APO Chamber Music Club

Chamber Music Club FAQs

What is the Chamber Music Club? The APO Chamber Music Club is an offshoot of the Aldworth Philharmonic Orchestra. Membership is open to all, whether members of APO, or not. The remit of the Club is to make chamber music accessible to all, particularly members of APO. The way the Club will be run will ensure that it is as inclusive as possible, with everyone given the opportunity to rehearse and perform chamber music in a constructive, supportive and friendly atmosphere.

Does it cost anything?

Membership of the club is completely free.

How often do you meet?

The club is a casual club which does not have regular meeting times arranged. At each meeting, we will gather preferences for the next meeting (hopefully within 4-6 weeks of the last) and will try to accommodate different days of the week to allow musicians with other group commitments to come along even if it can't be every time.

Do I need to be of a particular standard?

We will try to accommodate all standards above Grade 6 as part of mixed groups. Please be aware that you may be playing alongside players who are much more experienced than yourself, who are there to help you develop. Conversely, you may be of a high standard already and will therefore be playing with those of a lower standard and will be expected to help them.

Do I need to know anything about chamber music already?

Many of our members are learning about playing chamber music for the first time, helped along by our more seasoned chamber musicians! If you don't know anything, it doesn't matter as you will be placed with people who can help you and find something that will suit your musical preferences. If you are experienced in chamber music and have some pieces you would like to introduce to us, then please let us know about them and we can help you find likeminded musicians to perform them!

What happens at a CMC club meeting?

Sometimes we will be picking some new pieces to play, along with other members. Other times we will hold performance evenings where those who have already chosen pieces can show off their hard work! We are aiming to have an annual chamber music concert (in summer) which will be open to the paying public to listen, otherwise our audiences would normally be other members of the CMC, or APO. We will provide free refreshments at all our meetings.

Can I join if I don't play a traditional classical music instrument?

We can accommodate most instruments easily (e.g standard orchestra, guitar, saxophones, voice, piano) as we have a lot of members with different arrangements of music at our disposal. If you have an unusual instrument then this does not preclude you from joining but we may ask for your support in finding pieces that you can perform alongside our other members.

What do I have to wear?

Whatever you like! We don't have a dress code for our chamber music events.

Will I be expected to put in any extra time?

If you are in a group that decides they would like to perform their piece at a performance evening or concert, you should expect to put in your own personal practice time as well as at least one or two additional rehearsals privately with your group. We can make the school available for these rehearsals (with their agreement), or other members of the group may offer premises at mutually convenient meeting points to practice in.

Do I need to bring anything?

You will need to bring a stand, and your instrument(s)!