Rochdale Youth Orchestra looking for new members

Sue Verity and Chris Jolly with the Youth Orchestra

Rochdale Youth Orchestra has been running for fifty years and the group is looking for new members.

The orchestra currently has twenty members and caters for anyone looking to play music.

Treasurer of the orchestra Pauline Bruton said: “You don’t need to have grades in music to come and play. Music doesn’t have to be competitive.”

The orchestra meets during school term time at the Gracie Fields Theatre between 10:15am and 11:45am every Saturday.

The orchestra plays a variety of music from classical pieces to popular music and even does film soundtracks.

Pauline added: “We do three concerts throughout the year (Christmas, Spring and Summer) and they are each themed so the music is decided based on each theme.”

Sue Verity, conductor of the orchestra, said: “Even if children don’t play an orchestral instrument, they are welcome to join and play in the percussion section. They don’t even have to be able to read music either.”

The orchestra ranges in age from 8-18 and members usually leave the orchestra when heading off to University.

Garry Jones, Chair of the orchestra, said: “Numbers usually start to fall when the older kids go off to university so we are keen to bring in new members to make up the numbers.”

If you are interested in jazz music, the orchestra also has a jazz ensemble, run by Chris Jolly.

Moet Griffiths, 13, is the leader of the orchestra and has been involved for five years and plays the violin. She said: “There are loads of friendly people and it is fun to go to. I’ve missed it over summer.”

Moet also plays in the jazz ensemble and said: “We play more complex music and modern music.”

Sue holds open days for people interested in the orchestra and is hoping to hold one soon. People who are interested in joining the group can attend three rehearsals for free giving them time to decide if they want to join permanently. From then on, the cost is £30 per term.

Sue and the orchestra are keen for new members who play any instrument but are particurlaly keen to find new cello players. Sue added: “We had four at one point but they all left for university so although anyone can come we would particularly welcome a cello player.”

Anyone interested in joining the orchestra can contact Sue Verity:

http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/sites/rochdale-youth-orchestra