HSO FAQs
HSO FAQs
What's makes Horsham Symphony Orchestra so unique?
Horsham Symphony Orchestra is one of the most talented amateur orchestras in the UK
We love performing the challenging works that most 'amateur' orchestras would be too scared to attempt
The majority of the orchestra is made up of talented amateurs of all ages, but we also attract professionals
Our conductor, leader, and concerto soloists are all paid, professional musicians
We employ trusted professional staff to teach with us during sectionals and for special educational events
We love working with local upcoming talent. If you're a local, talented soloist, please get in touch
From time to time, we commission works from upcoming composers. If you're a composer, please get in touch
If you're a professional musician interested in teaching with us, please get in touch
We're a member of the Making Music
Rehearsals - How many, how important, and where do they happen?
We have approx 10 orchestral rehearsals before each concert
Rehearsals take place during school term time
There's always so much to learn, so we need our musicians to commit to all our rehearsals
If you really can't make a rehearsal, please let us known and make sure your desk partner has the music
We supply all the music you'll need at the first rehearsal
String players can download bowed copies for practice at home
We'll have sectional rehearsals at least once a term which also take place at Millais Secondary School
Every rehearsal at 20:15 we have a 15-minute half-time break with biscuits and hot beverages
What should I bring to rehearsals?
Your music - see above for where to get music
Your own music stand
A pencil and a rubber
A desk light if you find general lighting sometimes an issue for reading music
A mug and 50p donation to the orchestra coffers for your half-time refreshments
If you forget your 50p you can still enjoy the half-time treats, just pop the money in the tin the following week
How much does it cost to play with HSO?
HSO relies on membership subscriptions ('subs'), ticket sales, and donations to survive
Full paying subs = £55 per term / £140 per year
Student subs = £10 per term / £30 per year
We offer reduced priced membership to musicians in special need
HSO is a charity (registered number 1053231)
How do I become a member?
If you're interested in joining HSO or H2O please contact us and we'll be in touch
You'll pay a membership subscription to play with HSO
All subs payments are made online via our subscription managing service Membership Mojo
When you join the orchestra we'll set you up with a Membership Mojo account
When you sign up to Membership Mojo your contact details will be automatically added to HSO's mailing list
Membership subscriptions for Horsham Symphony Orchestra can be paid termly or annually
If you are a taxpayer we appreciate you adding gift aid
Horsham Symphony Orchestra concerts
HSO performs at least three concerts per year
Concerts take place at the end of Autumn, Spring, and Summer terms
Occasionally we'll squeeze an extra concert into one of the terms
Most of our concerts take place at The Capitol, Horsham or St Mary's Horsham
Concert dress is all black. Jackets are not required for men
Please wear something really smart - you'll be on stage with 400 people staring at you for two hours!
The concert day rehearsal is key to a perfect concert - all players must attend
Our concert day rehearsal takes place from 2 pm - 5 pm at the Capitol, Horsham (or St Mary's)
Please do stay for a drink in The Capitol bar after the concert
If you want to rehearse but know you can't make the concert, let us know!
Tickets
Ticket prices are £20 Adults, £5 under 18s.
Tickets for concerts are available to purchase during the term of the concert.
Tickets are available to purchase directly from The Capitol Theatre, Horsham and from HSO Ticket Secretary - Fiona Corbett-Clark
You can pay for tickets to HSO by bank transfer or cash.
Tickets for concerts at St Mary's are available via TicketSource only.
Order your concert tickets as soon as they're available as our concerts do sell out!