Sturminster Newton Orchestra 

Orchestra's Birthday Celebrations 

There's something quite special about getting together with a group of friends to make music. If you are still a novice on an orchestral instrument, then it can be difficult to find somewhere to play, but this is why the Sturminster Newton Orchestra was formed. It began with three families who wanted to give their children a chance to make music together and this gradually grew in popularity with adults as well as children.

On Saturday 27th March, former members and friends of the orchestra joined forces with current members in a whole day of music making in The Exchange, Sturminster Newton to celebrate the orchestra's 20th anniversary. The founding conductor, Howard Pullin, shared the baton with his successor, Rodney Parker, directing a programme of old favourites and more recent additions to the repertoire.

The Orchestra now numbers about 65 members, with a typical turn-out of over 40, meeting every Saturday morning in the Stour View Centre. It remains true to its original purpose of providing a safe and friendly environment for novice, late-starting or rusty players of any age to get together to play orchestral arrangements. There are no auditions, no entry level and all are welcome, particularly young players who benefit from an ensemble experience to boost their individual instrumental studies: the rehearsals are structured to start with easy pieces before gradually increasing in challenge as the morning progresses. All you need to join is your instrument and a sense of fun.

Full details of the orchestra can be found on its website www.sturyourmusic.50webs.com or from the Secretary, Jackie Brown on 01258 488434