The Orchestra is delighted that Sundari Heller LRAM has agreed to conduct the orchestra alongside Robin Hare who has a lot of experience as a music director and is currently involved with a number of local amateur music groups including a Jazz Group and in particular with Tunbridge Wells Operatic and Dramatic Society (TWODS).

We look forward to a fruitful and fulfilling musical year!

At the last  Committee meeting Mark Dennis agreed to become Chairman.

We are delighted that Will Wilkins has accepted the position of Musical Director. Will graduated from Southampton University in 2018, where he specialised in conducting in his final year.

Will is a music teacher with West Sussex Music. He is assistant conductor with with the West Sussex County Youth Orchestra and County Youth Wind Orchestra. We look forward to our association with him.

Do you play an orchestral instrument (strings, wind, brass or percussion)? Or do you have a youngster who would benefit from playing in a group? At Uckfield Community Orchestra we welcome anyone to join us aged from 8 years old to 80 years young. Whether you are still at school, retired or picking up your instrument again after a break, get in touch via our Contacts page. Come along and see if you would like to join. Venue, times etc are on the website. We have a professional Music Director and attract players from across East Sussex and Kent.

We are very sad to report that Nigel Whitty, our Chair, has resigned his position and is leaving the orchestra. Understandably, he wishes to develop his saxaphone playing in a different context. We wish him every success in the future.

At a Committee meeting on 31 July, Geoff Gibbs agreed to step into the post until our AGM in January 2020 as there was no conflict with his position as librarian.

The Committee has set the orchestra rehearsal dates as follows:

Autumn Term

11 September – 23 October

Half Term

6 November – 11 December

Spring Term

8 January – 12 February

Half Term

26 February – 1 April

Summer Term

22 April – 20 May

Half Term

3 June – 8 July

UCO had a very successful morning on 30 June playing 2 sets at the Raystede Open Day. We had a good turn out and thoroughly enjoyed playing in the sunshine to support this wonderful animal charity

The Orchestra is delighted that Sundari Heller LRAM has agreed to become our Patron. Sundari established the orchestra a number of years ago and was fundamental to its growth and development. She occasionally plays with us when she is able to fit us into her busy schedule.

We are grateful to Waitrose Community Matters Scheme for their continuing financial support