Intermediate Chamber Orchestra
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About Intermediate Chamber Orchestra
Experience the thrill of orchestral playing in this three-day course led by talented players from Decus Ensemble.
What is the course about?
Join our intermediate orchestra and take your ensemble playing to the next level under the guidance of professional players from Decus Ensemble; Artistic Director Uchenna Ngwe (wind), Nathan Knight (strings) and Dave Oxley (brass and percussion).
Decus Ensemble specialise in playing lesser heard music by composers of African and Caribbean heritage, so you can expect to make new musical discoveries as we play through a range of exciting repertoire from the Classical and Romantic periods to more contemporary works.
What will you learn?
By the end of the course you will:
Improve your chamber orchestra playing and grow in confidence.
Explore different practice and rehearsal methods.
Develop your individual and group playing technique.
Improve your music reading skills.
Learn how to work effectively as members of an orchestral section.
Perform at least three orchestral pieces in diverse styles.
How will the course be taught?
We’ll work in sectionals with each group having a dedicated tutor, as well as coming together for full orchestral rehearsals. Conducting the full orchestra will be rotated between tutors so you’ll get to experience a range of conducting styles. We’ll share a timetable with you at the start of the course.
Who is the course for?
We are looking for players of wind, string, brass and percussion instruments of Grade 5 - 7 standard. You’ll need to be comfortable reading music and playing in both larger and smaller group settings.
Will music be provided and do you need to prepare or bring anything?
We’ll share details on the music we’ll cover nearer the time. It would be helpful to look over your music before the course. Players should bring your instrument, along with any necessary items for upkeep such as rosin, spare strings etc. Please bring a folding stand if you prefer them to the larger orchestral stands. A pencil and eraser are also helpful.
Course Tutors
Uchenna Ngwe
Find out moreUchenna Ngwe is the founder and Artistic Director of Decus Ensemble. Born in North London, she studied oboe and cor anglais at Trinity College of…
Nathan Knight
Find out moreBritish Double bassist Nathan Knight is an active orchestral and chamber musician. He studied at the Royal Academy of Music and won the Orchestral…David Oxley
Find out moreSince graduating from The Royal College of Music David Oxley has carved out a highly successful career as one of the leading horn players in The West…
