As many will be aware, I moved from Shropshire to the north end of the Lake District (Cumbria) in mid-2023. I've struggled to find any playing opportunities. The kind of thing I'm looking for is a wind band, a community band/group/orchestra, sax ensemble, or a big band. I'd prefer to play bari/tenor.
I've tried the usual option of the Amateur Orchestras UK web site and the only wind band seems to be in Kendal. That's not idea as in winter it means driving over Shap and it's 30 miles each way. They don't have any sax vacancies so it's moot anyway. There is something on the Furness peninsular, but that's a very long way - around 50 miles away. Carlisle doesn't seem to have anything, which is odd given it's a city twice the size of Chester.
The local U3A groups don't seem to have much either - I have asked.
Not all groups are members of the orchestras web site and many are not particularly social media savvy, so just asking if anyone on here is aware of anything? It's a bit of a long shot as I know there are not that many members in this area. Travelling into the Borders is ok as long as it's a major route.
PS I'm trying to avoid the option of setting up a group myself...
I've tried the usual option of the Amateur Orchestras UK web site and the only wind band seems to be in Kendal. That's not idea as in winter it means driving over Shap and it's 30 miles each way. They don't have any sax vacancies so it's moot anyway. There is something on the Furness peninsular, but that's a very long way - around 50 miles away. Carlisle doesn't seem to have anything, which is odd given it's a city twice the size of Chester.
The local U3A groups don't seem to have much either - I have asked.
Not all groups are members of the orchestras web site and many are not particularly social media savvy, so just asking if anyone on here is aware of anything? It's a bit of a long shot as I know there are not that many members in this area. Travelling into the Borders is ok as long as it's a major route.
PS I'm trying to avoid the option of setting up a group myself...