Welcome to the All Saints Orchestra
The All Saints Orchestra (ASO) started a few years ago because in Springfield, we have a group of fine musicians several of whom are from the church congregation. We have been able to welcome people from further afield and will continue to do so.
Most people are too busy to rehearse weekly so once a month it has to be, on Saturday mornings in the Church Centre behind the church from 9.30 until approx. 11.30 with a coffee break at some point. We play all types of music from classical to modern and show selections.
An introduction to the Orchestra from the Leader, Anton Archer
Many of us learnt to play a musical instrument whilst still at school. Some took it to a very high standard and chose it as a career either as player or teacher. Others have continued to enjoy their music playing in orchestras or ensembles whilst pursuing other careers. There are many I’m sure who, having reached a satisfactory standard, found that the pressures of job, family etc meant that they were unable to continue with playing their instrument.
Later in life, when you have more time, some may have thought of taking it up once again. It was with this group of people in mind that many years ago Joy Bome formed the “Caprice” wind-band which continues to thrive today under the baton of Joy’s son David. So successful were “Caprice” in raising money for charity that Joy was rewarded with an MBE. Having handed on the baton Joy has within the last few years formed an orchestra based on her home church of All Saints Springfield. However this is not just for wind players but also for string players and as you would recall from former days it takes a lot of string players to form an orchestra!
Our repertoire is much lighter than a full scale symphony orchestra and we hope has larger appeal. We find ourselves at this stage of development to be very much a work in progress but sufficiently emboldened to give our first public performance, not just for family and friends. We very much hope you enjoy our efforts.
Instruments currently in the orchestra
Violins
Viola
Cellos
String Bass
Flutes
Oboes
Clarinets
Bassoons
Horns
Trumpets
Trombones
Saxophone
Getting involved
We ask people to donate £2.50 per rehearsal to help to buy music and to make a moderate donation to the church for heating etc. If people are unable to do this it is no problem and if they choose to put in more, then we are very grateful.
We have several members who do specific jobs including a librarian, a treasurer, a refreshments lady, a register keeper and a group email sender who keeps all the email addresses and sends out reminders and messages to members. We have several more members who help with decision taking.
New members are always welcome. Several people have now had the opportunity to play again having stopped when they left school. We have need of several instruments at the moment including one or two violinists, violas, an oboe, clarinet and bassoon, plus brass instruments and percussion players who can read music.
Events
In January or February each year we have given a small concert to the congregation as part of the evening service. We have also played at Holy Trinity Church, Springfield. In April this year we performed in the Old Chelmsfordians Hall to a delightful audience, through whose generously we were able to donate £300 to the Mayor’s Charity, the Y.M.C.A.
On the 17th of December, at 3pm, in the All Saints Church Centre, we are once again presenting a selection of light Christmas music. All are welcome and although there will be no charge, we will be taking a retiring collection. This year we are supporting the newly-formed Drum Corps of our local Seventh Chelmsford Boys Brigade. We hope to be able to help them to refurbish a number of their less noteworthy instruments!
We very much look forward to welcoming you to our Christmas celebration on the 17th of December. Please click here for full details.
If you would like to join us, please email the conductor Joy Bome
I am interested in joining