We run a busy programme of musical activities throughout the year. You can enrol for each event individually, so you really can play in as much or as little as you like. You don’t have to ‘join’ to play with us. You will be made welcome whenever or wherever you decide to take part.
Details about events can be found in our Events Diary.
Our news page has regular posts to keep you up-to-date.
If you’d like to receive newsletters by email, please sign up to our mailing list here.
Our events include:
- Study Days that allow us to focus on substantial works in more depth. They often end with an informal play through that we share with our friends and family.
- Soloist days give anyone the opportunity to play a concerto, or just part of a concerto, with a real orchestra. You may have a favourite piece that you have been playing along to a recording for years.
- Conductor days when anyone who wants to can have a time on the podium and try out a baton.
- Beginner or Intermediate Days, which are designed to support players who have only recently taken up their instrument or who might be new to orchestral playing. Many of our more advanced players often come along too so they can offer support and advice to newer players.
- A ‘Big Play’ once a year, when all of our groups and leaders join together to play music based on a particular theme. This is your opportunity to play in a phenomenally big orchestra! We have played all Beethoven’s nine symphonies in one day!
- Concerts are often preceded by a rehearsal, contained within the space of a single day, so you don’t need to commit to a rehearsal schedule beforehand. There are often opportunities to play through repertoire in Study Days or at one of our regular groups in advance if you’d like to be a little more prepared.
Preparing for a family event to encourage audience participation!
Costs
All of our events are open to everyone, with members receiving reduced rates: Members pay £13, and non-members pay £16.
More costly events such as those with a soloist, the hire of a piano or those longer than the usual 4-hours will have the fee decided on an individual basis.
Cobfriends was set up to help people who may feel that the fee will be a financial burden. If you would like financial support, please email the Chair of Cobfriends, Claire Wipat: claire.wipat@hotmail.com All applications for financial help are treated in the strictest confidence.
Anyone under 18 should be accompanied by an adult.
Refreshments
Teas, coffee and biscuits are usually provided, with a donation to Cobwebs, and you may wish to bring along your own refreshments.
Shared meals may happen at our larger events and are a good way to socialise. Please view our Food Hygiene Guidance:
Food hygiene at Cobweb events
Covid Safety information
All of our policies, including all Covid safety information, can be found on our Policies and Forms page.
To find out about our current safety guidelines, please read:
COVID update – 23 Februray 2022
Photographs
We often take photographs for use in our marketing and publicity. You will be asked to indicate on our enrolment forms whether you give permission to be included in any photographs taken. You can also change your mind at any time. Please view our Privacy Policy
Contact
Please sign up to mailing list here using our online form. Alternatively, you can download a form for new players. Both forms also allow you to give permission for any photography. (Please view our Privacy Policy).
If you’d like to receive further information, please contact our events coordinator:
Lorna Edwards: events@cobweborchestra.org.uk