Community orchestra welcomes new members

A community orchestra created with the aim of bringing the local communities of Newcastle-under-Lyme closer together has expanded in the last 12 months.

The Newcastle-under-Lyme Orchestra, which was set up in 2016 by Thomas Barlow Coxon, had just 15 people in its ranks prior to the start of COVID outbreak and now boasts 45 regular members.

Members are from all background and musical abilities can join the orchestra which perform a range of musical pieces for all tastes including film scores to classical masterpieces..

Founder and Director, Thomas Barlow Coxon said: “The orchestra’s moto is aimed at anyone who is wanting to get involved in a community group and offer their skills either on the running of the group or behind the scenes. All music which the group play is between grade 3-5 with the facility to make parts tailored more to the musician’s ability so that they can accommodate all skill levels.”

Along with performing two concerts a year, one in the summer and another at Christmas, the group take part in street performances and play at events. In previous years the group have appeared at the Newcastle-under-Lyme Christmas Light switch on and on BBC Radio along with Stokes Christmas Service.

The group is now inviting all musicians in and around Newcastle-under-Lyme to join them.