Tuning-up with our new orchestra

Oxfordshire’s newest orchestra has thrown open its doors to new recruits from the county - as long as they are a member of our school.

After repeated requests to experience playing a musical instrument in a large group, the new Aureus Orchestra had its inaugural gathering.

With a starting line-up of two students and two teachers, there is definitely room to grow and there are big plans for the young musicians who join.

“There have been requests from students who want to play in a group and it is something that I enjoyed a lot when I was at school, so I want to give students the opportunity to do the same," said Head of Music Alison Burbage. "We are small in number at the moment, but hope other students will join us."

She added: “Students get the benefit of making music together which improves their musical skills, and also their social skills. The memories I have from playing in bands and orchestras are very important to me."

The new orchestra already has a potential gig lined-up at Didcot’s Cornerstone Arts Centre in March when the school showcases its performing arts students.

“The orchestra fits in with our school's ethos of sense of belonging and it is catering to the individual needs of students,” added Mrs Burbage

And as for the most difficult instrument to master for an orchestra - Mrs Burbage says it’s a question she probably can’t answer.

“I have always found the violin difficult as you need to get the notes exactly right so it is in tune," she explained. "Woodwind and brass instruments are difficult to make a sound at first and the drum kit requires a lot of coordination. 

"And whilst I think the piano is easier to get the hang of at first, as pieces get harder then coordination is needed."

And while she’s not currently in a band, she has experience of playing in orchestras, bands and brass bands and has big plans for the Aureus Orchestra.