COME AND MAKE GREAT MUSIC WITH THIS SURREY DAYTIME ORCHESTRA
About Us
WHO ARE WE?
A thriving amateur orchestra formed in September 2017, we are constantly expanding to welcome a wider range of adult players of all ages. Brooklands Sinfonia is very much a 'players orchestra' — cooperative and friendly.
WE MEET ON MONDAY MORNINGS — IT'S A GREAT WAY TO START THE WEEK!
LOTS OF GREAT MUSIC TO PLAY
We have a library of orchestral music (symphonies, concertos, overtures etc from Baroque to Modern). Members of the orchestra are encouraged to suggest works they would like to play.
JOIN US
Currently we are in need of more lower string and brass players; players of these instruments are welcome to come along to any rehearsal session. Woodwind 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 woodwind and brass. Orchestra members include parents, flexible and part-time workers, but mostly retired people.
Practical Information
We meet at St Mary's Community Church Hall, Church Road, Byfleet KT14 7NF — 10.00am until 12.30 on Monday Mornings. Please bring your own music stand.
Term Fees are £30 (£35 IF YOU ARE HAVING REFRESHMENTS) by Bank Transfer: Natwest 54-41-51 A/c 60782013. Please give your full name as the reference. If you need to pay by cheque, please speak to the Treasurer.
Term Dates
- Autumn Term 2026 — All Mondays 7th September to 14th December inclusive
- Spring Term 2027 — All Mondays 4th January to 22nd March inclusive
- Summer Term 2027 — All Mondays 12th April to 19th July inclusive including Bank Holidays
Notice of AGM
Annual General Meeting
The committee have set the date of the AGM as 28th Sept 2026 at 11.30am. We will have a playing session from 10.00 until 11.15, then a short coffee break and the meeting will commence at 11.30.
The Conducting Team
Our current conducting team includes Howard Thompson, Philip Danesfield and Sarah Lewis.
Leader of the Orchestra
Martin Ingram 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) band. Martin also plays viola. He says he was delighted (and a little flattered) when the orchestra's founder, 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 over the last nine years.
Brooklands Sinfonia: How it all STARTED
Greg Wheeler — Founder and Musical Director Emeritus
Greg has been involved in music education and amateur music making most of his life, as a music teacher, percussionist and conductor. In 2017, after he had retired, he founded 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. During his career, Greg recorded 5 albums of original musicals with the composer/arranger Pete Back. He has performed at the Queen Elizabeth Hall on the Southbank, the Fairfield Halls in Croydon and the Royal Albert Hall. He was the regular drummer and founder member of the jazz quartet Take 4. He is married to Susan, a talented clarinettist and recorder player. His two grown up children are both professional musicians. Retirement allows him to spend time with his grandson, Arthur. In early 2026, Greg decided to step down from the rigours of running Brooklands Sinfonia, but remains as a visiting conductor.