Well, I really enjoyed my first time playing with other musicians at the Windsor Community Orchestra. I turned up nice and early at the school and followed the sound of a rather sweet soprano to the hall, to find a bloke sitting there all on his own. He introduced himself and we had a chat until others started to arrive. Everyone was very friendly, most of them coming up and saying hello, commenting on my nice black sax, when the conductor and manager, Elaine, arrived. She came over to say hello and gave me 5 sheets of music for the end of term concert and showed me where I'd be sitting with the other tenor saxes. Most people had taken their own music and instrument stands, but there were music stands to borrow. I'll take my sax stand next week!

The whole back row was taken up mostly by saxophones. There was a bari, 4 tenors (including me), 3 altos, 2 trumpets and 2 sopranos. The middle row was clarinets, an oboe, flutes and a percussionist. The front row was a cello, violins and a keyboard.

We started off with everyone doing a tuning note (B for the tenors) and it was commented that I had a nice tone (well, the sax did anyway!). Then it was straight into Swing Low! I just listened at first and then we got to the part where I recognised the tune. I joined in at the second play through of that part. I was playing with other musicians - and knowing what I was doing! The next part soon knocked me off my perch - I can't do new sight reading that quickly!! There was even one note I didn't recognise - under 2 ledger lines. At the next break the lady next to me told me it was a very low A which we couldn't do, and to do the A an octave above.

There were various points where notes needed to be made on the music - of course, I'd forgotten to bring a pencil, so had to borrow the lady's next to me. Another thing to remember for next week.

The next tune was the William Tell Overture - at half speed!!! Again I listened first and joined in where I could until I got lost again.

Then it was break time. Water, squash, biscuits, grapes and a chat. I had a look at the bari sax - it was very nice, and sounded good too - I want one of those now!!! There was a 2 minute minute call from Elaine and we all sat down and were told she'd been asked to do their first 'gig'. To play at the Fifield Food and Wine Festival at the end of May. Chaos ensued while all the different parts where doled out to all the different sections for 6 more pieces of music to be learnt for the end of the month. I think I'll have to put my grade 3 aspirations on hold for a while. I won't have time to practise all these pieces as well as study for grades!!

We then finished off with Eine Kleine Nachtmusik which I joined in with when I could. At the end, lots of people asked if I would be coming back next week, and Elaine presented me with a joining form with fee details!! I think it was assumed I would be playing at the end of term concert and the 'gig', so I shall go along if I can.

I didn't get much sleep last night. All the music and details of the evening were going though my head all night. But I did enjoy it, and will be back next week for more!!
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way to go nick!!!
you did REALLY well, much better than I have done on my first night this week! I have not played at all! (apart from 2 or 4 notes in total)
Unless you 'need' your piece of paper saying you passed grade 3 then leave it and enjoy the orchestra, that will make you progress/learn.
I was going to do my grade 5 but as I don't 'need' it I won't now, at the end of the day I am still at grade 5 standard regardless and not having the pressure of the exam (a pressure I don't need) then I can concentrate on learning/progressing doing what I like
so....you have a joining form....you are hooked then
well done!

Nick, I really enjoyed reading your post - it all sounds very exciting

Nick - super post, and great to hear that your fellow musicians sound so friendly and helpful. You can only improve in their company!

Glad you enjoyed it! Making music in an ensemble, whatever form that may take, is one of the most enjoyable things to do that I know of.

Sorry I missed this thread, but remember you saying you were going to go, so just thought I'd send my congratulations to you, sounds like you had a great time, and I hope you continue to enjoy it!