© Sillars Light Orchestra 2007
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(Site updated August 2008)
A Norwich based orchestra, supporting fund raising events and music festivals in and around Norfolk.
Sillars Light Orchestra dates back to 1926 when Archie Sillars first formed his Norwich orchestra. The intention at that time was for it to perform charity concerts, specifically in aid of the YMCA. At that time, the orchestra was known as the St. Michael’s Orchestra and rehearsed at St. Michael at Plea church in the city of Norwich, Norfolk. Then in the 1940’s it amalgamated with the Princes Street Congregational Church PSA Band and changed its name to The Sillars Orchestra with Archie Sillars continuing to conduct until 1963.
In the years that followed, the ensemble maintained its links with church and local community fund raising events and built on the goodwill that came from such contact. Good fortune meant that it has always managed to successfully meet the occasional change in its circumstances. Significant changes have only been in the year 2000 when rehearsals were moved to the Ipswich Road United Reformed Church. Then, a little later, the Orchestra changed its name to the Sillars Light Orchestra to reflect the type of music in which it has always specialised. Our Orchestra continues to trawl for the new faces of enthusiastic musicians, players who are needed to (i) fill the places of those who have moved on and (ii) to expand sections, when necessary, to meet our aims - which are:
The Orchestra is made up of amateur players and its numbers cover a wide age span. It includes learners as well as ‘returnees’ and there are amongst us a few rustics who provide a wealth of music experience.
We do not compete, therefore no pressure is placed on newcomers.Time and patience is available for every player to develop his or her instrumental competence and group playing skills.
To offer opportunity to amateur players.
To select the best in light music from stage and screen.
To perform it well for the ultimate pleasure of audiences.
FOOTNOTE!
Our experience has shown that a reasonable period of time is often the best indicator of a person’s true potential and commitment.
