In April I went on the Main Orchestra course of the National Children's Orchestra of Great Britain for 9 days.
The course was held in Port Regis public school, Shaftesbury and I had a great time and I made many new friends from all over Britain. We were tutored in our departments by professional musicians and many were also teachers from the big music colleges so I got lots of great tips! During the sectionals we also rehearsed our group contribution for the talent show which takes place on the last-but-one night. We had lots of fun doing this (and of course, the Oboes were the best on the night!)
The program was The Perfect Fool by Holst, Isabella by Frank Bridge, Tales from the Vienna Woods by Strauss jr. and Debussy's La Mer. The full orchestra rehearsals were very difficult but a lot of fun. Howard Williams, the guest conductor, was very experienced and he helped us prepare the pieces to the highest standard. During free time the 'house staff' organised games and activities for us but there was also time for us to talk to each other. On the last day we had to take the bus down to Poole in Dorset for a public concert in The Lighthouse. The week was very tiring but it was really worth it because the concert was great. It was the best orchestral experience I’ve ever had and I can’t wait for the summer course!!
Efa Gregory (Oboe)
4/30/2015
Manager: Mr Geraint Evans
Strings: Mrs Jacky Hassan | Ms Cathryn Murray | Ms Holly Cook
Piano: Mrs Rachel Gregory
Harp: Ms Kay Davies
Woodwind: Miss Ali Greeley | Mrs Victoria Harwood
Brass: Mr Aidan Hassan | Mr Harvey Hassan
Percussion/Rock: Mr Mark Wenden
Vocal: Ms Elinor Powell | Ms Menna Rhys (was Griffiths )
Ceredigion Music Service
Canolfan Rheidol
Rhodfa Padarn
Llanbadarn Fawr
Aberystwyth
SY23 3UE
(01970) 633 614
gwasanaeth.cerdd@ceredigion.gov.uk