Information for New Members

We warmly welcome new players, at the moment we have vacancies in our string section. If you are interested and would like to join us, then please email 'secretary @ mco.org.uk' (please remove the spaces before and after the '@').


The orchestra rehearses on Tuesday evenings from 19:30 to 21:30 (with a short refreshment break) in The Marlburian at Marlborough College. There is parking nearby.


Membership is £30 per term, payable by cheque or bank transfer at the start of each term. The orchestra usually meets during half term breaks but not over the Easter, Summer and Christmas holidays.


We are a friendly orchestra that draws people of different ages and with varying levels of playing experience. We offer a supportive environment which is ideal for anyone who hasn’t played in an orchestra before or who wants to brush up their skills. We only ask that players are the equivalent of Grade 6 standard or above, as our repertoire is challenging. 


The concert programmes are a mix of major symphonic works by composers such as Tchaikovsky, Dvorak, Brahms, Beethoven and Rachmaninov and lighter pieces such as songs from the shows, Christmas music and film scores. The orchestra has performed concertos with professional local players and international young soloists and given audiences the chance to hear some lesser known works. 

Members Welcome Booklet.pdf
Rehearsal Parking.pdf

Here’s what some of the members say about why they enjoy being a part of MCO: 

“I started playing the clarinet at the age of 13.  Music has always been very important to me and I love classical,  jazz, blues, folk music and bluegrass. Regretfully, I stopped playing music at the age of 20, only returning to it in 2009 with the help of encouragement and lessons from my daughter’s clarinet teacher! I think that playing in the orchestra is a wonderful opportunity to participate in the performance of some of the best music ever composed. It’s a great joy.” Gráinne, clarinet 

“I am always amazed how busy people with family and work commitments manage to keep Tuesday evenings free for orchestra rehearsals. Could it be that joining together to make music is good fun and a rewarding experience which provides us all with the chance to learn and improve? Concert nights are even better!” Anna, double bass 

If you’re not musical but have some spare time and would like to become involved with the orchestra, there are other ways you can help. For example. non-players are invaluable on concert days to run the raffle, hand out programmes and help with refreshments. Or perhaps you have publicity and marketing experience and would like to help us promote the orchestra and our concerts. Please get in touch with mcochairman@mco.org.uk if you’d like to find out more.


In addition to weekly rehearsals the orchestra also holds social events, such as an annual summer garden party, Christmas meals and post-concert drinks. You will receive details of these via email once you become a member.


For lots more news, photographs, updates, reviews and concert information do visit our Facebook page. It’s regularly updated and has photo galleries of our past concerts, rehearsals and social events for you to browse.