75th ANNIVERSARY SUMMER SERIES CONCERTS

In September 2003 the Society decided to hold a composer’s competition to celebrate our 75th anniversary. This has taken over a year to organize and is considered to be great success. Six composers submitted scores to the panel of 3 judges, Sam Newgarth, Andrew Burn Head of Education and Ensembles of the BSO and Director of the Consort of London Robert Haydon Clark.

“Huzza” (archaic word used to express approval or delight) by Paul Coles has been chosen as the winner and will be included in the programme of music.

The Mayor of Bournemouth elect Councillor Ted Taylor has promised to attend the St. Ambrose concert on the 24th June and will present the Prize and winning certificate to the composer

Proceeds after Orchestra expenses will go venue hosts Church Funds

Other music to be included in the three concerts will be: -

Admission by programme list obtainable at the door at £5 or (£4 concession for students and senior citizens applicable on 24 th and 25 th June concerts only) Children free.

Souvenir programme also available.

The orchestra welcomes new players Details from Chairman - Tel: 01202 551360
Visit the WOS web site www.westbourne-orchestra.co.uk

About the winner of the composers competition. 

Paul Coles Composer of “Huzza”( Archaic word meaning approval or delight) (Photo available)

The WOS conductor of the competition told Paul about the competition and it was suggested that he might wish to submit an entry.
Paul is 42 years old, was a peripatetic instrumental teacher for 14 years and has been composing since 1998. The competition has disciplined him to complete a short piece in a style suitable for a specific group. He hopes to continue to compose on a more professional basis. He has commented that the Westbourne Orchestra are a group of dedicated amateur musicians who deserve every encouragement in order to continue their valuable work in performing music for the local community. 

About the soloist

Gill Price – Saxophonist (Photo available)

There are no age restrictions for members of the Westbourne Orchestra. But it is rare indeed if ever, in its 75 year history that a musician as young as Gill, fourteen when she joined, has been accepted as a member.

Gill joined the cello section of the Orchestra in November 2001 and at 18 years of age she is still one of the youngest orchestra members. Currently, Gill is at Wentworth College. She has been studying the cello since she was eight years old - first of all at Reading, then at London and Bournemouth. She took her grade 8 exam at the age of 14. In addition to studying the cello Gill has also attempted composing and some time ago the Orchestra performed and recorded one of her compositions, which she submitted as part of her GCSE music coursework.

Furthermore, Gill has also been studying the violin for just over two years and last year with one of her college friends played the Vivaldi Double Violin Concerto at one of the WOS concerts. She passed her Grade 7 violin in 2003. In addition to studying the string instruments she has also been learning to play the saxophone for the last 4 or 5 years and has achieved Grade 7 in this instrument as well. This evening Gill is able to demonstrate her fantastic versatility, as she will be playing the solo part in Eric Coates’ Saxophone Rhapsody.

Gill has already demonstrated that she is a remarkable and versatile musician and the Westbourne Orchestra is quite proud to have been of some help in furthering her musical ambitions.

We have just recently learnt Gill has won a well-deserved scholarship to the Birmingham Music Conservatoire and will be taking up this new challenge in September 2006.

About the Charity

Cruse Bereavement

 “suddenly he was gone and I felt completely alone. It is good to know that Cruse is there”

Bereavement is a shattering experience. The death of someone close can affect you in several ways – emotionally, physically, socially and many practical areas of your life. It can present you with one of the greatest challenges you will ever have to face.

Cruse helps bereaved people in many ways by providing someone to talk to – a trained volunteer who meets individually with a bereaved person and provides them with the opportunity to talk in confidence once or many times. Groups - which offer bereaved people the chance to talk with others in similar circumstances. Provides information on many aspects of bereavement including practical and financial matters.

All proceeds from the concert on the 18th June at St. Katharine’s Church, Southbourne, after Orchestra expenses are being given to help this very worthy charity.