Frequently Asked Questions
We've listed some of the questions we get regularly asked below, but don't hesitate to contact us if you have a question you would like to ask.
Where and when are rehearsals held?
Rehearsals are held every Wednesday evening 7-9pm during term time at Manor Primary School, Briar Avenue, Sutton Coldfield - just off the Chester Road in Streetly.
What standard do you need to be in order to join?
We try to maintain a relatively relaxed approach to membership and as a result try to cater for a range of ability levels. As a general rule of thumb we suggest you should be playing to at least grade 3 standard and be confident in sight reading music. While we will not teach you how to play your instrument, our more experienced musicians and tutors will provide mentorship and support to help you develop your technique.
How old do you need to be in order to join?
We try to maintain a relatively relaxed approach to membership and as a result try to cater for a wide range of ages. We tend to suggest that musicians are at least ten years old when they join and many of our members stay on until they finish school or University. We are fortunate that many of our members also choose to come and help out as tutors once they have finished their formal education and actively encourage them to do so.
What does it cost?
The orchestra charges a small membership subscription fee of £20 per term in order to cover the overheads of running the orchestra. If you prefer to "pay as you go" then there is an alternative fee of £2.50 per rehearsal. This includes hall hire, the purchase of equipment and music. There will usually be a small tuck shop available during each rehearsal with items costing around 20p each. There may be other one off costs associated with specific activities and uniform - all of these are optional.
What instrument(s) do I need to play?
Our music caters for the majority of orchestral instruments including, violin, viola, cello, clarinet, oboe, flute, sax, double bass, french horn, trumpet, trombone, tuba, bassoon, percussion. The part that we ask you to play will be dependent on a number of factors including your ability level and the number of other members currently playing that instrument. Percussionists and pianists are also very welcome. If the instrument you play is not listed you may still be able to join, please contact us for more information.
Do I need to bring my own instrument?
Yes, unfortunately we are unable to supply instruments so you will need to bring along your own (or borrow one that you can use). The only exception to this is piano and percussion.
Can I bring a friend?
Yes, in fact this is actively encouraged! As long as they also meet all of our membership criteria then we would love to have them along. We often find that coming along with an existing friend will help you both settle into the orchestra much quicker. Don't worry if you don't know anyone else who wants to come along though, you'll soon get to know everyone.
What will happen on my first rehearsal?
We usually suggest you come along about 10 minutes before the start of the rehearsal - we are usually on site from about 18.45 setting up. One of the team will take you through a quick induction, answer any questions you may have and introduce you to other members of the orchestra as they arrive. We'll then get you set up with some music and take it from there. We'll try to make it as friendly and stress free as possible.
Do I need to pay upfront?
No. There is no requirement to pay for your first rehearsal. Hopefully you'll enjoy it enough to want to join - you'll then be issued with a membership form and subscription fees will be payable for subsequent rehearsals.
Does anyone get paid?
No. All of our conductors, tutors and volunteers generously give up their time, talent and effort for free. Any money earnt by the orchestra for undertaking commercial activities goes straight back into orchestra funds to support our continued growth and development.
Is there a maximum age limit?
We welcome applications from more mature musicians provided they are willing to take on a tutor role to help assist with the running of the orchestra in compliance with our safeguarding policy. This includes mentoring younger musicians, arranging music and helping set up and manage rehearsals and events.
We've listed some of the questions we get regularly asked below, but don't hesitate to contact us if you have a question you would like to ask.
Where and when are rehearsals held?
Rehearsals are held every Wednesday evening 7-9pm during term time at Manor Primary School, Briar Avenue, Sutton Coldfield - just off the Chester Road in Streetly.
What standard do you need to be in order to join?
We try to maintain a relatively relaxed approach to membership and as a result try to cater for a range of ability levels. As a general rule of thumb we suggest you should be playing to at least grade 3 standard and be confident in sight reading music. While we will not teach you how to play your instrument, our more experienced musicians and tutors will provide mentorship and support to help you develop your technique.
How old do you need to be in order to join?
We try to maintain a relatively relaxed approach to membership and as a result try to cater for a wide range of ages. We tend to suggest that musicians are at least ten years old when they join and many of our members stay on until they finish school or University. We are fortunate that many of our members also choose to come and help out as tutors once they have finished their formal education and actively encourage them to do so.
What does it cost?
The orchestra charges a small membership subscription fee of £20 per term in order to cover the overheads of running the orchestra. If you prefer to "pay as you go" then there is an alternative fee of £2.50 per rehearsal. This includes hall hire, the purchase of equipment and music. There will usually be a small tuck shop available during each rehearsal with items costing around 20p each. There may be other one off costs associated with specific activities and uniform - all of these are optional.
What instrument(s) do I need to play?
Our music caters for the majority of orchestral instruments including, violin, viola, cello, clarinet, oboe, flute, sax, double bass, french horn, trumpet, trombone, tuba, bassoon, percussion. The part that we ask you to play will be dependent on a number of factors including your ability level and the number of other members currently playing that instrument. Percussionists and pianists are also very welcome. If the instrument you play is not listed you may still be able to join, please contact us for more information.
Do I need to bring my own instrument?
Yes, unfortunately we are unable to supply instruments so you will need to bring along your own (or borrow one that you can use). The only exception to this is piano and percussion.
Can I bring a friend?
Yes, in fact this is actively encouraged! As long as they also meet all of our membership criteria then we would love to have them along. We often find that coming along with an existing friend will help you both settle into the orchestra much quicker. Don't worry if you don't know anyone else who wants to come along though, you'll soon get to know everyone.
What will happen on my first rehearsal?
We usually suggest you come along about 10 minutes before the start of the rehearsal - we are usually on site from about 18.45 setting up. One of the team will take you through a quick induction, answer any questions you may have and introduce you to other members of the orchestra as they arrive. We'll then get you set up with some music and take it from there. We'll try to make it as friendly and stress free as possible.
Do I need to pay upfront?
No. There is no requirement to pay for your first rehearsal. Hopefully you'll enjoy it enough to want to join - you'll then be issued with a membership form and subscription fees will be payable for subsequent rehearsals.
Does anyone get paid?
No. All of our conductors, tutors and volunteers generously give up their time, talent and effort for free. Any money earnt by the orchestra for undertaking commercial activities goes straight back into orchestra funds to support our continued growth and development.
Is there a maximum age limit?
We welcome applications from more mature musicians provided they are willing to take on a tutor role to help assist with the running of the orchestra in compliance with our safeguarding policy. This includes mentoring younger musicians, arranging music and helping set up and manage rehearsals and events.
