NEWS – Local Orchestra Donates Double Bass

Members of The Pulham Orchestra came along to our Sistema ensemble rehearsals on Thursday to present an 1/8 sized double bass they are donating to the Sistema programme. Student, Alexandra, received the bass from Margery Baker (the musical director of the orchestra) on behalf of Sistema.

We were really thrilled to receive a new instrument, ensuring that we can offer the double bass to children who have joined the programme this September (and are currently going through their carousel, where they try lots of instruments before settling on the one they are going to learn with us). Sistema Norwich’s Musical Director, Juan Gabriel Rojas, summed it up when he said “We truly appreciate this thoughtful contribution. As a free musical program, we are able to expand the musical experience for children and young people in Norwich each year through supporters such as the Pulham Orchestra”.

We are always really happy to receive instruments, which helps us build our stock and means more children can get involved, but there’s some instruments we can’t afford, so when we get given these they can make a big difference to what we can offer and to the children who get to use those instruments.

The donation is part of The Pulham Orchestra celebrating its 40th year as south Norfolk’s resident community orchestra. They have set aside funds to purchase and provide instruments to groups such as children’s orchestras and schools on a loan basis. Sistema Norwich has been the first such group to benefit, and Mike Bishop (Chair of the orchestra and member of the woodwind section) said how pleased they were to be able to support young people’s musical development in this way.

The Pulham Orchestra is a lively amateur orchestra open to all local players of all ages and abilities, offering a wide experience of music making. The orchestra rehearses at the Memorial Hall and is conducted by its co-founder Margery Baker. No audition is required to join, although musicians do need some sight-reading ability. The orchestra holds regular performances locally and occasional workshops. It meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month.

(Cover photo: Mike Bishop, Margery Baker, Alexandra and Juan Gabriel Rojas)