Members
Membership is free and is open to all string and percussion players and the principle is that you learn “on the job”. Beginners are not expected to be able to fiddle at a fast and furious pace when they join – but it is amazing how they soon pick it up! The self-confidence that these young players acquire over a short period of months is incredible and they are soon seamlessly merging with the older players.
Rehearsals
These take place at Kingcase Church Hall, Prestwick on Saturdays from 1.45pm to 4pm (See map). The number of rehearsals is dependent upon concert commitments but there are usually two per month during the school term. A list of all dates is given to every member at the start of each term. Players are expected to attend all rehearsals where possible.
AFO Concerts
The Orchestra has several regular concerts and a large number of invitational performances throughout the year. As with rehearsals, a list of concert dates is given to every member at the start of each term. The number of players for each event is determined by the venue and occasion, with numbers varying from 4 to 100!
David joined AFO when in Primary 7 and he struggled to be able to read the music and play at the required speed. He definitely relied on miming! However there was always the inspiration of the older players – the majority of whom had been in exactly the same boat when they started.
Little did we know that AFO would be key in his choice of career as a music teacher. Nor could we ever have imagined that he would become musical director of AFO. While this experience will not be shared by all members of AFO, the opportunities of developing of musical ability with lots of other people and playing in many concerts is great for improving skill and discipline as well as being fun. And of course the lasting friendships that have been formed and the overseas tours are the icing on the cake. David and his younger brother Andrew – a former lead percussionist – had wonderful experiences on the overseas tours that we as parents could never have provided without AFO. We cannot thank AFO enough.
Margaret MooreThe Ayrshire Fiddle Orchestra is an Absolutely Fabulous Organisation providing Awesome Fantastic Opportunities and Amazing Friendly Occasions!
Matthew TaylorMerchandise
From CDs to frisbees, tea-towels and mugs, suitbags and stationery, aprons and stocking fillers; AFO stocks a good range of merchandise. For example, Beautiful wool Beggs Tartan Scarves for £15 AFO CDs from £5
DOWNLOAD THE AFO MERCHANDISE CATALOGUE
Available also to order and collect at rehearsals and concerts Any questions and to order directly, please contact the McHugh family mchughfamily@btinternet.com
All proceeds go toward supporting the Orchestra.
Welcome Letter
Please download the AFO Welcome letter for new members
Parents Handbook
The Parents handbook gives a good background to how the orchestra works. Download the Parent Booklet 2015 here
Consent form
The Consent Form is our record for each player. Download the Consent Form 2015-16 here
AFO Clothing
AFO clothing, is available to order from Elizabeth Watt
Please email Elizabeth about hoodies, poloshirts, t-shirts
Links
Gaiety Theatre www.ayrgaiety.co.uk
Scottish Fiddle Orchestra www.sfo.org.uk
Arioso Music www.ariosomusic.co.uk
Brae Ceilidh Band www.braeceilidhband.webs.com
Tonality String Quartet www.tonality.co.uk
Alistair McCulloch www.alistairmcculloch.com
Innovation www.fiddleinnovation.com
Airimage www.airimage.co.uk
John Stewart Photography www.jdlamont.co.uk
Town Twinning – PTTA www.ptta.org