The Bishop’s Castle Orchestra Present Day
John Phillips- Conductor
Having spent 42 years organizing music in secondary schools I soon realized that the Bishop’s Castle Orchestra was not only rather different, but rather special.
We are an eclectic group of people, not only from the Town, but from surrounding areas as far away as Welshpool, united in the love of music-making. Every player has other musical commitments and so have to work around the fact that we may not get full attendance at every rehearsal. The list of ensembles in which our musicians perform is far too long to detail but, suffice it to say, 500 performers- orchestra and friends of orchestra- joined in with us during our 24-hour Music Marathon in aid of Amnesty International in May 2014.
We are a true ‘community orchestra’ and have good representation in all sections. We welcome new players but do have to strike a balance in order not to have too many instruments in any one section. We expect a proficiency of Associated Board Grade 5 plus although we can make exceptions for those who have decided to take up instruments after a lapse and wish to re-kindle old skills.
I am very proud to work with such a pleasant, enthusiastic ensemble and hope you will have an opportunity to hear us ‘in the flesh’.
