This is the first Newsletter for which we hope will be an improving year for us all now that the vaccination programme is well underway.
Unfortunately, with schools and colleges currently being closed for the majority, online learning has become the norm for January and now looking to at least be extended into early March. It will therefore be of no surprise to anyone that CYWO rehearsals will be continuing via Zoom for the rest of the spring term. Shivani at Surrey Arts will be sending out a new link to join in with these after the half term break.
The remainder of the rehearsal dates for the spring term are as follows:-
30 January / 6 February / 27 February (current Zoom link to be used)
6 March / 13 March / 20 March / 27 March
Despite online rehearsals being nobody's first choice to participate in ensemble music, we have been really pleased by the number of our members that have been continuing to engage with CYWO on a Saturday morning via Zoom. In fact, our numbers have actually grown this term, as some that have previously had reservations about Zoom rehearsals have decided to give it a go. We have been really pleased to see them. On Saturday last 98 of our members attended the rehearsals and we are delighted.
Now that it is over 10 months since we were together at Cordwalles rehearsing, it is so important for us all to keep in touch so that we can continue to rehearse some music together ready for our return to 'live' rehearsals. What a great day that will be!!
OPEN REHEARSAL 6 FEBRUARY
As previously reported, our CYWO Open Morning in December to encourage young people to start to learn a woodwind, brass or percussion instrument was a great success, with 15 of those that attended deciding to take up our offer of funded lessons for the first term. These lessons have now started and we look forward to them joining our Junior Section in September.
Surrey Arts are currently promoting an 'Open Rehearsal' for all the Surrey Arts ensembles during the week commencing 6 February 2021. This will include all CYWO section rehearsals in the morning of Saturday 6 February. Attached to this Newsletter is the promotional brochure that has been sent out to all those that are currently having music lessons through Surrey Arts (see box below). However, if you know of someone who is having instrument lessons privately, then they will still be eligible to attend one of the ensemble rehearsals if they are interested. Information about how they can apply to join is in the attached promotional brochure.
FINALLY
If any of our members would like us to include in a monthly Newsletter a particular item, or have answers to questions regarding the Orchestra and its activities, please email your request to brian.hopper@cywo.org.uk and we will aim to cover this item in our next addition of the Newsletter. Don't forget, previous copies of our monthly Newsletters can be found on our web site (www.cywo.org).
Brian Hopper
Chair