Player FAQs

When and where are rehearsals?

Rehearsals are held on Mondays during term time at Witney Community Primary School, Hailey Road, Witney, OX28 1HL. It is appreciated if you arrive in time to be ready to play for a prompt start at 7.30pm. Rehearsals end at 9.30pm and there is a short break at half-time with refreshments provided, but please bring a mug. We do not rehearse during the school holidays or between the concert each term and the start of the school holidays.
After rehearsals, we meet for a drink at the Company of Weavers pub in Witney and everyone is welcome.

How often do I need to come to rehearsals?

We do expect regular attendance at rehearsals. Without this commitment from members, the orchestra cannot prepare properly for concerts, and it’s unfair on other players if the conductor has to go over things absentees have missed.

What if I am unable to come to a rehearsal?

We understand that sometimes absence is unavoidable. If you know you can't make it to the rehearsal, please let us know as soon as possible. You can email info@burfordorchestra.org.uk or let your section leader know. Please also ensure that your music is available for someone else to play. Wind and brass players are asked to try to find a deputy in conjunction with Rachael Soul (wind) or Cuthbert Lovell (brass).

How do I keep up to date with orchestra news? 

We try to keep emails to a minimum, but there is an email before term begins and before a concert to confirm dates and any special arrangements. If you think that you are missing this information, please email info@burfordorchestra.org.uk.

Where do I get the music from?

The music will be available at every rehearsal. If you want to take your music home to practice, you’re very welcome to do so, but string players will need to sign their pack out on the sheet (in the box with the music), and you need to have paid your termly subs. If there is not enough music for you to take home, which does happen for the strings sometimes, then please contact the librarian (email address on the sign-out sheet) or the leader, who will send you a copy of your parts. Music must be returned to your folder and put in the box at the end of every concert, as it needs to be returned to the library/publisher to avoid charges.

Can I mark the music?

Normally, yes, but only in soft pencils (2B pencils are best).

How will I know what to practice?

Keep an eye on the rehearsal schedule on the website and in emails, which set out which pieces are to be rehearsed each week. Sometimes there are sectional rehearsals, so do check out the timings listed as they can change at short notice.

What equipment do I need to bring?

A music stand, your instrument, your music in its folder and a mug if you would like a hot drink in the break. Bring a soft pencil and rubber too.

Do I have to pay anything?

It’s important that members contribute towards the cost of running the orchestra. Music hire, rehearsal and concert venues must be paid, and we cannot continue without this valuable income. Termly subscriptions are due at the start of each term. The current rate is £30 per term (a 50% discount is offered to members in full-time education).

Can I suggest music for the orchestra to play?

Yes, please do. Feel free to email us at info@burfordorchestra.org.uk. The repertoire committee has to balance many factors when choosing concert material but tries to incorporate member suggestions whenever possible.

Can I help with running the orchestra?

We are always pleased if members wish to help with the running of the orchestra. You don’t have to be on the committee to do this. Our Chair, Rachael Soul (flute), will be able to give you more information. Vacancies also arise on the committee from time to time, so if you wish to serve on the committee, please speak to Rachel in advance of the AGM to arrange nomination.

Can I help to sell tickets for concerts?

Yes please! Ticket sales are key to a successful concert, so do tell your friends and relatives about our concerts and encourage them to come along. We would love it if you could put up posters in your local community and share the electronic versions via your social media. Tickets are available through TicketSource, on our website and from Sarah Lindon (oboe).

How many concerts are there?

We perform three public concerts in Witney and Burford. Details are announced via email and shown on the website calendar. The dates are usually around the end of November, the end of March, and the beginning of July.

What is the concert dress code?

All black for all players.

When is the Orchestra’s AGM?

Every October, usually during the second half of a Monday rehearsal. If you wish to serve on the committee or if you have points to raise under AOB, please notify the Secretary in advance of the meeting.