Events and News

Youth Orchestra

The YO (joined by the TO for at least one of these) will give two concerts in December: * Wednesday night Dec 14 at Keirunga and * Thursday night Dec 15 at Lindisfarne College The Lindisfarne concert will feature Stephen Clothier playing the first movement of Grieg's Piano Concerto and Claudia Stanton as the soloist in Kol Nidrei (which will be played also at Keirunga.) Monday and Tuesday evenings of that week are both rehearsal nights.

The Bring-a-Friend day on Oct 1 went well, we'll have to wait and see if permanent interest stems from this day. One flute player did ask afterwards how she could enrol. I think it's a wonderful idea and maybe something we could do earlier in the year next year. There was great parent help with handing out music (and getting it back in!) and with morning tea.

Please note: We can't use Mayfair Hall on Sat Nov 26 (Election) so I am working on finding another venue for that rehearsal. I've asked John Snowling if we can rehearse at Lindisfarne and await his reply. Mark Wilding also said he will enquire about Karamu for that Saturday.

Thanks to all the parents who've helped this year, I feel very well supported.

Susan Melville
Conductor, Hawkes Bay Youth Orchestra

Training Orchestra  

The end of term 3 has finally arrived, and at the same time, clashes with Saturday morning sport have diminished!

Two new students joined in term 3, which offset two leaving to go back to Christchurch. The newcomers are a young violist, and an 11yr old boy (Kassian), who is already an expert percussionist. The first session of the term was a combined Youth Orchestra/Training Orchestra rehearsal taken by me, so Kassian was able to show us what he could do on the timpani, and work alongside the two Youth Orchestra percussionists. For most of the term he played with the Training Orchestra, but is now with the Youth Orchestra, helping out occasionally in the Training Orchestra.

The bring-a-friend day was quite successful. Unfortunately a third of the regulars were away (7 of 21) so that cut down on the numbers of 'friends' attending. However, we had 8 'friends': 2 new adults, and 6 others. One had attended in term 1. Four were pupils of mine. Next term will go with a rush I'm sure, so I'll be working with Sue to prepare for end of year concerts.

Charlotte van Ash
Conductor, Hawkes Bay Training Orchestra