Morley Accordion Orchestra, which has been running for ten years, meets twice a month to enable accordionists to play together and develop their musical skills.
We play music written or arranged for accordion orchestra, typically in 4 parts plus bass. Recent repertoire has included Gershwin's “Rhapsody in Blue”, Kurt Weill's “Threepenny Opera”, music from the film "Lord of the Rings" and an arrangement of the Stephen Sondheim / Leonard Bernstein musical "West Side Story".
We give two concerts each year in Morley College as part of the college Music Department’s Tuesday lunchtime concert series. There are also opportunities to play solos or small ensemble pieces in a supportive environment.
Ian Watson, LRAM, BMus, ARAM, conducts the ensemble, and Julie North, BA, leads the ensemble and deputises for Ian.
We welcome accordion players of diverse musical taste and standard. With around 25 regular members of the ensemble, 4 or 5 people play each part, so no-one is too 'exposed'. However, if you are an absolute beginner or cannot read music, you would be better advised to join the Beginners' or Intermediate classes run by the College on Mondays.
Read our 2010/2011 Annual Report.
Alison Briggs writes...
Christine Gowdridge writes...
A brief history of the orchestra