Newent Orchestra Spring Concert

Just wanted to make a few comments about the Newent Orchestra's concert last weekend. The orchestra seems to have hit the right level of programming (thanks mainly to conductor, George) and the pieces we played went down exceptionally well. The orchestra is on the cusp of playing beyond its normal compass - concerted effort and a couple more quality players joining will push it into becoming a force to be reckoned with. That step may be small but will require much effort by all the members.  One event that could be a  help in this is the move of rehearsal venue from Upleadon, a couple of miles outside Newent, to the "Newent Centre", right in the town.  This will take place in September. The orchestra is coming home by making this move and it should be an inviting proposition for local talent to come along and show their faces.  Going back to the concert, there is a musical slot for cameo pieces from times gone by and our orchestra is making a speciality of them - from Elgar's minor offerings to Mozart's "music for the people". The orchestra played well to an appreciative community audience. I just want it to make that final, short but difficult step... I know that audience members appreciated the music but it surprised me (always does) how much the players enjoyed their concert. Being part of a musical machine is an adrenalin-pumping experience that brings great life-affirming pleasure.