Firstly a little history... if anyone knows more and wishes to contribute then please let us know, thank you.
The Newton Abbot Orchestra has been in existence for at least 30 years, having begun its life as The Linden Orchestral Players. As far as we know, Rosina Wall and her sister, Dulcie Sadler established the orchestra and over time, they changed its name to Newton Abbot Orchestra. Marion Room then conducted the orchestra for about 10 years until 1994. Since then, the orchestra has had several conductors until Rob Young took the baton...
Rob gained his Music degree at Goldsmith’s College, London in 1990 where he also received further tuition on piano.
Upon returning to Devon to join the family business he soon took up position as Musical Director of the Kingsbridge Amateur Theatrical Society (K.A.T.S) for whom he M.D’d ten shows. During his time with K.A.T.S, Rob also worked with other societies including T.O.A.D.S Theatre Company in Torquay.
Subsequently he has worked with many other groups including the Torquay Operatic Society (T.O.P.S), Amdram Productions, Exeter Musical Society and even the Bands of the Royal Artillery and Her Majesty’s Royal Marines as part of Plymouth’s community musical event, Music Of The Night. He has also had a lot of experience as an accompanist and over the past few years has worked on a number of different ventures with the actor/writer Peter Reeves.
Rob became Musical Director of the Newton Abbot Orchestra in October 2006, and since then has conducted many successful concerts in a wide variety of locations.
In addition to M.D'ing, conducting and accompanying, Rob has also found time to write music, and plans to devote more energy to this in the future.
The pre-concert warm-up... Lights, camera, action! (ok we'll settle for just the lights!)
More pics - here
Tarhu Concert world premiere
A video recording of the first performance of the Tarhu Concerto by Janna Morasch (Bulmer) from the Exeter concert in April 2014.
– New content welcome...
Thank you to everyone who has sent jokes and repertoire suggestions. Now you've done the fun stuff how about someone supplying me with new, up-to-date copy? Go on - you know you want to!
Any offers of help re-writing the existing sections, or creating a full history of the orchestra would be much appreciated!
horn Clive, 14/01/12
A sample joke or two...
Q: How do you make a trombone sound like a French horn?
A: Put your hand in the bell and miss a lot of notes.
Q: How do you get two oboes in tune?
A: Shoot one of them.
NEW! cello Micki's Golden Rules for Ensemble Playing...
16 July (Sun) 3pm - Summer 'Proms' Concert - The Pavilions, Teignmouth.
15 December (Fri) - Teignmouth Pavilions
Tickets available in advance (please contact us for information) or on the door.
Rehearsals schedule:
• Wednesdays, 7.30-9.30pm
- newcomers welcome! (see below)
Hannah's at Seale-Hayne, Newton Abbot. Please check with us for location of rehearsal room and half-term breaks, etc.
Players wanted!
If you play an instrument listed below, and are interested in joining us we'd love to hear from you!
Please contact Cath by email first (oboecath@hotmail.co.uk) to arrange when you may be able to come along (please don't come to a rehearsal without prior arrangement).
We don't hold formal auditions, but after sharing info by email we usually suggest that you attend for a couple of rehearsals to see if the NAO is for you (and vice versa).
We do have some younger players, though a minimum of Grade 5 standard is recommended.
• Currently required:
1st & 2nd violins
Violas
1 double bass
2 trumpets
1 trombone
1 bassoon
1 percussionist
Occasional 2 French horns (For when we require 4 horns)
Occasional harpist
PLEASE NOTE: at the present time we do not have vancancies for flutes, oboes or clarinets.
