Cambridgeshire Holiday Orchestra Association

A Warm Welcome to New Families

Things you need to know about the Holiday Orchestra course.

Directions and Parking

Click here for maps showing the locations of the courses and information on parking.

Arrival

Please arrive 10 - 15 minutes early every day before the start of the first session. This allows time for signing in, asking any questions, unpacking instruments, etc.

Snacks

Bring plenty to drink and something to eat in the breaks.

Music

A variety of music will be played during the course of the week, but not all of it will be performed in the final presentation. The tutors try to introduce contrasting styles of music, and hopefully cover most children's needs.

The First Day

Sometimes children can feel very overwhelmed sitting in a large group - maybe for the first time - sight reading music, and having to keep pace with everyone else. The second day is always easier. Music can be taken home to practise, and there are plenty of tutors around always willing to help. While some of the music will seem quite easy, other pieces will be more challenging. If the music is too difficult, please let a tutor know. They will be able to help. Alternatively you can speak to someone on the Committee Desk and they will be able to advise you.

Which Group?

If your child is borderline, and you are not sure which level is best for them, it might be better to put them in the easier group. They will have more fun and get more out of the course playing music they can understand.

How the Week Works - an example from a Summer Course

The first three days follow the same timetable. Thursday and Friday are different. Thursday afternoon is when the first presentation takes place, at around 5.00pm. This is for the training, and lower sections, plus some choirs and other instrument groups like recorders or guitars. Friday is for the upper sections. They will rehearse in the morning, and give their presentation in the afternoon, usually at around 2.30pm.

A provisional timetable of the rehearsals and presentations is on the booking form, although it may be varied slightly depending on numbers attending.

Courses at Christmas and Easter may follow a different timetable depending on the dates of public holidays.

Presentations

Depending on numbers, tickets may be required for each presentation - more information will be available during the course. Tickets are free but there is a retiring collection!

Dress Code for the Presentations

Smart / casual. No jeans or trainers.

Parent Helpers

A committee of parents, who employ tutors to run the course, organises Holiday Orchestra. Parents are asked to volunteer some help during the week; either manning the signing in desk for half an hour, helping in one of the sessions as an extra pair of hands, stewarding for the presentations, etc. This helps to keep the running costs low, and parents feel more involved.