Membership

It's great to hear you're interested in joining us.
Here are some frequently asked questions that might be useful for you to read:

Are there any requirements or auditions?

There are no auditions, but new players need to be confident reading music,

We recommend players have a Grade 5+ level, though we welcome players who are working towards that level to come and see how they get on, as joining an ensemble is a wonderful way of improving your playing. We can buddy you up and will assign your parts carefully.

If you're not sure what level you are, contact us by phone or email and we'll work it out together, and/or we can arrange for you to come along to a rehearsal where you can see how you get on, or just observe to see what it's all about.
 

How much is membership?

There are a couple of ways to pay:

• Option one: £12 monthly, using bank transfer. (Some members prefer to pay this way, but annually).
• Option two: £5 pay per play, payable to a committee member at the beginning of a rehearsal.

 

I don't drive - is it easy to get to you?

The nearest bus stop is Orton Mere on Oundle Road. However, we have members who come from all over Peterborough, and also Oundle, the Deepings, March. Get in contact with us, and we'll see if we can find you a travel buddy!
 

Can anyone play the larger flutes?

We have a group bass, which the ensemble purchased in 2024 and can be played by anyone in the group. There is also one alto flute that the leader shares at rehearsals (as long as they don't need to play it!).

 

What can I expect at a rehearsal? 

We rehearse and perform without a conductor, so we often start with a warm-up to get into the zone - for example, a scale that gets passed around the circle, or playing a canon.

We work through usually five to six pieces across the evening. If a member isn't committed to the gig in focus, then they'll often be used to deputise for any absences, but parts are always allocated on a member's ability and confort-zone. Halfway through the rehearsal we have a refreshment break, which is catered towards members' dietary requirements.

 

What can I get involved with?

A fairly typical year will see us participate in: 1 to 3 formal concerts, 4 to 6 informal events and fundraising, and 1 to 2 workshops.