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We meet at St Mary's Community Church Hall, Church Road, Byfleet KT14 7NF
from 10.00am until 12.30.
Term Fees are £30 (£35 IF YOU ARE HAVING REFRESHMENTS AND BISCUITS) - by Bank Transfer Natwest 60-23-40 A/c No. 65705386
Cheques should be made payable to G L Wheeler Orchestra A/c. Please bring your own Music Stand. Tea, coffee and biscuits at half time.
AUTUMN REHEARSAL TERM DATES
September 2, 9, 16, 23, 30.
October 7, 14, 21, November 4, 11, 18, 25, December 2,9, 16. (End of Term)
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