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ne of the things that Dartmouth does so well is to provide different activities for like-minded people. Such a group can be found in the Dartmouth Orchestral Society celebrating its fi rst decade this year. I talked to three enthusiastic and talented musicians, founder members Kathleen Bentham, Jenny Dunn and Nicolette Coward.
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The group started in 1999 when several musicians decided they wished to further their musical talents, have fun together and possibly provide entertainment for family and friends. The main instigators were Jean and Raymond Greenlees, Liz Flower and Jane Bickle, whose father provided much needed sheet music. The orchestra now aims towards three concerts a year, often in aid of a charity, which encourages them to practise and go to rehearsals for 10 to 12 weeks prior to a concert. The music usually has a classical bent, with works by Mozart, Elgar and Telemann but they do like pieces from the 20th Century. Nicolette said, “Whatever we play we take seriously as you can’t perform well without trying to make it the best you can.” A vital component for a successful orchestra is the conductor and they have had several excellent ones, including Bridget Ansell, Howard Rooke, Peter Johnston and currently Sid Davis. The conductor is in charge “as it is important to have someone who knows what they are doing.” They know what the music should sound like and encourage discipline.
The grouping of instruments has remained at 20 for the ten years, including strings and wind instruments - violinist Margaret Bridges is usually the leader. Double bass player, John Key, has an amazing ability to write special arrangements for extra instruments and conductor Sid Davis will pick out one player and give them the limelight as a soloist. If there is a need for extra instruments, or if members are not available, guest musicians are invited to join the orchestra. Their fi rst concert in Flavel Church in December 2001 was a fundraising event for The Flavel Centre, then under construction. The players remember feeling very nervous but the audience was most supportive and encouraging. They now play in The Guildhall and St Clement’s Church, both venues having excellent acoustics. At one Christmas concert, the conductor Howard Rooke wore dress coat and tails and when he took off his coat the back of his shirt was covered in musical motives which caused a ripple of amusement. Naturally there are the usual mishaps with music stands falling over and sheet music disappearing in a fl utter and Jenny Dunn commented that some of the
Dar tmouth Orchestral Society
by Janet Hall
musicians make very weird faces while they play. The Dartmouth Orchestral Society is a registered charity and as such has a constitution and is run by a committee of seven, chaired by Nicolette Coward whose role is to make decisions about the future programme, and concert dates. I asked Nicolette why she had joined the orchestra; “I had not taken up the fl ute since leaving school so joining gave me encouragement to practise. I have discovered this is something I really want to do, and after replacing my old fl ute I have taken up lessons. I feel my playing has improved immensely and gives me a great deal of pleasure.” This could no doubt be said about all the musicians in the Dartmouth Orchestra. It was obvious to me that the orchestra provides a strong feeling of friendship and sense of purpose as it must take some determination and enthusiasm to commit themselves to rehearsals and learning new pieces. They are a happy group with the added bonus that audiences seem to enjoy their concerts.
The orchestra’s next concert will be in St Clement’s Church at 7.30pm on Monday 11 July in support of ‘The Dart Foundation’ a new charity set up by the Dart Music Festival to provide fi nancial assistance to young people wanting to play an instrument. The programme includes works by Schubert, Copland, Dvorak and some jazz- inspired arrangements by Sid Davis and John Key.
Rehearsals take place in St Clement’s church hall, every Saturday morning between 10am and 12 noon. New musicians are most welcome, particularly bassoonists and string players. There are no formal auditions. For information please contact Nicolette Coward tel 832168 or Kathleen Bentham tel 834633.
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