To get the most enjoyment from your music making, you need to join in with other musicians, but getting the courage to join a group can be daunting.

We've all been there. Practising on our own and aching to be able to join-in and be part of that wonderful orchestral sound, but scared of making a fool of ourselves. Even worse, when we do try to join a group, we are sniffilly told "you must be at least Grade "whatever" and we only want - guess what? Yes, anything but YOUR instrument.

We at Trafford Light Orchestra, however, ignore "grade exams". They are not relevant to adults who want to make music. If you can play simple melodies on your chosen instrument, then that is enough to get you started "learning the ropes" in a fully functioning Training Orchestra.

To help you to break in to the "magic circle" we are running a series of FREE short courses -

"The Light Orchestra for the Terrified!"

to help you to learn orchestral techniques with the help and guidance of the principal players in TLO.

Get over your fears by "hiding" among other players whilst you get your confidence. None of us are perfect and we all make mistakes - but that's what rehearsals are for - to make mistakes and learn how to put them right, isn't it?

It's how we all improve and is also half the fun - learning to get it right together.

Remember, we are not interested in "grades" just you. If you can play any orchestral instrument, even if only simple tunes, then come along and have a go. Trombone? Clarinet? Violin or Viola? Cello? Double Bass? Sax? French Horn? All of you in particular will be greeted with open arms - but so will all the rest.

Just contact Peter Moore on 07930 402 847 and he will tell you all about it.

You will learn the essential techniques of reading music at sight, whilst simultaneously watching and understanding conductors' signals and listening to everything around you.

BUT MOST IMPORTANT OF ALL -

being able to get it all wrong without feeling a prize idiot!

We can promise you that you will soon learn the "tricks of the trade" and your confidence will grow and - hopefully - you will choose to join us permanently - for years of music making.

The next session is on Saturday 19th of May 2012 from 10am to 12 noon at

Brown Lane Methodist Church,

Brown Lane, Heald Green,

Cheadle, SK8 3RR

Phone Peter Moore on 0161 437 4772 or click here for our home page for more details of the orchestra.

Go on - its FREE - give it a try. You'll be very welcome. What have you got to lose - fear?

Making music is a hobby for life - let it soothe away the cares of the world - have fun with us.