Roade Community Orchestra

January 2011

Newsletter 

Dear members

After a really cold snap during the end of last year we were pleased to see that so many of you  took the trouble to come along to our rehearsals and we are really pleased to see many new faces at the beginning of this term.   Our numbers seem to be quite steady at the moment but we will always be pleased to welcome new members.  As mentioned before we do need all the different instruments otherwise there are difficult gaps in the music.  So, if you know anyone who would like to join us please do tell them to come along where they will receive a warm welcome.

As you probably know Ross Macmillan has decided to step down from his position as Chairman due to heavy work commitments.   We would like to thank Ross for all his hard work and enthusiasm which was much appreciated and we hope to see him at rehearsals when he can make it.  We would like now to welcome Ian Brown who has kindly offered to take up the position as Chairman and we hope that he will not find the task too daunting.   As you may know Ian has for many years quietly helped with the setting up the chairs and putting them away at the end together with other tasks and has asked the orchestra to play at his local fete at Maidford.   We are sure he will be a great asset.

Following a recent committee meeting we decided it would be beneficial to keep a register each week of members.   Ian Brown has kindly offered to do this.   We would also like to keep an up to date record of your email addresses should we need to contact you so if you have changed your contact details recently please let Ian know.    

If you are a new member have you filled in our Registration Form?   Details of this are at the end of this newsletter

For the previous few terms we have extended the length of the rehearsal from 8.00 p.m. to 8.15 p.m.  which we feel is successful.  However some members are still arriving late and normally the orchestra does not start playing until approx 6.40 p.m.     We would like to remind you that the hall is open at approx 6.15 p.m. so hopefully we will be able to set up a little earlier in order to start playing sooner.   Please could we also remind members that they should vacate the hall and car park timely so that the hall can be locked up at 8.30 p.m. unless alternative arrangements have been made with the caretaker.     If anyone has any views or comments about these arrangements perhaps they could let a member of the committee know.   We are trying to meet the needs of the majority.

Congratulations are sent from us all to Helen (flute) who’s new addition, baby Joseph, arrived safely at the end of last year and we are delighted to see Helen still joining us at rehearsals.  How’s that for dedication! 

We have had requests from some members of the orchestra to play more classical music.   The reason why we do not play quite so much classical music is because it is difficult to find music to accommodate some instruments such as the piano, saxophone etc.   However we are aware and will do our best to find music to suit all.

Membership Fees

Our membership fees remain the same this term despite increasing overheads.   Please give your cheque or cash (£28 per term) to Maggie who will be looking after this during Tim’s absence this term.  If you have joined mid-term or come occasionally or have other circumstances please discuss with Maggie.  It is important and only fair that all members contribute to the RCO funds

It would also be helpful if you could fill in our new electronic Registration Form which can be found on our website.   If you do not wish to do this perhaps you could contact Maggie who can provide you with a paper copy.    The new system will enable us to keep a better record of members on our files.

As always we try to make each rehearsal interesting and enjoyable.   With prices rising for the hire of the hall etc. with the help of your subscriptions and funds raised from concerts, we are able to continue to offer a wonderful, well lit and warm hall to practice in, ample car parking, drinks and biscuits kindly donated by Melanie, a vast range of music and of course our very talented musical director!   So to keep the subs as low as possible, please be sure to keep up to date with your membership.       .

Fund raising/concerts

If you have any ideas that you would like considering for any future concerts, or rehearsals, why not let us know.   You can either email Maggie on maggiescott.fiddler@gmail.com   (Tel No. 01604 831311) or speak to any members of the committee.    

Website

Have you visited our website recently?   You will be impressed with all the facts and useful information about the orchestra contained on this site.  Please encourage anyone who would like to join our orchestra to visit our website:  roadecommunityorchestra.com    

Advertisements

If you have any contacts or new ideas please let us know.   We want to encourage new members to join the orchestra, especially those who have not played for a while and are rather nervous about playing if they feel they are not “good enough” so it is vital that we advertise so your help is very much appreciated.   

If you are able to put an advertisement in your local magazine Maggie can provide you with some “words” and possibly a photo of the orchestra courtesy of Andrew.   Often there is no charge as we have charity status.   We are also hoping to have a “nice” poster prepared which we hope you will be able to put in your local doctors and libraries.

Once again we really appreciate your support and hope that you will continue to attend each week.  Each individual instrument is a crucial part of the orchestra and is always required.  

Contact  If you have any ideas, information, queries or just anything you think other members would like to read please contact any of the committee.

Ian Brown – Chairman    Tim Chisholm – Treasurer

Ian Riley – Musical Director    Maggie Scott – Secretary