Squawkestra aims to put on several performances a year. Bring your ear plugs if you like.
Music
A sample of what we have played so far:
- Vivaldi - Autumn and Winter (brrrrr....) from the Four Seasons
- Mozart - London Notebook arr
- Dvorak - "Largo" from the 'New World' Symphony No. 9
- Klezmer music: Ershter Vals, Cats at Night
- Rossini - Overture from The Barber of Seville
- Holst - "Jupiter" from The Planets
- Christmas Carols - a whole selection!
- Offenbach - Barcarolle from The Tales of Hoffman
- Berlioz - March to the Scaffold from Symphonie Fantastique
- Bach - Jesu Joy of Man's Desiring
- Mendelsshon - Wedding March
- Themes from Opera classics - Carmen, Rigoletto, La Traviata, The Magic Flute
- Bacharach - "Raindrops keep fallin' on my head"
and many, many more!!
General Information
Frequently Asked Questions
- I want to join, what do I do?
Check out the joining information in the "JOIN" section of this website.
- What sort of music do you play?
We play mainly classical repertoire that has been arranged for beginners (see the side section for a sample list). We are also branching out to play some Klezmer pieces and stuff like that. We are open to trying new forms of music, but scores are expensive unfortunately.
- How often do you rehearse?
We rehearse every two weeks on Thursday evenings for 2 hours. We have a break over Christmas and start up again in early February.
- How long has Squawkestra been running?
Since November 2006. We are the new kids on the block.
- I'm not very good at (insert instrument here) and I'm not sure if I'm good enough....
Actually, most of the players are beginners or around the Prelim to 3rd Grade level.
The best way to see if it for you is to come to a rehearsal and have a sticky beak.
- How/when do I get the music?
New members get permanent access to music once they have paid membership fees in full. If you wish to come before joining you will not be able to take the music home. Music is provided at rehearsals provided you arrive by 6:45 so we have the time to organise it for you!
- How do rehearsals work?
Members arrive between 6:30 and 6:45 to help setup and also to tune. Rehearsals start at 7pm on the dot with a 15 minute break in the middle. Tea and coffee is provided, members take in turns bringing snacks to share. We end rehearsal at 9pm and all help with packing up at the end of the rehearsal.
- Where do I sit at rehearsals? How do I know if I am 1st or 2nd ranking? Are there other rules I need to know?
We have quite casual rehearsals, but a here are a few things make the environment easier & more enjoyable for everyone:
* We don't have an official ranking in sections so it is up to you to choose if you want to play the 1st or 2nd part.
* We don't sit in a traditional layout so ask at the first rehearsal where you should set up.
* While the conductor is speaking or conducting please do not talk or play your instrument as this is seen to be rude and makes it difficult for others to hear.
* Try to look at the conductor as much as possible while you are playing and especially if you are lost!
* Bring a pencil to mark directions/explanations on your music.
* Try to have a little practice between rehearsals on parts you need to work on.
* Leave your bags in the designated area and your instrument out of the way during break times so it doesn't get damaged.
- I have oodles of money so I would like to donate to Squawkestra so you can buy music and stuff.
We love you! Please contact us at info@squawkestra.com.
