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Who
are we?
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| The Whitehorse
Orchestra is a community orchestra,
centred on the Box Hill area in Victoria,
Australia, which rehearses on Saturday
mornings throughout the year. It has over
80 playing members. The orchestra
provides an excellent and enjoyable
musical experience for musicians of all
ages, and performs regularly in public.
The current programs are listed on
another page. Joining
There is a waiting list for all
instruments due to the current size of
the orchestra, and lack of rehearsal
space. There are no age limits and we do
not audition. Due to the steadily
improving standard of the orchestra and
the choice of music for our performances,
it would be necessary to be of at least
4th grade (AMEB) standard to be able to
manage the repertoire. Potential members
who are of this standard should contact
us with regard to enquiring about
joining. Generally, potential members if
accepted by us would join us for a few
rehearsals and then decide for themselves
whether to apply for membership or not.
History
The history of the orchestra
is narrated on another page, and previous programs indicate the type
of music that the players and audiences
enjoy.
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Friendly
atmosphere
The orchestra compensates for its
non-audition policy by an atmosphere of
friendship and mutual support amongst the
members, and by carefully selecting its
musical director. This has resulted in a
continuously improving performance
standard which compares favourably with
other amateur orchestras. The orchestra
is administered by an elected committee,
which in turn appoints the Music Director.Funding
The orchestra is funded by concert
receipts, members' subscriptions,
fundraising, sponsorships and grants.
Sponsorships are available and warmly
welcomed. Those who wish to become a
Friend of the Orchestra or provide other
support may contact the secretary at
the address shown below.
Holiday
In January many members of the orchestra
holiday together at Harrietville, in the beautiful
Victorian mountains.
Whitehorse
Orchestra at Box Hill Town Hall, 10th
April 2016
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Our
Conductor
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Musical Director -
Gerald Keuneman
The success of any orchestra is largely
due to the ability and sensitivity of its
conductor / musical director and we are
fortunate to draw on the experience of
Gerald Keuneman, who has filled this role
for the past 25 years.
Gerald's work with the ABC Showband, the
Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and in
musical theatre as a highly accomplished
cellist allowed him to perform under the
baton of world famous conductors and with
many eminent international artists in
both the classical and popular fields.
This experience, together with his
commitment to community music and musical
education, guides us in offering
innovative performances of great
enjoyment and creativity. |
Gerald
Keuneman
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Our Concert Master
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| Philip
Carrington Philip has had extensive
experience working with adult string and
orchestral players. He has taught and
resolved problems for students and
players of all standards and musical
interests, from bush bands and rock
fiddlers, to orchestral players and
soloists. Players have called him
inspirational, dedicated, empathetic,
enjoyable, visionary and energetic, and
his "rare and admirable qualities as
an orchestral trainer and conductor"
have been noted by music critic John
Sinclair.
Philip's commitment to community music
spans decades, and includes many years
conducting the Dorian le Gallienne and
Zelman orchestras in Melbourne. More
recently he has helped develop a
resilient orchestra and group music
program at Mont Albert Primary School and
has assisted a string enrichment program
at Blackburn High School.
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Philip
Carrington
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Our President and
Committee
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The management of Whitehorse
Orchestra is capably carried out by a
committee elected from members of the
orchestra. These people, together with
other volunteers, work behind the scenes
to ensure that all aspects of orchestral
operation work smoothly.
Our current President, Anne Pitcher, has
been a Committee member from 1988 to
2004, and 2007 to present; Music
Librarian from 1989 to 1998; and
President from 2001 to 2004, and 2007 to
present.
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Anne
Pitcher |
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