Wessex Starter and Middle Strings

Wessex Starter Strings
Saturdays 9.15am – 10.15am
Conductor: Jennifer Barrett 
Playing level grades 0-2 (No audition requirement to join)

Catering for (as the title suggests) youngsters with a playing ability of approximately grades 0-2 (players need not have taken any exams, we simply use the levels as a guide), the WSS consists of 20-30 violinists, violists, cellists and bass players. The WSS gives its members their first taste of orchestral playing. 
Whilst the CWYM does not offer individual instrumental lessons, young string players are welcomed into the orchestra as soon as they have had their first lesson. We feel that the sooner they start to use their new skills in a lively setting, more likely they are to keep their studies going.
The WSS takes part in at least three concerts each season including two appearances at Lighthouse, Poole’s Centre for the Arts, and never fails to delight its audiences with its enthusiasm and energy that can only be that of the Wessex Starter Strings!

Wessex Middle Strings
Saturdays 10.30am – 12pm
Conductor: Jennifer Barrett
(No audition requirement to join)
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The Wessex Middle Strings is an intermediate string orchestra and accepts young musicians with a playing level of approximately grades 3-6. Rehearsing for 90mins each Saturday, members of the WMS have the opportunity not only to work on more advanced repertoire than the WSS but also to reap the benefits and rewards of longer rehearsals:

• working in a more detailed fashion
• improving concentration
• building stamina  (playing a stringed instrument is an energetic activity!)

As with all the ensembles here at the CWYM, the WMS performs in at least 3 concerts a year. They have also appeared in local music festivals, travelled on a concert tour to Cornwall and along with their other CWYM friends have accepted invitations to give informal concerts at various local venues including Bournemouth Music Library and Cherry Tree Nurseries.