Current vacancies
We currently have vacancies for:
We also have vacancies for selected concerts (depending on forces required):
- Trombone
- Harp
- Timpani
- Percussion
Interested in joining?
In order to maintain and increase standards, and to meet the expectations of existing players, we have a minimum entry standard of at least Grade 8 (wind) and Grade 7 (strings), normally with substantial orchestral experience. For key woodwind and brass positions, we usually hold informal auditions at a regular rehearsal. In other cases, there is no audition, but we have an informal 2-3 week subscription-free trial period. To be fair on others, we do ask players to be regular in their attendance.
If you are interested in joining, please contact our Recruitment Manager.
It was particularly good to see the orchestra developing and improving under your leadership to a state where all members could feel truly proud of the orchestra.J.E.
Rehearsals
Our rehearsal venue is the Main Hall at St Mary and St John CE Primary School, Meadow Lane, Oxford OX4 1TJ. We meet on Thursdays from the first one in September until the summer concert (except between Christmas and the new year and Maundy Thursday). Every summer our conductor sends round the scoring and resources needed for every concert, together with links to online scores and parts, and video or audio of each piece for the year. There is a rehearsal schedule and sectionals.
Subscription
The 2021/22 annual subscription is £120, or £30 per term if your instrument is not required for every concert, or if you won't be in Oxford for the whole year. The rates increase by £15 if not paid by Christmas. (These rates are the same as 2019/20.) You will normally be expected to pay your subscription for the year immediately after the successful 2-3 week trial period. Every autumn, the Treasurer sends an email to the orchestra mailing list with details of how to pay your subscription. If you would find the subscription difficult, please speak to the Treasurer or Chairman.
Excepting of course for illness, work commitments and family emergencies, we do ask that as a member you attend almost every rehearsal. As well as for you to get the most value from your membership, this also makes it fair to others interested in joining.
Gift Aid
As a Registered Charity, we operate the Gift Aid scheme to reclaim tax from the Government to augment our income. If you are a UK tax-payer, we ask you to consider helping us in this way. Using Gift Aid means that for every pound you give, we receive an extra 28p from the HM Revenue and Customs. This means that a £10 Gift Aid donation is worth £12.80 to us - and it doesn't cost you a thing.
We'd love you to join the orchestra...
If you play one of the instruments listed on our vacancy list above, please contact our Recruitment Manager.
Don't worry if you're a bit rusty - we'd be glad to see you.
If your're graduating from Oxford University or Oxford Brookes University and staying on as a post-graduate, or working in the city, perhaps you'll now have time to get back to playing! We'd love to welcome you to St Giles Orchestra.
