About Encore

James is enjoying Encore and the extra practice is really helping him as he passed his Clarinet Grade 4 with a Merit

James's mum

Who are we?

We are an independent, non-profit making youth orchestra, dedicated to developing a love of music in young people and nurturing a wide range of musical abilities and talent. Members are encouraged to join in, have a go and enjoy themselves.

We give two concerts a year, one in February and the other in July. We also arrange soloist concerts at retirement homes in December and July.

Encore provides an excellent opportunity for the members to mix and make friends with like-minded musicians of their own age in the area. Please take a look at our testimonial page to see what our members think of our orchestra.

The children in our orchestra benefit greatly by playing together. They gain great confidence musically, both rehearsing together in groups and performing in front of an audience. The extra practices help improve their own instrument playing and develop their sight-reading skills further.

All our tutors and helpers have enhanced CRB clearance.

Orchestra violins

Our Members

Our members, who are aged between 7 and 16, are drawn from a large number of state and independent schools in the surrounding area. Individual playing standards vary from grade 1 to grade 6.

How Much Does It Cost?

Member fees are currently £52 per term, or £130 for the whole year comprising 3 terms. A 10% discount is given for second and subsequent family members. The orchestra is non-profit making. Member subscriptions are used to pay tutors, hire rooms and buy music. Any additional income is invested in equipment and facilities for the orchestra. We also welcome sponsorship from local companies.

Violins

More About Rehearsals

The orchestra is conducted by Andrew Wilson. Andy is an experienced musical director who also conducts the Mole Valley Silver Band.

Once a fortnight the Orchestra splits into sections half way through rehearsals - Junior String Group, Senior String Group and Brass and Woodwind Group. Some of our more senior members also form small groups to rehearse Chamber Music. Coaching is given by our specialist tutors. See Tutor biographies below.

We take a break for refreshments half way through rehearsals, which gives our members the opportunity to socialise and make friends.

The repertoire consists of short items of classical or popular music, much of which is very well known. Past performances have included the theme from Titanic, The Entertainer and Summer Nights from the musical Grease.

Can Anyone Join Encore?

Anyone aged 7 – 16, who plays an instrument at Grade 1 level and above can join us. We also welcome parents of our members, who play an instrument and would like to help play at rehearsals or help younger members with their sight-reading. (Subject to CRB clearance)

Our seven year olds generally begin playing in our Junior Strings or Brass and Woodwind groups once a fortnight for a term or two. Once they have gained more experience and confidence of playing with other members and sight-reading they then graduate to playing in full orchestra rehearsals and their group section. We have found from experience that this eases them in gently to the orchestra. This process also works well for children of other ages who might be a little nervous or daunted about playing with the full orchestra at the beginning.

For further information and to come along to a rehearsal, please contact us.

Where and When do we Rehearse?

We meet at Manor House School, Manor House Lane, in Bookham on Wednesday evenings during term time only. Rehearsals are in Arcot Hall unless otherwise noted and start promptly at 6pm and finish at 7.15pm.

Encore Instrument Fund

Encore has an Instrument Fund, which helps to encourage the take-up of slightly unusual instruments by offering them on a free loan basis to members. By trying out a new instrument, members can expand their experience and enjoyment of music. Currently the fund holds a horn, two violas, a small double bass and glockenspiel.

Our Tutors

Andrew Wilson

Chloe Walker-Trivett

Andrew Wilson, musical director

Andy started his musical career by playing violin from age five. At age nine he changed to trombone and joined the Epsom & Ewell Silver Band at eleven. Unfortunately his embouchure meant he couldn't reach the full range of the trombone and his teacher recommended the tuba. "It was the best thing that happened to me". During his teenage years Andy became a founder member of the Kingston Youth Concert Band. Since then he has qualified as a teacher and has played for many bands in southern England and London, winning a number of honours at full band, quartet and solo level. Andy joined Encore in 2000 as Brass Tutor, and then became Musical Director in 2005. He is also the Musical Director of the Mole Valley Silver Band and a member of the National Association of Brass Band Conductors.

Chloe Walker-Trivett, strings tutor

Chloe has been playing the violin for nine years and has been part of various ensembles during that time. She is currently a member of the Reigate String Orchestra and occasional Tutor for the Mid-Surrey Strings Ensembles (Junior & Senior) as well as a member of the Howard of Effingham School Orchestra. Her other musical activities include being a member of St Nicolas Church Choir, Bookham and she has attended Gatton Park Music Zone residential course for three years running. Chloe very much enjoys working with younger children, "I get so much out of it", and has worked with Encore since February 2009.

Sarah Kent, brass and woodwind tutor

Sarah learnt to read music before she could read when her father developed his own notation for simple piano tunes. She went on to learn the clarinet at school and has since added various instruments to her repertoire, including cornet, euphonium and tenor horn. Sarah is also an active member of Mole Valley Silver Band. Sarah joined Encore as Wind Tutor in 2007 and her younger daughter is also relishing playing the violin with Encore.