Community Music
The Gateway Orchestra is run by Wexford Sinfonia, in partnership with Wexford County Council. The initiative was a direct response to the identified string teaching and playing deficit within the county. This new orchestra caters for players, particularly adults, of any level of experience, including complete beginners on strings, and those who have played in the past, however long ago! Those who eventually reach a standard of Grade 4 or 5 would be eligible to join the Wexford Sinfonia.Gateway promotes an inclusive programme that is aimed at providing high quality, professionally led opportunities for making music for three categories of people:
- Those who have played an instrument in the past - to any level - and who wish to return to playing
- Those who have recently started playing an instrument and who wish to play with others of similar experience
- Those who are complete beginners, but who wish to play an instrument
The flute section of the ensemble is currently full, but anybody who already has some experience of playing a wind instrument, (oboe, clarinet, bassoon, horn, trumpet or trombone) are very welcome to join.
Rehearsals, with the Sinfonia's conductor, Fr. John O'Brien, take place on Sunday afternoons from 4.00 p.m. to 5.30 p.m. on a fortnightly basis in St. Patrick's Fife and Drum Band Room, Bride Street, Wexford, leading up to an annual Summer performance.
Players who require instrumental tuition are put in touch with a teacher, and advice will be given about procuring a suitable instrument. There are a small number of instruments available on loan, and it is also possible to hire string instruments from Minstrel Music, Peter St., Wexford.
