I would really like to join an orchestra but I really don't know what sort of level you need to be?

There is an amateur orchestra near me that says they always need violins but I really don't know how good I need to be before they won't laugh at me!! (they don't do auditions thank goodness)

I was wondering if it was worth contacted them and asking if I could just join as an apprentice type thing as I'm learning, playing the bits I can and sitting out the impossible bits I can always page turn). I don't even mind if they'd rather I didn't play in any concerts.

What are people's thoughts? I don't want to blow it by trying too soon but I could really do with getting out and meeting some new people, I also think it will improve my playing.

Go for it. I doubt they'll laugh at you - and the worst they can do is say "not just yet, come back when you've a bit more experience".

And of course there's a fair chance they won't do that.

Good luck

I'd definitely ask, and see what they say. If they do say you need a bit more experience, there may well be somewhere else you can go.

Have a look at this website (which lists a whole host of orchestras across the UK), and good luck!

Hi There,

I have played in an amateur orchestra for many years and even though there are bits I cannot play I get an enourmous amount of enjoyment.

Talking to people most people struggle with some parts and there is a certain amount of "fudging" going on - it's particularly easy for strings who can just blend!!!

My orchestra suggests Grade 5 to join and to be fair I would say that certainly for the music we play that is probably fair enough. I certainly wouldn't rule it out and would suggest that you talk to the Conductor/Musical Director for their views.

Playing in an orchestra is a whole different experience to playing solo and I find that I learn a lot of new things from fellow members.

My advice - Go for it!!!

Gail

Orchestras ask for different levels of competency, ranging from 'happy to take total beginners' (like The East London late Starter's Orchestra) through to semi- professional....'at least[b] grade 8 standard'. And they run the whole gamut in between. Just get in touch with your local orchestra and make enquiries.Even if they are too advanced for you at the moment, they might be able to suggest another local orchestra that's just right for you.

If you're a bit worried about cold calling (but don't be), go along to their next performance instead and make enquiries face to face.


Orchestral playing is a fantastic experience, but if you pitch too high to begin with it can also prove a miserable time, and might just put you off completely. (Hope not).


Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

Do you have a teacher? What do they say? They will probably have an idea about the orchestra in question, or might have some other suggestions.

This is very true. There are orchestras that happily accept people of grade 3 or below, but I think they usually make this clear. An orchestra that doesn't say this is likely to expect a somewhat higher standard, which could be very demoralising.

Maybe you could go to a few rehearsals and see how you feel. If you feel you are not ready to perform in the concerts they may be happy for you to attend rehearsals and sit at the back of the section for experience.

It's great fun playing in an orchestra, you should try and find a beginners/intermediate orchestra in your area. I currently play with a orchestra that wants you to be above grade 6, I'm only about grade 4 to 5 but they still accepted me. I just sit at the back of the 2nd violins and when bits are too hard, i just play the first note of each beat - but most of the music we play, I can just about manage it.

When I was looking for an orchestra to join, I just emailed them and explained my skills. I guess I'm lucky living in London because there are plenty of beginners/intermediate orchestras.

Hope you can find an orchestra to join.

just seen this thread.

Katyjay is absolutely right -

go for it.
You are not likely to be refused a chance at the very least. If you were nearer to Norwich you'd be welcome here on Wednesdays. We need string players we wouldn't turn away enthusiasm.

You can ask. See what they say.
Let us know please.

It's already been said but I'll reiterate the point..


ASK!

Thanks guys.

One of the additional problem I have is no transport. So there aren't a lot of different orchestras I can try.

I currently run a dog training club and don't have the time anyway. This is gonna end in 3 months and then I'll contact them. It's quite possible with the amount of practice I do that I'll be nearer grade 4 or 5 by then anyway. Unfortunately my husband has just left me so I'll have a lot of extra time on my hands

Sorry to hear about your other half leaving you.

One thing you definitely have going for you is you're going for a string place rather than a woodwind/brass place in an orchestra. I suspect it's the same in Birmingham as it is here in London, but most amateur orchestras seem to be crying out for strings, while having a full wind section.

Do keep an eye on the forum events sub-forum here (offshoot of the general music forum). There aren't any events yet for the West Midlands in 2009, but that may change, especially if a) there is a demand for something and b) someone is willing to source a hall.

I am about G3/4 standard at the moment. An adult learner to violin. I have since joined a couple of amateur orchestras who know my capabilities but haven't turned me away. I have learnt a lot more since joining and love playing with others. I sit at the back of the 2nd violins and play what I can. Each week I have found that I can do a bit more. I have also played in their concerts.

I have also since joined another amateur orchestra and their standard of pieces is a lot higher but they know I can't play all the notes but I have still been welcomed and again I sit at the back of the 2nd violins and do what I can. Everyone has been so friendly and encouraging and I have found it has helped my sight reading tremendously too and I don't lose my place anymore...

I'd say go along and see what you can do.

Hi Lizzy. Sorry to hear about your problems.
By any chance is it the Harborne Orchestra you are interested in. I play in that. It is friendly, and the conductor is very nice.
Let me know.
Beverley.

Hi Beverley

It wasn't actually Harborne as that's a bit of a pain to get too, it was Solihull as it's nearer, but at least that's another one I could try. Unfortunately Harborne's 2 bus rides away.

Liz

Harborne is always looking for new string people. Let me know if you want to come and have a look. We don't meet until September now.
Bev.

A lot of orchestras have a training orchestra as well as their omain one.

You would probably look for a training/intermediate orchetsra at your level.

Our local chamber orchestra requires player to be of grade 8 or higher standard.
(that counts me out!)
Perhaps the entry level depends on the availability of players.

My kids go to a Saturday morning music school. The orchestra there doesn't require any standard, but they'll give out parts to match the kids skill level. They are also happy for parents to play in the orchestra too