The first Full Rehearsal of the season took place today, back at our spiritual home at Clifton College. With an orchestra which will number over 90 come concert-day, this promises to be a really special season.

After the success of the Brunel celebrations, it was time for the real work to begin, and Mike Fletcher (horn) and Tom Gauterin ran the first rehearsal of the new season, working hard on the Shostakvich which is a huge blow. Fletch's horn solos should be a real highlight.

Playing over the noise of five lanes of traffic, the Brunel Sinfonia played its part in the closing celebrations of the Brunel 200 Year in fine style. An orchestra of nearly 50 put on a brave show under leaden skies, drawing appreciative crowds and even raising old Isambard himself. By mutual consent the day was great fun, though all subtlety was done away with so that we could be heard!

Just as the BBC reported that Britain had a record number of spiders, the Brunel Sinfonia did its bit by brushing away its own summer cobwebs. Long unexercised fingers and lips got into action again at a rehearsal for Saturday's Brunel Celebration concert. Elgar's Pomp and Circumstance rang out, and the Burgon and Mozart received fresh airings. Thanks to all those playing with us for the first time – Saturday promises to be quite an occasion.

The Brunel Sinfonia will be returning to Clifton College for their rehearsals this autumn season. Bristol Grammar School was an excellent alternative location, but the added space and tea/coffee facilities at Clifton make it the obvious choice. Occasional rehearsals will still be held at BGS when availability at Clifton is limited. Clifton will also be generously lending the Sinfonia their percussion for the Temple Meads concert. Many thanks are due to Director of Music, James Hills.

Last Thursday, the Brunel Sinfonia's orchestra manager finally joined Burges Salmon LLP, thus ensuring that the orchestra continues to infiltrate one of Bristol's leading law firms! Current Burges Salmon employees involved with the orchestra include Ellie Pinnells (clarinet), Gwen Clayton (viola), Tim Brown (violin), Tom Gauterin (baton) and now Dave. At least we should be well placed to deal with any legal action!

The Temple Meads concert has proved very popular and spaces in most sections are now full. We're still looking for another cornet player, a hornist and a contrabassoon, as well as violas. Any ideas, do the the usual and let Dave know asap!

Places for the Autumn Season are going rapidly, and the only spaces remaining are in the violins, violas, basses and horns. If anyone would like to recommend someone, we'd be very grateful!

Due to Tina's unfortunate night shift schedule, the 2nd Violins sectionals have been rescheduled – please see the Rehearsals page for details. This means that the 1sts and 2nds will be together for the morning rehearsal on 14th October.

One-time member Alice Billen has been confirmed as our viola soloist for the March concert. She was a founder member of the Brunel Sinfonia, playing in our first two concerts before leaving Bristol to study at the Royal Northern College of Music. It will be a real pleasure to welcome back one of our own for a concert which will mark the beginning of our third year.