A History of Corker Orchestra by Dr Janey Jackson
A SHORT HISTORY OF CASTLEMAINE'S OWN CORKER ORCHESTRA.
The origins of Corker Orchestra (CO) are somewhat vague - it seems to have been one of those good ideas born in the musical and community minded James Rigby, possibly at Roses' Gap music camp in 2010. The orchestra began in October 2011, but was discontinued in July 2012 due to James' numerous commitments which did not allow him sufficient time to lead and prepare material for the orchestra.
There seemed to be a need for a community orchestra as some members of the original orchestra expressed disappointment that CO had folded and their instruments were again gathering dust, so a couple of people got together, and with help from James in finding a new leader, CO re-emerged.
The orchestra started up again in April 2014 and since then the CO has met weekly during term time. The number of players has grown from 15 to up to 40, and the instruments played are diverse. They include ukuleles, guitars, brass, a string section, keyboard, percussion, recorders and accordions. We have a lyre, have even had a viol da gamba and would you believe bagpipes!
Corker Orchestra is thus Castlemaine's very own community Orchestra for participants of all ages catering for various skill levels, and very much welcomes all instruments from triangles through stringed instruments and wood wind to brass. For example, we have had the Hall family with three generations playing together. Jan plays the clarinet. She took up the clarinet in her early 70s because a friend played one and said she would teach her. “But the friend moved away soon afterwards and the instrument was gathering dust. The Corker Orchestra is a great incentive to pick it up and keep learning. It's a great motivation playing with the other orchestra members, and for me it's especially nice to be playing along with my grandchildren”. Other musicians have also dusted off their instruments and have started playing again.
Many people can conduct but the community orchestra that was envisaged had special needs. The aim was to have an orchestra that catered for all ages, all instruments and differing skill levels. We were fortunate that Wendy Rowlands was available. Wendy is a local and very talented musician who arranges music for all instruments, understands the needs of different skill levels and can adjust the music accordingly; and is excited by the idea of putting music out there for the community to share and enjoy.
We play a variety of music from Brazilian to Greek with some popular songs thrown in. Since its resurrection, CO has enjoyed doing several gigs for our enjoyment and the enjoyment of audiences and passersby. Our gigs have included playing for a 30th birthday party, playing at the beginning of the Winter Village Festival and a fund raising gig. These are in addition to three wonderful gigs in the very beautiful Castlemaine Town Hall with the Castlemaine “MaineSong” choir as our guest performers. Corker Orchestra is looking forward to more opportunities to take music to our community.
The origins of Corker Orchestra (CO) are somewhat vague - it seems to have been one of those good ideas born in the musical and community minded James Rigby, possibly at Roses' Gap music camp in 2010. The orchestra began in October 2011, but was discontinued in July 2012 due to James' numerous commitments which did not allow him sufficient time to lead and prepare material for the orchestra.
There seemed to be a need for a community orchestra as some members of the original orchestra expressed disappointment that CO had folded and their instruments were again gathering dust, so a couple of people got together, and with help from James in finding a new leader, CO re-emerged.
The orchestra started up again in April 2014 and since then the CO has met weekly during term time. The number of players has grown from 15 to up to 40, and the instruments played are diverse. They include ukuleles, guitars, brass, a string section, keyboard, percussion, recorders and accordions. We have a lyre, have even had a viol da gamba and would you believe bagpipes!
Corker Orchestra is thus Castlemaine's very own community Orchestra for participants of all ages catering for various skill levels, and very much welcomes all instruments from triangles through stringed instruments and wood wind to brass. For example, we have had the Hall family with three generations playing together. Jan plays the clarinet. She took up the clarinet in her early 70s because a friend played one and said she would teach her. “But the friend moved away soon afterwards and the instrument was gathering dust. The Corker Orchestra is a great incentive to pick it up and keep learning. It's a great motivation playing with the other orchestra members, and for me it's especially nice to be playing along with my grandchildren”. Other musicians have also dusted off their instruments and have started playing again.
Many people can conduct but the community orchestra that was envisaged had special needs. The aim was to have an orchestra that catered for all ages, all instruments and differing skill levels. We were fortunate that Wendy Rowlands was available. Wendy is a local and very talented musician who arranges music for all instruments, understands the needs of different skill levels and can adjust the music accordingly; and is excited by the idea of putting music out there for the community to share and enjoy.
We play a variety of music from Brazilian to Greek with some popular songs thrown in. Since its resurrection, CO has enjoyed doing several gigs for our enjoyment and the enjoyment of audiences and passersby. Our gigs have included playing for a 30th birthday party, playing at the beginning of the Winter Village Festival and a fund raising gig. These are in addition to three wonderful gigs in the very beautiful Castlemaine Town Hall with the Castlemaine “MaineSong” choir as our guest performers. Corker Orchestra is looking forward to more opportunities to take music to our community.