Join Brent Symphony Orchestra
2011 – 2012 is our 101st season. Our numbers are growing rapidly (there are almost 70 of us), especially in the violins, but we want to expand even further. Please see below for a list of our current vacancies.
String players
We are always happy to hear from strings and there are usually openings in all sections. We particularly need double basses right now as we only have two. Even though both of them are very fine players (and coincidentally both called Paul), they would love to have a few more colleagues as they are outnumbered by the rest of the string sections.
There are no formal auditions: membership is subject to an initial trial period. We have a relatively short run of rehearsals for concerts, so players need to be at least Grade 8 standard with good sight-reading skills. Orchestral experience is essential. In order to achieve a balanced orchestra, we rotate violins between 1sts and 2nds and within the sections, therefore players should be confident (and happy) playing either part. Please get in touch: info001@brentso.org.uk.
Wind, horn and brass players
There are occasional wind, horn and brass vacancies. Players need to be music college standard with plenty of orchestral experience and will be accepted on a trial basis initially. We regularly need deps and extras for both rehearsals and concerts. This season we will need more trumpet players for much of our Spring and Summer concerts. See 'Playing opportunities' below for further details.The Commitments!
We have a relatively short rehearsal schedule for concerts hence the need for experience and good sight-reading.We also expect a high level of commitment to the orchestra both for concert repertoire rehearsals and play-through rehearsals. Please see the Members' page for the rehearsal schedule.Vacancies from February 2012
Strings: there's plenty of room for more basses and violas, and we could still squeeze in a few more violins and cellos.
We've got some fantastic
music coming up.
Please get in touch: info001@brentso.org.uk.
Playing opportunities
We're always very keen to hear from wind players, especially oboes/cors and bassoon/contras who would be interested in taking part in our repertoire sessions. We often need an augmented wind section for concerts too, and if you'd like the chance to play some interesting music, or if you would be willing to dep for us occasionally, we'd love to hear from you.
We'd also like to hear from brass players who would like the chance of some extra playing: for example we will need an extra trumpet for our Spring/Summer 2012 concerts. In fact, the Summer Olympics concert needs 5 trumpets and 4 trombones, and we need 6 horns for the Spring concert.
If there are any harps out there looking for a regular orchestra we'd love to hear from you. And if you play the piano and would be interested in covering various keyboard parts that crop up from time to time, please get in touch.
For all membership enquiries: info001@brentso.org.uk.
Rehearsals
We rehearse on Wednesday evenings 7:30 – 9:30 from September to July. Our rehearsal venue is St James's Church, Sheriff Rd, West Hampstead, NW6 2AP. The church is opposite West Hampstead tube and is also handy for West Hampstead Thameslink and London Overground stations. Music stands are provided. We go to The Gallery, 190 Broadhurst Gardens, West Hampstead, NW6 3AY after rehearsals.Go shopping and support the orchestra! 
