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NEWS & EVENTS

WORLD'S LARGEST ORCHESTRA

On the 24 October 2010, the LG Arena Birmingham plays host to the World’s Largest Orchestra record breaking attempt. Under the direction of conductor Charles Hazlewood, the event aims to bring over 7000 musicians together of all standards and all instruments, to play in the biggest orchestra ever seen, all while raising money for Marie Curie Cancer Care. To find out more and to register please click here
www.worldslargestorchestra.org

123SING!

On 1, 2, 3 October 2010 people from all over the UK will come together to celebrate the power of singing in aid of Classic FM's charity Music Makers as part of the first ever national singing weekend, 123sing! Created by Classic FM, the UK's largest national commercial radio station and Making Music, the largest umbrella body for amateur music, 123sing! will highlight the life-changing effects of singing and how it can be a valuable activity to deal with the stresses of everyday life. Full details are in this press release

ANTI-CLASH DIARY

David Edge, a member of the MMSW Committee, has developed an anti-clash diary which has been rolled out in the Bournemouth Area. We have a target to roll-it out in three other areas of the region this year. This is what the current version for the Bournemouth area looks like. If you are interested in introducing it in your area please contact David. (dwedge049@googlemail.com or 01202 517391)


NEWSLETTER

The February 2010 Newsletter, the last paper edition, has now been issued. Use the link on the left of each page to see an electronic copy. A copy was sent to the MM representative of each society in our region. If you think you should have received one and it hasn't arrived please contact Rod Coomber.


NEW MEMBERS

Four new societies in our area joined Making Music on recently and have been added to our Find A Group page:

  • Salisbury Baroque Concert Society (Wilts)
  • Redland Wind Band (Bristol)
  • Purbeck Strings (Dorset)
  • International Guitar Foundation (Glos)



FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES

Kate Allen has provided information about funding opportunities and the Funding Central website which may be of use to member societies (More information here)


SITUATIONS VACANT

Bath Symphony Orchestra is seeking a new Musical Director from Sep 2011

Bath Symphony Orchestra, a thriving amateur symphony orchestra, seeks a new Musical Director from September 2011. We are committed to achieving high musical standards (minimum entry grade 8), and performing challenging programmes. Closing date for applications: 7 January 2011.

For more information and to apply,  please see our website: www.bathsymphony.org.uk.

Yeovil Chamber Choir seeks new Musical Director for 2010 onwards

Yeovil Chamber Choir is looking for a new Musical Director with previous experience of choral conducting to start in September 2010.

The Choir, which currently has about 30 singers from Somerset and Dorset, is a flourishing amateur mixed-voice choir with a good local reputation. It was founded in 1993 at Yeovil College and re-formed as a registered educational charity in 2000. Rehearsals observe the academic calendar and members perform concerts at least three times a year. The repertoire is broad, including both accompanied and a cappella music. The Choir's next concert will be held at South Petherton Parish Church on Saturday the 19th of June.

Anyone who is interested in finding out more about the position should go to Yeovil Chamber Choir's website www.yeovilchamberchoir.org for details or telephone the Chairman Jessica Vale on 01935 477344. Short-listed candidates will be interviewed and auditioned in Yeovil in June; applications must be received by the10th of June.
The Choir is a member of Making Music (the National Federation of Music Societies).

Wellington Choral Society wishes to appoint a new Music Director with effect from 1st January 2011.

We perform two concerts per year, in March and November, each involving around 12 rehearsals which take place on Wednesday evenings in Wellington. From time to time we also stage scratch events and workshops. Further details about the Society may be seen on our website, www.wellingtonchoralsociety.org.uk

The Music Director, in addition to rehearsing the choir and conducting concerts, will be expected to take a lead in the selection of music and approve the appointment of the rehearsal accompanist. The Director shall invite and make arrangements for soloists and orchestral players within an agreed budget. We expect to carry out interviews in June followed by auditions next September. Anyone interested in this position, or who would like more information, should in the first instance contact the Society's Secretary: Chris Widdows tel: 01823 331394 or email: chriswidz@hotmail.com

Wadebridge Choral Society seeks new Musical Director to start in September. This SATB choir, based in Wadebridge N. Cornwall, is currently about 65 strong. It employs a professional rehearsal/concert Pianist and gives three major concerts a year in Spring, Summer and Winter usually with an Orchestra for the Spring concert. Generous remuneration is available to the right person.
View our website at wacsocsings.co.uk or contact the Hon Sec. Annabell Woolcott on 01208 815322

Cleeve Chorale is an active amateur choral society of some 50 members based at Bishops Cleeve near Cheltenham. We are seeking to appoint a Musical Director for the beginning of September 2010.
Please contact Ian Calder at 11, Riversley Road, Gloucester. GL2 0QU, for further information. Click here for the job description. Applications to be returned by the end of February.


MMSW ANNUAL MEMBERS DAY
10th October 2009, 11am - 4.30pm
The Thomas Hardye School, Queen's Avenue, Dorchester.

The AMD was a succesful event attend by delegates from 14 member societies. Here's a link to a brief illustrated description of the event


MINOR TO MAJOR 2009
A Small Grants Scheme from Making Music South West

Applications from the following projects have been accepted

  • Contemporary Music-Making for Amateurs - 'Severn Sails and Souls'. Visit the project's website.
  • Bournemouth Sinfonietta - 'Solomon'
  • Roseland Festival - 'Roseland Zum'
  • Bristol Choral Society - Reach Out and Sing'
  • Somerset Chamber Choir - 'Bridging the Gap'
  • Exeter Choral Society - 'In the Community'

The scheme was heavily oversubscribed, so unsuccesful applicants should not despair. All the applications were highly commendable. Our RDO can offer help in pursuing other avenues to realize and deliver these projects. Further details of the successful projects.


Foreign Language Grants available

Has your choir chosen to sing a piece of music in an unfamiliar foreign language?  Do you need some help to work out how to sing it correctly?  We can help you find a foreign language coach, and can pay for up to half their fee for one day/session.  This is a limited grant, so get in touch asap if you are interested.

For more information contact your Regional Development Officer