WHO WE ARE
We’re a group of enthusiastic amateur musicians, who get together once a week to play music in a relaxed, supportive atmosphere. We welcome players up to Grade 5 (although if you play at a higher level, you would of course be very welcome!)      

We’re always open to players of orchestral instruments (strings, woodwind, brass, percussion). We don’t ask you to audition.
We’re open to anyone aged ten and over (we have a Safeguarding
Policy) and cater particularly for beginners, late starters, and those
returning to music-making after years, even decades, away from playing.

WHAT WE PLAY
We play a wide range of light music, arranged for players up to Grade 4/5 standard. We will usually have ’first’ and ’second’ parts for your instrument, so you can choose what’s most comfortable for you. You will need to be able to read music, but there’ll always be someone you can ask if you’re not sure about anything and you will not be expected to understand it all.

MUSIC
The music is provided by the orchestra and remains the property of the orchestra. You are encouraged to make notes on the music with a soft pencil to help you.
Please look after the music and return it when asked, which will usually be at the end of a concert. If you lose music please let a member of the committee know as soon as you can. This gives us the best chance of being able to get a duplicate. Photocopying music is illegal and could result in the orchestra receiving a hefty fine, so please do not do it. You may be asked to pay for any music that you mislay or damage.

REHEARSALS
When: Wednesdays (term-time only) 6.10–8.00 pm
Where: Foresters Hall, Harcourt Road, Uckfield TN22 5DT

Please arrive promptly whenever possible and help to set up and put
away. As a courtesy to the Music Director and others, you are asked not to practise individually during rehearsal and to sit quietly during those times when only part of the orchestra is being asked to play. Please also try to watch the conductor so you are able to stop playing quickly when asked.
It is helpful to be aware of your posture and generally sit up straight, with feet flat on the ground. It all helps us to look good even if we make mistakes!

INSURANCE
NB The UCO does not have Instrument Insurance so please review your home insurance policy for insurance when playing away from home.

MEMBERSHIP FEES - Bank details will be provided

Adults: £40 per term (three terms a year)  
Students and under-16s: £15.00 per term

You’re welcome to come along to a rehearsal before you take the plunge:
you can just sit and listen, or bring your instrument and give it a go!
We do not ask you to join until you have been twice, but we do ask you to complete a contact form for health and safety reasons, and to take a Welcome Leaflet so you are aware of our contact details and Safeguarding Policy.

Once you have joined, please pay promptly at the start of each term via Bank Transfer - details will be provided.

A copy of our rules and regulations will also be provided to keep with contact details of the committee.

CONCERTS
We play mainly for fun and give concerts: usually at Christmas and/or at the end of the summer term. You don’t have to take part if you don’t want to but we recommend it! We gain a great sense of achievement and give something back to the community. Entrance is usually free but we make a retiring collection for charity – and provide free refreshments afterwards!
You will be advised in advance of the dress code for a particular concert, which is likely to be white top and black trousers or skirt and clean shoes or sandals; black if possible. You may be asked to help by bringing a contribution to the refreshments, helping to set up, or by asking a friend or relative to help serve refreshments. Please arrive promptly so we can set up and warm up before people arrive. Please also encourage friends and family to come in support.