A new Spalding based community orchestra has received helping hands thanks to its new conductor.
Anthony Grunwell, most well known in the town for running the Spalding Water Taxi, is taking the Spalding Encore Orchestra to the next level
It was created by Zeph Churchill to get people back playing an instrument they haven’t used in a while, and to join in a community project.
It’s proving a huge success with the group now having a core of 16 members who practice together on Tuesday nights, but Zeph decided it needed a conductor to take it to the next level.
One member new that Anthony had conducted for years, and he’s stepped in to lead the musicians enjoying a new found love of music.
“They are a lovely group and so responsive,” said Anthony who trained with the Royal Academy and was most recently he conductor at the Key Theatre in Peterborough for seven years. “I’ve pushed them quite hard so they’re not just coming to play along but there’s a learning curve as well.
“I feel it’s my job that when they walk out the door after practices they can feel they’ve progressed no matter their level.
“They were already a great group but I’m just providing some TLC, some love and attention.
“Whatever we do though, we have to make it enjoyable for everyone too.
“It feel like it’s me giving something back to music.”
The group is already moving on to more complicated pieces as they continue to practice every Tuesday from 7.30pm to 9.30pm.
They’re also still on the lookout for people to join, especially anyone who can play the oboe, bassoon or percussion.
“I’d say we’re probably currently playing at about grade four or five level,” said Zeph. “It doesn’t really matter though.
“People can come with the instrument and they’ll be most welcome.
“We’re all teaching each other and aspiring to play really well together. Musicians of any age are welcome to join us.
“We’re delighted and honoured that Anthony has given his time to us and you can here he’s already made an enormous difference.
“He’s given us all something to aspire to.”
If you’d like to join in you can email [email protected] or ring Zeph on 07817 828181
Sessions are £5. If you can, you’re encouraged to bring your own instrument and music stand.
“We’d like as many members as possible as we’d love to be able to afford to play copyrighted music,” Zeph continued. “We’re really enjoying making music together and it’s great to see people coming back week after week.”
