Colwall Church Orchestra
Following some instrumental Christmas
carol arrangements in December 1986, Colwall church orchestra
was formed early in 1987, and has run continuously since. We have
a core of adults with fluctuating junior members. We always enjoy
welcoming new members of all ages, and following the musical progress
of the younger ones. Fortunately the instruments represented have
always covered four-part harmony, so each time we play we can
harmonise hymns with descants. Apart from the hymns we always
perform an additional piece, often reflecting the theme of the
service. On average, we play once a month, sometimes at Parish
Praise and sometimes at festivals such as Easter, Mothering Sunday,
Harvest or Christingle.
Parts can be tailor made to suit a person's standard or instrument, and are delivered a few days before the service. The orchestra meets half an hour before the service to run through the music, this normally being the only rehearsal, so it is helpful if at least the majority of the orchestra can read a variety of key signatures. The orchestra now has about 150 hymn tunes in its repertoire and 80 pieces have been played, of enormously contrasting styles – anything from Bach and Telemann to LeRoy Anderson's "Sleigh Ride" or "Neighbours"!
At present sets of music are available for recorder, flute, oboe, clarinet, French horn, trumpet, bassoon, baritone horn, violin, viola, cello, percussion and piano, but we are always hoping to enlarge the orchestra. Attendance tends to vary from 9 - 16 people. Some of our members also enjoy playing in other performances in church, such as the Fauré or John Rutter requiems which have been played at Easter time. We all look forward to further challenges which our musical Rector might pose for us.