Ensembles
Sarah takes part and helps with many musical ensembles in the Hampshire area:
Flautissimo
Flautissimo, the Southampton Flute Orchestra, is made up of piccolos, concert flutes, alto flutes, bass flutes and one of the country's first contrabass flutes. All the members are usually at least Grade 5 standard, and include adults and young people alike. Flautissimo provides a unique opportunity in the area both for adults and University students to join a smaller, dedicated orchestra and for school / college players who may have 'graduated' from a school ensemble or one of the city's flute orchestras.
Flautissimo perform at least five concerts a year, on their own and with other local ensembles. In 2007 they were privileged to play with the Hampshire Flute Choir in Winchester Cathedral and with Romsey School in Romsey Abbey. In 2006 and 2008 they also performed at the British Flute Society's convention at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester. The group is available for weddings and functions, as a whole or broken down into smaller groups of quartets and quintets.
Pops Incorporated
Modelled on the internationally renowned Boston Pops Orchestra, Pops Incorporated perform a diverse selection of rhythms and melodies from many decades of music. Their repertoire ranges from contemporary pop to traditional jazz music, as well as exhilarating film and soundtrack orchestrations such as Star Wars and Pirates Of The Caribbean.
Harnessing the enthusiasm of over 100 talented musicians from all over the Hampshire area, the popularity of the orchestra has rapidly grown in status since its inception over four years ago. This success has been born from a continued atmosphere of dedication, commitment and professionalism, ensuring that a 'Pops' performance is both exciting and breathtaking.
Disfunktion Sax Quartet
Disfunktion saxophone quartet was formed in 2007 and have been performing at private functions around the South since early 2008.
The quartet are available for weddings, conferences, anniversaries, birthday parties and other private functions. Disfunktion play in a range of musical genres to suite the occasion, from classical to swing and from jazz to pop.
Winchester Chamber Orchestra
Originally founded as an evening class, and playing simplified arrangements of popular works, the orchestra developed under Robin Browning's musical directorship over the past decade into a competent amateur orchestra which draws adult members of all ages from across Hampshire playing full works. In September 2005, Robin Browning was succeded as musical director by Gregg Hollister, who soon established himself as a popular and enthusiastic tutor, with a growing track record of successful public concerts.
Meridian Winds
Meridian Winds was formed in 1997 by two instrumental teachers, Tim Norris and Tim Warren and is made up of professional musicians, teachers, and students. The object of the ensemble is to rehearse and perform wind band music of all styles to the highest possible standard.
The ensemble meets on a regular basis to rehearse at The Gregg School in Southampton and has a varied repertoire. This ranges from the best of contemporary music through transcriptions of film and TV scores to the more conventional military band fare of marches, waltzes, and overtures.
As well as their concert work, Meridian Winds is always delighted to play for local community based festivals and welcomes enquiries from organisers. We also work closely with local schools and colleges, encouraging young musicians to enjoy their music making and broadening their knowledge of this very accessible medium through workshops and concerts.