Abingdon Community Orchestra was established in September 2011 to provide a playing opportunity for players of any orchestral instrument at any standard. We meet on term-time Wednesday evenings at Abingdon Music Centre (within Larkmead School music building) for rehearsals, directed by Ben Heaney.

We have a even balance of strings and wind (woodwind and brass) across a good range of instruments and about 30 players (at the time of writing). Our current line-up includes: flute, oboe, clarinet, alto & tenor saxophone, French horn, violin, viola, cello and percussion.

Ben Heaney
Musical Director of Abingdon Community Orchestra

Joining us:

New players are always welcome. There are no auditions (you are very welcome, however rusty!) and we will take any instrument as long as it does not need to be powered or amplified electrically.

Please contact the Abingdon Music Centre office for further information or to book a FREE taster session and we will ensure that we have parts ready for you.

Students of Larkmead School or secondary school-aged children of ACO members are very welcome to join the orchestra for free (apart from the £3 termly admin fee).

Recent repertoire includes:

• Hans Zimmer: Earth

• Florence Price: Juba Dance

• Smetena: Polka
• Mozart: Church Sonata

• Marais: Le Basque

• Adams: Short Ride in a fast machine (excerpts)

Performances throughout the year usually include:

• AMC Summer Festival

• Fun in the Park

• Music at the Manor

• Christmas Extravaganza at St Ethelwolds (for Oxfam) and at St Nicolas’ Church

• AMC Christmas Concert

“I just wanted to say a huge THANK YOU for making me feel so welcome at orchestra. After nearly 20 years of not playing I’ve absolutely LOVED it – both the music itself and the positivity and enthusiasm you bring to it all.
I really appreciated the way you encourage us all – individually and as a whole group – but with so much sensitivity to people’s vulnerabilities”
(Sally, cello)

I first started playing the flute when I progressed from treble recorder in secondary school. I have joined the orchestra to get forty years’ “rustiness” out of my fingers and lips! (Norman, flute)

At 92, I believe I am the oldest member. I play second violin, having only picked up a violin for the first time at age 80. The orchestra proves me with great motivation to try and improve by practicing during the week. Also it’s such a friendly place with a great variety of people. I particularly enjoy Ben Heaney’s holistic approach, and the very clear objectives we share in looking at particular aspects of the music we play. I sometimes worry that people think that at my age I must be a very experienced musician with corresponding expertise. If only! Never mind, there are usually enough of us playing to absorb my bad bits. Zoom is providing us with an opportunity to continue to share some playing during the Covid 19 isolation, and looks very promising.(Barry, violin)

I went to ACO after a 30 year gap in playing the violin. In the first session I could not keep up with any of the music or play more than one string at once. However no one was judging me and I soon found that my playing improved. Now I love the special feeling of being part of a group all making music. And our conductor, Ben, has a unique gift of getting the best out of all of us without any pressure. (Jill, violin)