The rehearsal schedule for the spring series is up on the rehearsal page.

Please have a look and add to your diaries. If you are going to be absent, please let your section co-ordinators know. And please try and arrange a dep if required.

The Spring term Orchestra social will take place on 11th March at Goldbrick House. The festivities will start around 7pm. Hope to see as many of you down there as possible!

With the Spring term fast approaching, the rehearsal schedule for February to April 2011 has been finalised.

Rehearsals start at 7.15pm and finish around 9.30pm on Wednesdays with the first one being on Wednesday 9th February 2011. All rehearsals are at the JCR in Bristol Grammer School, click here for a map. There will also be the usual pre concert rehearsal at The Victoria Rooms on the day of the concert.

Click here for the complete scedule.

How fun was our first rehearsal! It was so great to see so many friendly faces, and welcome to all our new members. Great to see those who could make it in the Highbury Vaults after too…. hope to see more there next Wednesday. I am loving playing the film music, and am so delighted we are trying out something new and exciting. Please make a start filling your diaries with our concert date. There are links below for facebook and ENTS 24 adverts. A Flyer will no doubt start doing the rounds soon too.

This weeks rehearsal: 7.15 pm Wednesday 29th at Bristol Grammar School VIth Form Centre JCR. The other rehearsals are also all likely to be at BGS JCR on Oct 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th, and Nov 3rd. Afternoon Saturday Nov 6th in Vic Rooms from 1pm-ish (no other Saturday rehearsals).

Useful links:

facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/event.php?eid=114358401953370

ents 24: http://www.ents24.com/web/event/A-Night-At-The-Movies-Victoria-Rooms-Bristol-2042649.html

twitter: http://twitter.com/brunelsinfonia

Current Players!

 Please check your email inboxes – I need your replies asap as to whether you are wanting to play in the upcoming season!

 Dave

THIS WEEK'S REHEARSAL IS AT BRISTOL GRAMMAR SCHOOL

We are rehearsing in their Great Hall which is in the main building.  There is parking in the main car park located just behind the main Hall on the map.

Everyone should have received a map by email!  See you all there!

Another blockbuster audience of over 400 witnessed the Brunel Sinfonia's spring season climax.  Opening with Sibelius' Finlandia, the orchestra set the standard for a great evening.  Founding member Alice Billen returned to give a wonderful performance of Walton's viola concerto, ably supported by a reduced-size orchestra.  The second half saw probably the orchestra's finest performance to date: the sumptuous melodies of Rachmaninov's Second Symphony echoed around Clifton Cathedral and brought a wonderful reception.

As ever, Roger Levett kindly hosted a wonderful after-party which was well-attended as usual.  A large number then made their way to Baroque on the triangle for further, well-deserved revelry.  Thank you to all involved for your help and assistance, especially those who hung around after the concert to lend a hand – it was hugely appreciated!

Welcome to the new website, this has been designed and built by Phil again (PKHT Web Design). All the normal pages still exist and you can access the forum as usual with the orchestra username and password.

New additions include the news page, which is more dynamic and easier to keep up to date. You may also comment on news items (no need to register, just follow the link to comment on a particular news item). Watch out for the picture gallery to come soon!

We would like to know what you think, so please comment and let us have your feedback. 

After a hugely successful rehearsal, talk in the pub turned to Ireland's forthcoming clash with England at Croke Park. With a certain member of the horn section adamant that Irish success was in the offing, it was agreed to organise a group viewing of the game. Details will go out by email for anyone interested in watching Jonny teach the peasants a lesson!

The Brunel Sinfonia purchased its first "fixed asset" last week – a bass clarinet. With hire fees ever increasing, the trustees felt that it was time that the orchestra invested in its own instrument. The terms of the purchase are such that the bass clarinet will be on approval for the first six months, with the seller covering insurance and repair costs. We will be contacting various other orchestras in the area and looking to hire out our new pride and joy!