West Berks orchestra that ‘nurtures beginners, learners and rusties’ outgrows its home

CLOSE to 30 years ago, Patsy Moore ran an orchestra for beginners and late starters which grew into Da Capo (Do All Come And Play Orchestra), housed for many years in the village hall in Padworth.

Patsy’s vision was to nurture “beginners, learners and rusties” as they became used to playing in a group, following a conductor and acquiring the skills that would enable some of them to move on to more sophisticated amateur orchestras.

Many players so enjoy their membership that they remain year after year.

Since Patsy’s death, with the blessing and assistance of the Moore family, Da Capo has been run by a committee who are bound by their constitution to remain a beginner-friendly orchestra where newcomers are made welcome and encouraged to develop as musicians.

The committee initially believed that 30 members would provide a sound enough financial base from which to operate the orchestra, but numbers have in fact grown significantly so that more than 50 players are expected for the new term, beginning tomorrow (Thursday).

As a result of this growth, Padworth can no longer accommodate them, and the orchestra has re-housed to Beenham.

The orchestra is unusual in that there is no limit set on numbers within a section, and it has been decidedly lopsided for some years, because of a minute brass section, bolstered only by saxophones.

Interested players of any orchestral instrument are routinely invited to attend two free taster sessions at the beginning of a term before deciding whether to join.

Any brass players in particular who would like to dig a long-neglected trumpet or tuba out of the attic would be welcome additions.

Go to their website da-capo.org.uk for further information.