Hi there

This isn't for me but to try to be extra helpful. I'm currently handling membership enquiries for a concert band in the South Bucks/Berks area and have just received an e-mail from a cellist re-starter wondering if there was a similar string group nearby.

Anyone got any suggestions?

Best I can think of is dacapo's orchestra, but I think it's in the wrong bit of Berkshire. Still think it's worth dropping her a PM.

Thanks Barry

I can't recommend any personally, but there's a list of amateur orchestras here.

http://www.amateurorchestras.org.uk/osouther.htm


I don't know how current it is either, but I suppose it's a starting place.

Thanks for mentioning it, Barry. I'll reply direct to your PM, CJB, but meanwhile will just clarify what I'm doing where. I'm running an orchestra with no minimum standard that attracts everything from near-beginners on their first ever instruments through late starters on their instruments with very varied musical backgrounds to "rusty" returners who may have played in school/youth/college orchestras umpteen years ago! Our rehearsal venue is just off the A4 between Reading and Newbury.

The amateur orchestras Web site is a good resource, well organised by region but with rather flexible borders. Some groups are listed more than once. Not all keep their info up to date.