Watford Community

Orchestra

formerly Watford Workshop Orchestra

Enquire about joining

About us

The Watford Community Orchestra (formerly Watford Workshop Orchestra) is an amateur community orchestra for adults of all ages. We welcome new players to enjoy our friendly music-making.  Our repertoire is suitable for adult beginners and anyone wishing to improve their orchestral skills. We play music of varied standards from quite easy to a little more challenging, including pieces by classical and more modern composers.  We enjoy developing our playing and orchestral skills in a relaxed environment. We have  concerts twice a year.

Hello

Scroll down to the calendar below (and if viewing on a phone, click on red dots) for rehearsal and concert dates 


If you would like to join us, please get in touch or just come along to one of our rehearsals (details below). All you need is an orchestral instrument, a music stand and the desire to enjoy making music with others. 


If you recently completed the web form below and haven't yet heard back from us then please resubmit the form
(we had a problem with the form and some messages didn't get through).


April 2024

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Thinking of Joining?

If you would like to join, just enter your details in the form opposite and we will be in touch. Alternatively pop along to any one of our rehearsals where we will be glad to welcome you. 


We welcome players who have a basic musical knowledge and would like an introduction to playing in a small orchestra. There are no auditions nor is there a minimum grade requirement (most players are approximately Grade 4/5 standard or above). We are all learning and many of us are returning to playing after a break. 


We are actively looking for violins, violas, trombone and horn, however all are welcome.


Subscriptions are £40 per term payable by BACS/Faster Payments (new members are welcome to come for a couple of weeks to see if they would like to join before paying)


By completing the form below you are confirming that you are over 18 and happy for WCO to hold your data according to the Privacy Policy (available below).



Important Information


Rehearsals

We meet at St Oswald's Church Hall most term-time Thursdays. We set up from 7:50pm and play from 8:00pm to 9:30pm with a short break.


Players need to bring:

  • instrument
  • music stand, pencil and eraser
  • enthusiasm and a sense of humour

Toilets and car parking are available on site.


Insurance

The orchestra does not cover loss or damage to instruments or related equipment so members are advised to carry their own insurance

 

Who's who?

Joan Williams - Life President

Ryan Bunce - Conductor


Our Committee:

John Durham - Chair /Web/ Hall bookings 

Simon Peachey - Secretary and Treasurer 

Margaret Colquhoun - Committee member

Kate Durham - Committee member - Leader

Frances Pyatt - Committee Member

Sophie Raphael - Committee Member



We are a charitable unincorporated association and are full members of Making Music

Our History

About us
In February 1966 the Orchestra first met at Watford Boys’ School under the leadership of the music teacher Mr F W Thomas and instrumental teacher Mrs Betty Weitz.

It was a group formed to encourage 6th formers, Old Boys, their parents and friends of the school to continue to play in an orchestra.  

Written by Mr M. Elliott in 1966
Orchestra Workshop is for players of all ages who want experience in orchestral playing. Some members have returned to an instrument after a lapse of some years. Others are more experienced players who stay with us because they enjoy Workshop. Students are very welcome. The minimum grade of playing is grade four.  We work hard, but there is a pleasantly informal atmosphere which reassures the less able.

The written account of the inaugural meeting of the "Adult Beginners' Orchestra" - A.K.A Orchestra Workshop
As the result of an agreement between Mr L K Turner, the Head Master of Watford Grammar school for boys, his directer of music, Mr F W Thomas and Mrs Weitz to form a string orchestra to encourage sixth formers "old boys" their parents and friends of the school in orchestral playing, a meeting was held on Friday 11th February 1966 at 8p.m. in the music room. Twenty one people attended this inaugural meeting, which was opened by a brief address by mr. Thomas, who also introduced Mr Weitz. No time was wasted, groups were formed, music was issued and the first rehearsal was launched. A register of members' names, addresses and 'phone numbers was compiled and the rehearsal ended at 9.30 p.m.  Reactions were most favourable and all look forward with pleasure to the next meeting Friday 25th February, same time and place.

Half-centenary in 2016
More than fifty years on the orchestra is still going strong and recently celebrated its half centenary with a special concert in All Saints' Church, Croxley Green.

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