I'm really over the moon today, after ringing around several orchestras in my area, I eventually found one that accepts Grade 3 players (viiolin). The secretary was extremely helpful and kind, and she has even offered to pick me up and drop me off after rehearsals, as I don't have a car. I was initially a bit disappointed, as my local orchestra, which is just a 5 minute walk from where I live only accept players at Grade 8 minimum, but what the hey, this orchestra seem to be really nice, so looking forward to my first rehearsal on the 6th May.

I am still a little worried though that I won't be able to keep up with the rest of the group who are of a better standard, but I'll see what happens.

Wonderful! Orchestral playing is so much fun, I miss it terribly. Don't worry about keeping up with the others, sometimes it's knowing what to leave out. I'm sure you'll get help there, but for example, sightreading fast semiquaver passages, just aim for the 1st of each 4 semis, the others will follow later. More important to keep up to the beat musically and not play all the notes than try to get them all in and be left behind. Might feel scarey the first few weeks but stick with it and it will soon get easier.

Sounds like a lovely group - good luck, and have a great time xx

Thanks Dawn, that's excellent advice about the 1st of each 4 semis, I do tend to panic and stress out whenever I see a semi etc coming up.

Do you plan on returningto the orchestra?

Thanks Dawn, that's excellent advice about playing the first beat

Sadly in Gibraltar there are not enough string players to be able to have an orchestra, hence me taking up the flute to play in the military bands instead. I played in youth & community orchestras for 20 years in the UK, it was my passion. And I thank it 100% for my sight reading skills and periferal vision!!

Could you perhaps start your own quartet?

Funnily enough we have just started one, had the 3rd rehearsal on Saturday! Bit of a shock to the system having not done any serious classical violin for a long time (mostly folk in the mean time)....and never getting around to practice!!

Still prefer orchestra

I hope you get on well

I used to love playing in an orchestra!

Once I become more settled within the orchestra, I'm going to set up a quartet, as I really found that I got a lot out of them when I first began learning many years ago, whether it was breaking down some of the pieces that we were playin in orchestra, or playing some mozart parts specifically for quartets.

I hope all goes well with your group.



Thanks Pixie, I'm really looking forward to it, I think that I'm one of those people that need that push of a regular orchestra session to help me stay motivated.

Do you plan on joining an orchestra or chamber group?