Like the sound of our Play Days? Sign up for our next adventure here: https://www.staffordsinfonia.com/play-day
What a fantastic day we had with Stafford Sinfonia at our recent Play Day! Musicians from across the area came together for a whirlwind experience, sight-reading Rachmaninoff’s Second Symphony in the morning and finishing with a full play-through by the afternoon. With professional tutors from the English Symphony Orchestra guiding the sectionals, the day was filled with excitement, challenges, and musical growth.
Held at Stafford Grammar School, now our regular rehearsal venue, this Play Day offered a unique opportunity to work with world-class musicians while tackling one of the great symphonies in the orchestral repertoire. At 10 am, we were deep into the music, and by 4 pm, we had a full performance ready for friends and family.
What Participants Had to Say
The feedback from the day has been overwhelmingly positive, with many participants commenting on how rewarding it was to work with professional tutors. One musician said they felt "very happy" after the event, having "the experience of playing alongside a professional player." Another described the day as "a real challenge and ultimately very rewarding," while a participant felt "accomplished" after starting the day feeling a little apprehensive.
The sectionals, where smaller groups worked directly with tutors, were especially well-received. One player highlighted how the professional insights into “tricky corners of the piece” were invaluable. Another noted the joy of rehearsing with "the best string coach available," adding that the sectional helped build confidence for the full play-through.
The Overall Experience
The day wasn’t just about hard work—it was also about the thrill of performing such a significant piece of music as part of a large ensemble. One participant described the event as "exhausting but happy," while another expressed how they felt "on cloud nine" after the performance. Many said the atmosphere was "extremely enjoyable" with a "pleasant bunch of people," and several musicians highlighted the sense of achievement that came from playing such a complex and rewarding symphony.
Looking Ahead
For those who missed out, don’t worry—there will be more! Many participants have already expressed interest in future events, with suggestions for works such as Bruckner's Eighth Symphony, Holst’s The Planets, and Shostakovich’s Fifth Symphony for our next Play Day. Let us know what you'd like to play!
And if you're considering joining in next time, one piece of feedback summed it up perfectly:
"A highly enjoyable day with enough challenge but not too demanding to make it stressful."
Why You Should Join Us
Whether you're a seasoned musician or someone looking to challenge yourself, Stafford Sinfonia’s Play Days offer a welcoming environment to develop your skills, perform major works, and meet like-minded musicians. As one participant put it, "It’s for fun!"—so come along, get involved, and let’s make more wonderful music together!
Find out more about our upcoming events, concerts, and how to get involved at staffordsinfonia.com. We look forward to seeing you at the next one!
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