Cowley Orchestra always enjoys welcoming new members, but to enjoy playing the music you will probably need to be around Grade 5 standard and interested in sight-reading. The first violin parts can be demanding, often requiring Grade 8+ standard (some solos available sometimes), but the second violin parts are usually much more manageable.
If you're getting back into playing after a hiatus, or are just looking for a fun low-key way to practice, you are more than welcome. Please see the About Us page for information about the history of the group. We do not hold auditions. We hope you will come along and see if the music is something you will enjoy.
We ask players for a donation of £25 a term to cover the hire of the hall and the insurance. If you can't come regularly you may prefer to donate £3.00 each time you come to a session instead.
If you're getting back into playing after a hiatus, or are just looking for a fun low-key way to practice, you are more than welcome. Please see the About Us page for information about the history of the group. We do not hold auditions. We hope you will come along and see if the music is something you will enjoy.
We ask players for a donation of £25 a term to cover the hire of the hall and the insurance. If you can't come regularly you may prefer to donate £3.00 each time you come to a session instead.
Vacancies
Current vacancies are listed below. We are predominantly looking for new string players, but will welcome enquiries about any instrument. (However we have only one piece with a part for an Ophicleide). Please use the contact form to get in touch.
Conductor
The conductor role is shared by a number of our members. If you're interested in giving it a try, please get in touch.
Strings
Violin
Viola
Cello
Double Bass
Brass
French Horn (often involves transposition, particularly from Eb)
Trumpet/Cornet (some transposition from A)
Trombone
Woodwind
Flute
Oboe
Clarinet
Bassoon
Percussion
We have a high proportion of pieces with parts for a percussionist. If you are interested and have your own kit, let us know to find out more.
Harp
Over 25 of our pieces are written with harp part. Since harpists seem hard to come by their parts often have to be imitated by the strings or clarinet players. The composers include Elgar, Delius, Adler, Richard Rogers and of course Tchaikowsky's Swan Lake (which can't be played without a harp) It would be very easy to arrange a programme for some evenings with the harp in every piece to make it worth while bringing the instrument along!. Please contact us to arrange an evening.
Updated October 2021
Conductor
The conductor role is shared by a number of our members. If you're interested in giving it a try, please get in touch.
Strings
Violin
Viola
Cello
Double Bass
Brass
French Horn (often involves transposition, particularly from Eb)
Trumpet/Cornet (some transposition from A)
Trombone
Woodwind
Flute
Oboe
Clarinet
Bassoon
Percussion
We have a high proportion of pieces with parts for a percussionist. If you are interested and have your own kit, let us know to find out more.
Harp
Over 25 of our pieces are written with harp part. Since harpists seem hard to come by their parts often have to be imitated by the strings or clarinet players. The composers include Elgar, Delius, Adler, Richard Rogers and of course Tchaikowsky's Swan Lake (which can't be played without a harp) It would be very easy to arrange a programme for some evenings with the harp in every piece to make it worth while bringing the instrument along!. Please contact us to arrange an evening.
Updated October 2021
