Morley Chamber Orchestra

About this course

Participants rehearse chamber orchestra repertoire spanning the Baroque to contemporary periods, working on ensemble awareness, musical interpretation and orchestral playing. Sessions are led by a conductor and may include sectional rehearsals focused on violin technique and challenges within the repertoire. Coaching covers phrasing, dynamics and articulation, alongside listening, blending and following a conductor. Each term introduces new works and concludes with an end-of-term performance or open rehearsal sharing.

What you'll learn

• Develop ensemble awareness through listening, blending and following a conductor.
• Apply phrasing, dynamics and articulation to selected orchestral repertoire.
• Interpret works from different musical periods by examining their structure and style.
• Improve technical and musical fluency through chamber orchestra rehearsal.
• Perform as part of a chamber orchestra in an end-of-term sharing or performance.

Is this course right for you?

The course is intended for advanced adult learners and community musicians who want to participate in a regular, collaborative ensemble. The stated standard is ABRSM Grade 7 or 8, or an equivalent level, with some previous orchestral experience ideally expected. Players are expected to attend regularly, practise their parts between sessions and take part in group rehearsals and performance activity.

• Entry is through audition, recommendation or application to the conductor.
• The course particularly encourages violinists to join.
• Participation involves ensemble playing rather than individual tuition.

Before you go

• Participants need to bring their own instrument.
• Players are expected to practise their parts between sessions.