Firstly, well done to our Junior and Intermediate Section members who attended for the St. Augustine's School performances on 8 July. A challenging start to the performances due to the rain, but these got underway with just a relatively short delay. Thankfully, the rain held off for the rest of the afternoon. There were many positive comments about the performance of each section from visitors to the summer fair and we hope our members enjoyed the experience.
CONCERT TOUR – RHINELAND OF GERMANY
40 members of our Senior Section undertook their five day concert tour to the Rhineland area of Germany between 24 July and 28 July, where they performed four concerts in different town/city locations along the Rhine. Whilst the weather was not good, they were still able to perform their four concerts, with only 30 minutes of one of the outdoor concerts not completed because of rain. Everyone enjoyed the experience of playing in another country and sampling the hospitality that was afforded them at each of the venues. Accommodation was provided in a youth hostel in Cologne, which had excellent facilities for our group, and there were opportunities for a visit to the city of Cologne and its Cathedral, together with a boat trip along the Rhine.
Our overseas tours provide great opportunities for our members to perform in a range of different locations, from town squares to purpose built concert venues, to audiences made up of both local residents and visitors to the region. Their performances are always well received and our members participation in an overseas concert tour provides them with memorable experiences during their time with CYWO.
With the disappointment of having to cancel the 2020 summer tour to Valencia due to Covid, the Rhineland tour has been our first since the Salzburg tour in the summer of 2018, which now seems a very long time ago!
LEAVERS
We would like to take this opportunity to wish the Senior Section members who will be leaving us this summer to go to university, all the very best for the future and to thank them for their valued contribution to the Orchestra during their time with us.
PROMOTIONS
This time of year is when we move members between sections, based on their progress with their music during the Orchestra year. Those moving sections with effect from the Autumn Term will have already been informed of their promotion, and we are sure they are looking forward to the new music development opportunity that awaits them in their new section.
MUSIC & POLO SHIRTS
For those promoted from September, please ensure the music for your current section and polo shirt is returned when attending the first rehearsal on 9th September 2023, if these have not already been returned. Thank 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) – (please note – this is a change of date from previously advised)
9th December 2023 – Christmas Coffee Morning, Cordwalles School (Junior Section)
Brian Hopper
Chair