Joining the Essex Symphony Orchestra

If you are interested, we would ask you to contact us even if the current situation outlined below indicates that we have a full complement in your chosen section at the moment. Things can change very quickly and we will put your name on a list of interested players.

If we have accepted you provisionally on the basis of the first contact, the next step is for you to try a rehearsal, which is usually on Mondays at the John Payne School, Patchinghall Lane Chelmsford. Rehearsal starts at 7.30 pm and runs to about 9.45 pm. You will be very welcome. Click the 'map' link above to find the location and on the 'rehearsal' link to check that we are in session on your chosen start date. Please ensure our secretary knows you have arrived.

Members pay a subscription which is currently £80 per season. The season runs from September to July the following year. Where members join late in the season, a pro rata subscription may be charged. Students can ask for a reduced subscription, and, for full time students, the discount may be up to half the full cost. You will not be asked for a subscription at your first rehearsal.

N.B. The Essex Symphony orchestra is essentially amateur, although several members are professional music teachers. Professional players are sometimes paid for specific concerts, but please be advised that the choices of supporting professional players and soloists are strongly influenced by the recommendations of our professional advisors and our trusted agencies.

Please use the link above to have a look at our 'social' page, which shows we are more than just a plain symphony orchestra. You may wish to know who you are joining and the 'members' link above might help.