We hope everyone is enjoying their summer break and that those that have taken their A Level and GCSE exams this year have attained the grades that they have worked hard to achieve.
This Newsletter will be the last of the Summer Term and my final communication as Chair of CYWO. As advised in my June Newsletter, future communications in respect of the Orchestra will come from Samantha Hadingham, who will take over operational responsibilities for the Orchestra on behalf of Surrey Arts from the start of the Autumn Term.
In a couple of weeks time we look forward to welcoming our members, both current and new, for the start of our Autumn term of rehearsals, which will resume between 9.30am and 12.00noon for all sections, starting on Saturday 9th September. Can members please aim to arrive at Cordwalles School between 9.15am and 9.30am, unless they have a lesson earlier that morning.
As advised in the July Newsletter, there will be 11 rehearsal Saturdays for the Autumn Term, which have now been confirmed as detailed below. In addition, there will be Christmas Concerts at High Cross Church for our Intermediate and Senior Sections on the evenings of 8th/9th December and a Christmas Coffee Morning at Cordwalles School for our Junior Section on 9th December. Further details regarding the arrangements for these performances will be provided nearer the date.
The Senior Section will also be undertaking a play-out at The Meadows Shopping Centre in Camberley on the morning of Saturday 18th November to raise funds for Children in Need.
RECEPTIONIST
I have been informed by Samantha that Surrey Arts have appointed a Centre Receptionist for Cordwalles, and we are delighted that Sophie Baker – one of the current Surrey Arts Administrators (and ex-CYWO Mum!) has taken on the role, providing reception cover every Saturday morning. She will be there to welcome all our visitors to Cordwalles, supported by Samantha and our current volunteers, as well as helping to ensure the safety and well-being of all members and staff throughout the morning.
OPEN REHEARSAL
CYWO will be holding its first Open Rehearsal of the 2023/24 Orchestra year on Saturday 16th September. This is an ideal opportunity for any brass, woodwind or percussion players to come and experience playing in one of our Orchestra sections for the morning and is free of charge. Please feel free to circulate the accompanying flyer to anyone you know who might like to come along (click button).
Do you know a young person who is learning to play the Piano? If so, they can still be involved in an ensemble by playing tuned percussion! Please encourage them to come along to the Open Morning.
MUSIC & POLO SHIRTS (FURTHER REMINDER)
As per the July Newsletter, if any of our members still have CYWO music, can they please make sure this is returned on 9th September, when new music will be provided. Likewise, if you will be changing sections and still have the polo shirt for your previous section, please return this, washed and ironed, so it can be returned to stock ready for re-issue at a future date. Thank you.
MEMBER VOLUNTEERS
If an Orchestra member is looking for volunteering opportunities (for example, work experience or Duke of Edinburgh Award) we are always welcoming of any additional help at CYWO. This may include assistance with setting up/packing away, or helping in another sections rehearsal. If this may be of interest, please contact Samantha.hadingham@surreycc.gov.uk
LOGISTICS TEAM
This 'Team' of parents is an important contributor to the success of our Orchestra and they are always looking for new parents to join them, especially when a member of the 'Team' leaves following their son/daughter leaving the Orchestra.
If there are any parents that would like to become actively involved in supporting the Orchestra, please make your interest known via the 'contact us' section of our web site (www.cywo.org ), or at a rehearsal, and we will be pleased to provide further information before any commitment needs to be made. If we do not have parent volunteers to meet certain needs of the Orchestra, then this could lead to significant challenges and limitations regarding Orchestra activities. We look forward to hearing from you.
REHEARSAL DATES - AUTUMN TERM
9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th September
7th & 14th October
4th, 11th, 18th, 25th November
2nd December
CONCERTS & PERFORMANCES - AUTUMN 2023
18th November – Children in Need – The Meadows Shopping Centre, Camberley – Morning Performance - (Senior Section)
8th & 9th December 2023 – Christmas Concerts, High Cross Church. Camberley (Intermediates & Seniors)
9th December 2023 – Christmas Coffee Morning, Cordwalles School (Junior Section)
Brian Hopper
Chair