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 Young – Musical Director

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.

Concert pics - from Hannah's at Seale Hayne

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...

Forthcoming concerts

Xmas Concerts:
14th December (Weds) - Chudleigh
Buckfastleigh - date to be confirmed

Full details coming soon...

Tickets available in advance (please contact us for information) or on the door.

Rehearsals schedule:

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 are interested in joining us we'd love to hear from you. Firstly please contact Steve to arrange when you may be able to come along.
We don't hold formal auditions but suggest 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

Double basses

2 Trombones

Occasional 2 French horns
(For when we require 4 horns)

Occasional harpist

Subscriptions:
Currently £24 per term

Please contact:
Steve Bentley, tel: 01626 879799

Current repertoire includes:

Autumn/Xmas programme to be announced soon...

(Please note: not all of the above to be played at every concert.)

Repertoire past & future:
Please see Members' Area