Orchestra bids for new string players (From Watford Observer)

Abbots Langley's 'hidden gem' orchestra bids for new players

2:34pm Friday 3rd February 2012 in News By Amie Mulderrig

Members of Abbots Langley Orchestra have launched a recruitment drive, in a bid to boost their numbers.

Next month the group, formed in the village in the 1960s, will play its annual Spring Concert.

But according to violinist and harpist Lynne Watkins, the orchestra needs to attract more string players to join its ranks.

Mrs Watkins, of Gallows Hill, Abbots Langley, said: “At the moment we have about 17 string players, but we really need to increase this by a further ten. I think our numbers have not increased, simply because not many people know about us. We’re something of a hidden gem.

“But with our new conductor Scott Wilson leading us, we hope, musically speaking, to put Abbots Langley on the map.”

According to Mrs Watkins, 62, when the orchestra has been short of players in the past, it has recruited players from other orchestras in Dacorum and Watford.

Mrs Watkins, who has been a member of the orchestra from about 15 years, said: “There is a great sense of camaraderie between musicians, but it would be good to have ten string players join us to play on a regular basis. We’d feel more solid, more of a unit, with the annual concerts acting as a way to show people exactly what we can do.

“We’re a friendly, cheerful bunch and very welcoming. We’re all of mixed age and ability, so anyone can join. And conductor Scott Wilson is keen for us to play a variety of music - we’re an exciting group.”

The Abbots Langley Orchestra meets every other Sunday, from 7.30pm to 9.45pm in either Abbots Langley Community Centre or St Lawrence Church, Abbots Langley High Street. An audition is not necessary for the group, mixed abilities welcome.

The orchestra’s Spring Concert will be held Sunday, March 25, St Lawrence’s Church, from 7.30pm.

For further details about joining the group, or impending concerts, visit www.abbotslangleyorchestra.co.uk or contact David Webster on 07947 967 135 or via d.h.webster@hotmail.com.