Latest CYO News

Welcome to the first newsletter of 2008. 

Firstly, there have been several changes to the committee since the last newsletter. Christine Ellerton who was the secretary has moved on with Vanessa Hall taking on her role.  We take this opportunity to convey our sincere thanks to Christine for all her efforts over the years.  I (Vimala) have taken on the role of membership secretary from Vanessa and hope to keep you posted on the activities of the CYOS.

Now on to a quick recap of CYOS’s main event last year, the 1929 Original Silent Movie, ‘Phantom of the Opera’.  The CYO performed the orchestral score, by Carl Davis, while the film was shown.   Those of you who were able to attend would agree that this was indeed a spectacular performance made possible by the commitment and enthusiasm of the players, conductor Tim Redmond and all support staff.

There was also a performance from the CYTO conducted by Noel Bertram that included The Grand March from Aida  - Giuseppi Verdi arr David Stone, Three Russian folksongs – Anatoly Lidov, Highlights from ‘Harry Potter’ – John Williams arr Michael Story and The Great Gate of Kiev- Mussorgsky arr David Stone. This again was a highly commendable performance by all.

This brings us to the perennial issue of low numbers in the orchestras.  A handful of young players in the Training Orchestra have “moved up” to the CYO.  Although the numbers are stable in terms of players overall, currently 30 in CYO and 32 in CYTO, we are facing a shortage of string players.  As such, we are constantly looking at ways of attracting new players and hope that our efforts will bear fruit in the future. 

This season looks promising and once again aims to challenge and inspire our players.  Plans and rehearsals are well under way for two concerts aimed at inspiring and entertaining a “young” audience in Cumbria.  The CYO will perform Paul Patterson’s music to a reading of Roald Dahl’s “Little Red Riding Hood”.  The concert will also include “What’s up with the Symphony” by Bugs Bunny (arr Brubaker).  Everyone out there with young offspring, grandchildren and friends are advised to obtain their tickets early to avoid disappointment.  You are invited to come dressed up as your favourite character from Bugs Bunny or Little Red Riding Hood.  The CYTO will also perform at this event.

Please see enclosed flyers for more information on the Easter performance.  We would like you to display the poster somewhere appropriate in your locality to enable us to “fill” the seats on the day.  For those who can’t make it to the Easter concert, there will also be a second performance at the Theatre by the Lake in Keswick on Sunday 6^th July 2008.

Raising sufficient funds to run a full season of events for the orchestras remains a huge challenge for the Society. Cumbria County Council, via LS Music, will provide a further grant from April 2008, although due to their own difficulties, this year’s grant to the Society has not been received in full and our search for additional financial support is ongoing. We are very pleased that the Cumberland Building Society have agreed to provide sponsorship towards the cost of the Easter concert and residential and we have also just received a substantial donation from the Bowland Charitable Trust.  We are very grateful to all our sponsors, who currently include the Sir John Fisher Foundation, the Proven Family Trust, The Whitehaven News and Stagecoach Northwest.  Many thanks also to all CYOS members for their continued, loyal support.    Any member of the Society who is able to offer practical help by joining the committee would be very warmly welcomed.

Finally, may I remind those of you who do not pay their membership by standing order that your subscriptions for the 2007/2008 season are now due.  This does not apply to Parents/Guardians of orchestra members, as you automatically become a member of the CYOS for the year when you pay fees for a player.

Many thanks once again for all your ongoing and valued support.  It is this support that enables us to give young musicians in Cumbria the opportunity to play music at the highest possible standard.

Yours sincerely,

Vimala John

CYOS Membership Secretary

P.S. Please visit our website www.cumbriayouthorchestra.btik.com for more details of rehearsals, performances, venues, history and much more.