Hello,
I'm all new to this (what on earth is 'trolling?' ) and hope I'm looking in the right place! I live in London, and took up the violin again about a year ago, am about grade 5 and really enjoy playing. I'd love to join an amateur orchestra but don't feel ready yet, and am also really shy about playing around other people, but love ensemble playing - I just wondered if anyone else was in the same situation and fancied getting together to play duets, or trios, or even quartet pieces if there was a cellist or a viola player who wanted to come along?
Thanks!

I'd certainly like to get together to play but sadly I'm a bit too far oop north (Derby).

Derby is probably a bit far, but thanks anyway.

If you're anywhere near Wembley, which is where my in-laws live - I'd love to get together when I'm down.....

Trolling is posting something that is deliberately meant to inflame.

Go along to one of the East Mids Ensemble days if you can. Chronic shortage of string players there.
Last time, ignoring a bit of doubling on recorders/bass flute/glockenspiel that happenned some of the time, there were three clarinets, one piano, two flutes and two violins. Some of the aforementioned doubling meant that there was only violin some of the time, and sometimes none at all.

It's really informal and fun and caters for all standards.

T.

I too am up t'North.

Take a look at ELLSO you could play in their orchestra for sure.

http://www.ellso.easynet.co.uk/

That looks great, sometimes I really wish I lived down south.
I do love it up 'ere though.

Hi

I would be interested but it would depend on where you are and when!

I'd like to, but it will be years before I'm good enough.

I was thinking that I should look up Market Harborough on a map - no idea where it is.....North of Watford, innit?!

Somewhere near Leicester I think. I was getting a lift up, so I didn't research how to find it.

T.

Thanks for answering me - I'm in West London and a postgraduate student so quite flexible with times. Primrose - no, not years - it would be lovely to have you along anyway.

Potentially up for something

Slightly south-west of London.

Up 'ere is the Yorkshire Late Starters Strings - they meet in Leeds and have regular events, have a look at their web site

Even if you can't go every week, I think they're happy for people to go to occasional events - I can think of at least one forum member who has been to one of their events. I'm not sure whether she'll see this thread, so let me know if you want any further info.

That looks really interesting Skylark, alas Leeds is a bit too far north for me personally to be able to get there more than a couple of times a year as I rely on public transport and have limited finances.
I know that there are orchestras in my area (Derby/Notts) that are crying out for string players but they want grade 5+ players and sadly I'm not there yet. In 12 months or so I'll definately be looking to join one of the local orchestras though.

Maybe we could have a database of people in the different areas who are looking for other musicians to get together with?

Market Harborough is on the Midland Mainline Railway from London St Pancras to Leicester, one station south of Leicester. The usual church hall is within walking distance - as long as you aren't bringing along a harp, double-bass or similar!

With the new service to Europe starting today from St Pancras we might get some players from even further afield - probably quicker to get to Market Harborough by train from Paris than from Manchester!

There is an orchestra which meets in Heanor (Derbyshire) on a Wednesday evening 7-9pm. It is mainly string players who are still at school though there are some adults and other instruments including piano.

"Comprised of mostly young people, the orchestra is, in fact, open to all ages and (almost) all abilities"

http://www.jaropa.co.uk/sho/index.htm



That would be useful. I am happy to play for anyone within travelling distance of Leicestershire who wants to try out pieces which have a part for piano. P.S. I don't bring my own piano!

I would love to come but living in the NE of Scotland makes it just about impossible (my private helicopter is having a service just now).

Hope you have lots of fun

Hi Helly,

I'd possibly be interested. I'm in Essex so not far from London. I'm working towards Grade 6 in March next year.

I might be interested, depending on exactly where you are. Since leaving our local orchestra (couldn't stand the conductor any longer, plus other problems!) I'm missing playing with others.