Do you play the fiddle ? Did you used to play the fiddle?
Is it now taking up space, collecting dust in a corner and looking unloved? Maybe you’re lacking in confidence, thinking how on earth can I fit in all that practice and rehearsal time into my adult life? Read on and find out more.
Playing in a community orchestra is a fun and enjoyable way to relax, exercise the brain and feel part of a team. Orchestra music is written in parts for each instrument, sometimes violins get the tune, sometimes not. Its an exercise in counting, bow control, tuning and expression all at the same time.
How on earth can I do all that I hear you cry? Well you CAN, even if your life is a bit on the hectic side.
3 years ago I joined waveney strings, I hadn’t played in public since I was 17 and felt that maybe it was time that I joined a group. Being a vet working 40-45 hours a week and spending many a night and weekend on call it was very tricky to find a group that rehearsed at a time that I could attend. Tuesday mornings at 9am were no good to me!
After losing hope and feeling like I had chosen the wrong profession to ever suceed in anything remotely creative, I was spurred on by a conversation with a retired professional cellist who assurred me that I must just keep looking and somewhere there must be an orchestra that rehearses on a weekend.
Thankfully he filled me with renewed determination and that very night on my umpteenth google search I discovered waveney strings, I didn’t even need to devote every sunday to them, every other would be enough !
Following my taster session in April 2022, I felt like the pieces where achievable, and with practice I could manage to learn them all by the July concert. I didn’t quite get there but could play along enough to feel like I at least participated, and following the concert remembered the amazing buzz that I used to feel after school productions and got the bug again!
The next year I had the whole term to learn the pieces and improved significantly. Playing in waveney strings has given me a whole other challenge to focus on than the daily grind of fixing animals, and a new fascination for classical music.
Community Orchestras are all about playing what you can, working as a team, enjoying yourself and getting the buzz of performing.
Think you could give us a try – email hello@waveneystrings.org.uk to find out more.
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