Joining the orchestra

Current vacancies

We currently have vacancies for:

Violin	Viola
Cello	Double bass

We also have vacancies for selected concerts (depending on forces required):

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 VIII with substantial orchestral experience. For key woodwind and brass positions, we usually hold informal auditions at a regular rehearsal. In other cases, there may be no audition, but we have a 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 call our Recruitment Manager.

Rehearsals

Our rehearsal venue is the Main Hall of Cheney School, Gipsy Lane, Headington. We meet on Thursdays from early September until early July. Rehearsal schedules are provided and sectionals, often conducted by professional musicians, are a regular feature.

Subscription

The current (2011/12) annual subscription is £90 for regular members, £80 for those over 60, £60 for brass (as they do not have parts in every piece), and £35 for students. The rates increase by £15 if not paid by Christmas. Membership is free for students and children. You will normally be expected to pay your subscription for the year immediately after the successful 2-3 week trial period. We invite all our members to complete a Gift Aid form, so that the orchestra can recover money from the taxman. Some members of the brass section pay a lower annual subscription, reflecting the fact that not all pieces contain parts for their instrument.

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.

What are we looking for?

It's difficult to be precise about what we are looking for in a potential player, but why not take our self-assessment of what we think makes a good orchestral player.