Hello,

I was wondering if someone can help me?

I am a clarinet teacher and am looking for an intermediate orchestra or wind band that would be suitable for my private pupil who is now working towards grade 6 and I think would really benefit from playing regularly in a group with other people.

I have tried searching for something appropriate but everything seems to be for more advanced students or in the wrong area.

She lives in Kensington in South West London.

Does anyone have any advice?

Nadia Wilson

Try looking at the amateur orchestras website:

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


Louise

If Kingston is possible to get to then Thames Youth orchestra is a great orchestra to join. Grade 6 is tecnically the minimum but I have not known anyone to be turned away.

thamesyouthorchestra.co.uk

PS: I am a member so I can always make your pupil feel welcome there if they choose to join.

If Kingston is too far away then always consider the Ealing Youth Orchestra, which is of a similar level to TYO.

Have a look at the Playing Opportunities Near You thread which is pinned at the top of the Forum Events sub-forum - in the first post is a geographical list of bands/orchestras which forum members are involved in, plus there are links to wind band or orchestral web sites at the bottom of the first post.

Hi Nadia,

If South East London is do-able for your pupil (I'm not sure what age she is) I can highly recommend the symphonic wind band I play clarinet with - Southwark Concert Band.

While not a youth band, we are open to all and have no audition process (although grade 5 is suggested) and have one young girl of about twelve playing with us currently, with a few in their teens and twenties. Aside from that it's a fairly mixed membership. Players aspire to Grade 8, but at Grade 6 she should easily be able to sit in on 2nd or 3rd clarinet.

Repertoire is standard wind band stuff: marches, musicals, wind band selections, film scores, etc. We have an excellent musical director (best I've ever worked with) and it's a really friendly and relaxed atmosphere, while still being challenging for those wanting to improve their skills, and I'd say it would be ideal for an improving pupil.

We rehearse in Herne Hill on a Thursday evening. I used to do the commute from Hammersmith before I moved to be closer, and it's not too horrific.

Let me know if this is of interest and I can provide you with contact details of the MD or secretary.

Kind regards,

Lisa