CREMS Orchestra and Ensembles

The CREMS Orchestra and Ensembles meet monthly and are led by our musical director, Barbara Jerjen. We play a wide variety of music, both ancient and modern, for recorder orchestra and large ensemble. At least once per year we perform in a public concert. In 2013 we performed twice at the High Court of Australia for the Canberra Centenary Musical Offering. In 2014 we performed again at the High Court as part of the Sunday Concert Series and we have been invited back several times since.

The CREMS orchestra is a tutored community orchestra made up of CREMS members of mixed abilities, however orchestra members must have attained a certain level to take part:

CREMS Orchestra

Minimum Playing Standards:

• be able to play at least one and a half octaves. Ideally players should be able to play at least two sizes of recorder, preferably both a C and an F instrument. Please see below for exceptions.

• players who only play a single instrument due to physical limitations may apply to the musical director for special consideration but in order to balance the sound of the Orchestra it is not possible to be part of the Orchestra if you only play a descant recorder.

• players of a single instrument who are willing to learn another instrument may discuss this with the musical director. There may be some instruments available for short-term loan while the member is learning.

• be able to sight-read music easily and be comfortable with relatively uncomplicated rhythms and musical ideas (AMEB Grades 4-5)

Other requirements:

• players must be a current financial member of CREMS.

• players wishing to perform in any of our concerts must be willing to commit to attending extra rehearsals as required. (Dates and times will be announced at the beginning of each semester.)

Fees:

A rehearsal fee of $20 for each Orchestra rehearsal session is charged to cover the cost of venue hire, tuition, music and refreshments. The total fee for each semester based on the number of rehearsals is payable up front.

Where:

Rehearsals are held at the Ainslie Arts Centre, Elouera St, Braddon, ACT

When:

Orchestra rehearsals are held on the afternoon of last Sunday of the month from February to November. Extra concert rehearsals are usually held weekly during the month prior to the performance.

How to Join:

We welcome new members who meet the playing standards outlined above. If you wish to come along to one of our monthly meetings to try out please contact the CREMS President at cremspresident@gmail.com

CREMS Ensembles

The Ensembles are invitation only groups which commit to performing in two public concerts per year. The Ensembles meet on the mornings of the last Sunday of the month from February to November. Extra concert rehearsals are usually held weekly during the month prior to the performance. A rehearsal fee of $20 is charged for each Ensemble rehearsal session. The total fee for the Semester based on the number of rehearsals is payable up front. If you would like more information about the Ensembles or if you would like to be considered for one of the Ensembles please contact the CREMS President at cremspresident@gmail.com