We are now halfway through the Spring Term and starting the countdown to our Spring Concerts at Camberley Theatre on Friday 15 May and Saturday 16 May, with just nine rehearsals to go before the performances by all three sections of the Orchestra.
The Spring Concert Programme at Camberley Theatre is the principal performance activity for the Orchestra in the year and we would therefore ask that our Orchestra members ensure that these commitments on 15 and 16 May are scheduled into their diaries.
Recruitment & Tutor Programme
During January we promoted our latest 'Open Morning' for those considering take up the playing of a brass or woodwind instrument.
This 'Open Morning' took place on Saturday last and we were very pleased with the response we received, given the relative short notice given because of concern over the reduced capacity for woodwind tutors to take on additional teaching. Sixteen young people attended on the morning and a number of application forms taking up the offer of free lessons until the end of the summer term have already been completed. The closing date for the submission of completed application forms for the current offer is not until 8 February, so we are hoping to receive further completed forms by the end of the week.
Whilst the latest 'Open Morning' offer will close on 8 February, we would be willing to consider any further requests for lessons under our Tutor Programme, including some free lessons to help with initial financing cost. If any of our current orchestra members knows of someone who, whilst missing out on attending the 'Open Morning' on 1 February, would still like to learn a woodwind or brass instrument please put them in touch with us ( brian.hopper@cywo.org.uk ) and we will see what we can do to accommodate their wishes.
Bowling - Junior & Intermediate Sections
At rehearsals on Saturday 1 February members of the Junior and Intermediate Sections were handed a letter inviting them to participate in a bowling event at Farnborough Bowl on Sunday 1 March, starting at 2.00pm and finishing at 4.30pm, which will be free of charge to our members.
The bowling invitation letter can be viewed on our web site: www.cywo.org/post/bowling and a copy of the letter distributed on 1 February, including the acceptance form for completion, will be available at rehearsals on 8 February if required.
Whilst our booking is for all the lanes available at Farnborough Bowl, there will be a maximum number of our members that can be accommodated. We therefore ask that, if a member wishes to participate, the acceptance section of the letter that was handed out on 1 February is completed and returned on 8 February.
Absence Notifications
Can we please remind members and parents that any expected absence from Orchestra rehearsals or concerts needs to be pre-notified so that the Musical Directors can be informed and can plan accordingly. Please advise via the 'Absence Notification' icon in the 'Contact Us' section of the 'Home' page of our web site www.cywo.org.
Sickness on the day of course cannot be anticipated, but it would be appreciated if an absence notification could be sent for our record purposes. Thank you.
Calendar
Remaining Rehearsal Dates for the Spring Term
8th & 29th February
7th, 14th, 21st & 28th March
Summer Term
25th April
2nd & 9th May
6th, 13th, 20th & 27th June
4th, 11th & 18th July
The rehearsals scheduled for the Summer term may be subject to change where performances are arranged for Orchestra sections.
Performance dates for the Autumn Term of 2019 and the Spring / Summer Term of 2020
Friday 15th May & Saturday 16th May 2020 – CYWO Spring Concerts at Camberley Theatre – All Sections
Friday 18th December & Saturday 19th December 2020 – CYWO Christmas Concerts at High Cross Church, Camberley – Senior & Intermediate Sections
Saturday 19th December 2020 – CYWO Christmas Coffee Morning at Cordwalles School – Junior Section
Brian Hopper
Chair
brian.hopper@cywo.org.uk