The Aberdeen Chamber Orchestra was founded in 1982 by a group of friends who had known each other at school and university in the city. The idea was to promote a small-scale concert for the enjoyment of the players, friends and relatives. The concert was such a success that the members decided that they wanted to meet again and thus the Chamber Orchestra was born. Since then, the ACO has gone on to establish itself at the forefront of amateur orchestral playing in Aberdeen.

Aberdeen Concert Band is a wind band in Aberdeen that provides busking and concerts in the City and Shires. We warmly welcome newcomers and also offer subsidised tuition for £10 a lesson. This is with our woodwind instructor, Juliette Dinning with the aim to join the band once they are confident.

The Society was established in 1928 to practice, perform and preserve traditional Scottish music. Violin and accordion players of all ages are always welcome to join the orchestras. No auditions are necessary. Usually two larger concerts are performed each year. Opportunity to perform at various smaller group concerts throughout the year and also the potential to participate in the fiddlers' rallies of other Societies.

Aberdeenshire Saxophone Orchestra is the only saxophone orchestra in Scotland covering the full instrumental range from bass to sopranino saxophones. We make the more unusual sizes of these saxophones available on loan to our members. Under the direction of Richard Ingham, the orchestra explores a diverse repertoire of music from classical arrangements to bespoke compositions.

Amicus was founded in 2008 by members of NYOS Camerata. We give 3 concerts a year (usually in Glasgow, but Nov 2018 was in the Leipzig Gewandhaus) with players from right across the Central Belt. We prepare with an intense weekend of rehearsals. Standard Grade 8 plus, our pool of players are invited to apply to take part on a concert by concert basis. We will consider all new enquiries to join our database about three times a year. Apply from the link on our website.

Bathgate Concert Orchestra is a voluntary group of musicians who meet on Friday evenings for rehearsal and performance of show music and light classics for fund-raising, education and entertainment.

The band was formed in 1993 and gives regular concerts of an interesting and widely varied repertoire of wind music from its extensive library. New players welcome, especially a euphonium (instrument available) a trombone &/or tuba, and clarinets of a reasonably high standard.

Concentrating on the lighter side of Classical music with hopefully a few Film/Show tunes mixed in. Able to play at Grade 8 standard or above please. Not interested in Exam results, just musicality and technical ability. Need to be friendly with a good sense of humour.

We are a friendly community band open to woodwind, brass and percussion players of all ages and abilities. We are particularly keen to hear from brass and percussion players at the moment.

The Caithness Orchestra is a friendly orchestra of amateur musicians who meet weekly during term time to rehearse for two or three concerts each year. No auditions - everyone always welcome. For more info, look us up on facebook.

We are based in Tayside, and welcome all woodwind players for some relaxed chamber music with a couple of concerts a year. No auditions are required but a standard of approximately grade 4 is helpful. Most of our members come from Dundee and Perth so lift shares are available, please ask for details.

Membership is open to all players with an interest in making music We are always pleased to hear from anyone who is interested in joining the band. In particular, we need percussion, bassoon, trumpet/cornet, French horn, trombone and euphonium players. Some instruments are available on loan.

We are an enthusiastic group of around 30 amateur flautists and percussionists, taking our membership from all ages and abilities, including beginners. As one of Scotland's best amateur community music groups, our repertoire is extremely varied from classical music to movie themes and easy listening. We use a full range of flutes from piccolo to the 7.5 foot tall subcontrabass in G, some 3 and a half octaves below. Come along on a Sunday evening and see us, a warm welcome awaits.

A long established fun and friendly concert/wind band looking for new players. Good music which changes regularly, and the band is free of charge (no subscriptions) Ages range from 18 to 80 with ex-professional musicians, teachers, students and people from all walks of life The band does concerts, private functions, community events and goes abroad to International music festivals Ex-Service players welcome, and we have instruments for loan. Get in touch and find out more!

We are a friendly, award winning wind ensemble, performing several concerts per year, and participating in national Concert band Festivals. We are always on the lookout for new players. We play at a high standard, so if you got your G8 sometime in the past, and want to pick up playing again - then please get in touch!

An amateur orchestra that plays a variety of music ranging from baroque to 20th century.

Composers' Orchestra is a non-auditioning orchestra established in 1991, dedicated to playing only premieres of new compositions by living composers. New members (especially brass and winds) are very welcome. Open to students and non-students alike.

Concordia was formed in 1997 and comprises musicians from all walks of life, including students, teachers, accountants and engineers. We generally perform two or three concerts for the public each year. The Ferryhill Parish Church is a regular venue for our concerts.

Crown Church Band is a wind band in Inverness that plays a wide range of music, from modern shows, marches, swing to classical pieces. Practices are on Mondays at 7 pm and finish at 9pm with a pause for a cuppa at 8. We are always looking for new members to join the band. So if you are a brass or woodwind player please come along and join us for a rehearsal, you will be made most welcome. All abilities are welcomed. If you have any questions please send us a message!

The Deeside Orchestra started life in 1984. It is now a group of around 40 enthusiastic amateur musicians. New players always welcome.

Dunblane Chamber Orchestra was founded in 2008 and is made up of experienced musicians from around the Dunblane area and further afield. Our website gives full details of our history, concerts, rehearsals etc. We give two concerts a year in May & November with four rehearsals for each. If you are interested in joining the DCO, you can get in touch through the website via our ""Contact Us"" page.

The Society was founded in 1893 by a group of enthusiastic amateur performers. The orchestra has a core membership of some thirty, mostly amateur, players. Extra players are brought in when necessary.

We are a community Wind Band in Edinburgh with around 50 players of all ages. We welcome anyone who plays Woodwind, Brass or Percussion of any standard, from beginners to advanced - all we ask is that you have an instrument and enthusiasm! We have a varied programme of music (Film Music / Original Works / Small Ensembles etc.) and take part in events ranging from Play Away Rehearsal Days to charity concerts.

We play the full traditional range of flutes, from piccolo to bass flute; and all kinds of music, from full orchestral overtures to easy listening and even chart music. We hold a learners' class on Mondays at 6.30pm. Lessons are offered in flute or percussion, including timpani. We provide the instruments. Do not be put off if you are a bit older: we have had five over 30s join in the last few years, each of whom took up flute for the first time!.

All string players welcome, especially violins

If you play Flute or Violin, come join in the serious fun. You will be made to feel most welcome. It is best suited to around Grade 3 or 4. If someone wants to come along but just feels too nervous to do so then please be assured this is the session for you. The music we focus on is mainly Baroque and Classical.

The Edinburgh Concert Band is a community group of amateur musicians, which was founded in 1988 by Stephen Callaghan. There are no auditions to join, but it is recommended that players have left school and reached Grade 5 standard. So if you are a woodwind, brass or percussion player - why not come along and join us!

Flute choir in Edinburgh.

The Orchestra was founded for young musicians, between 14-24, in 2009. It has since gone from strength to strength, and has commissioned a number of young composers, as well as having performed works to great acclaim among audiences and press. Comprised mainly of music college students, young professional musicians, and pupils of schools aspiring to pursue music, the orchestra is interested in a wide range of music.

We are a group of enthusiastic amateur musicians playing instruments from the plucked string family – mainly (but not exclusively) mandolins, mandolas and guitars – and our repertoire is drawn from a wide range of musical genres spanning classical to popular, baroque to contemporary, and dipping into many different cultures along the way.

Founded in 2009, this orchestra is a mixture of musicians from all walks of life - including students and professionals - dedicated to making music to the highest possible standard. The orchestra works on a number of 'projects' which may involve a full size or smaller-size orchestra, choirs or soloists. Most members will play throughout the year but some may wish to be involved in a limited number of 'projects' during short periods. We recruit all year round - there are always vacancies for string and brass players - and musicians who want to be involved are welcome to contact us.

An annual course in Edinburgh rehearsing and performing a complete opera with full orchestra and professional singers. Having now worked through the entire Ring, Tristan, Parsifal and Die Meistersinger, we've returned to the Ring and 2009 will be Die Walküre. Vacancies for strings and harps. Grade 8+ standard. Players from outside Edinburgh very welcome!

The orchestra is a rehearsal orchestra - we play for our own pleasure, rather than performance. New string and brass players welcome, and one bassoon needed at present.

New strings always welcome; some openings for brass and percussion.

EUMS Chorus is a non-auditioning SATB choir. It is conducted by Neil Metcalfe and all are welcome to rehearsals, students and non-students.

Wind, Brass and Percussion are auditioned during Freshers' Week. It is non-auditioning for strings. A grade 6 or 7 standard is expected but all are welcome so do come and join us.

EUMS Symphony Orchestra is a fully-auditioning orchestra. Auditions take place during freshers' week. Standard Grade 8+. Students and non-students welcome.

The emphasis is on just having serious fun hence the mind can relax and play. Very suitable for Adult Late Starters/ Adults Returning to music after a long break. No Audition Required.. Baroque /Classical Music Suitable for Beginners between Grade 1 and 2

An Orchestra now for 10 years and have managed to attract between 65 & 80 members with an age range of 15 to 65+. We do not restrict the number of members in any of the sections within the orchestra reducing the pressure on members if they are unable to commit to any of the concerts. Members' abilities in playing also vary usually starting around grade 4 upwards.

Established in 2008, Fiddlesticks Orchestras have been playing rock, pop and folk music from Bon Jovi and Muse to Lord of the Dance. With a rock drummer and bass guitarist beefing up a regular combination of orchestral instruments this has proved one very popular musical treat! Rehearsals are full of fun. £3 a night (includes tea/coffee, biscuits and CD backing tracks to take away with the music) pay as you go. Prospective members welcome to come and join in or just watch to begin with.

Flute Phonics is a friendly group of amateur flautists who meet to rehearse weekly and give regular public performances, often in aid of various charities.

Flutes Unlimited is an flute choir for advanced flautists based in the south side of Glasgow.

The group is about playing and promoting traditional music in the Garnock Valley area of Ayrshire, Scotland. Our members are relatively local to the area, and play a variety of instruments. We have continued to add to our numbers (now 25+), and 14-16 players is an average attendance at our weekly meetings. We welcome new members, experienced or beginners, who want to play or sing traditional music.

New Members always welcome whether complete beginner, graded, or experienced, flautists or percussionists, free tuition and instrument, complete range of flutes Piccolo, Treble G, Concert, Alto G, C Bass & Contrabass and percussion equipment. Music: Classical, film themes, modern and traditional. Friendly atmosphere.

The Glasgow Chamber Orchestra was founded in 1956 and is one of the leading amateur orchestras in Scotland, attracting some of the best amateur musicians in the region. We give three main concerts per year, and in addition we accompany choral societies and the annual CLIC-Sargent charity carol concert in Glasgow. We currently have vacancies for strings, horns and trumpets of grade 8 level (entry is by audition).

We are a relatively new group of 14 players consisting of retired professionals and keen amateurs. We hope to increase the numbers to 20.

We are a fun non-competitive concert band who rehearse weekly for biannual concerts and charitable events in and around the Glasgow area. In keeping with our ethos to be community inclusive we do not audition players and will be keen to embrace within our Band anyone of any age or background who plays a concert band instrument (including bass/bass guitar and percussion) to a reasonable musical standard. New players always welcome.

We give 4 excellent concerts per year in the Glasgow area with challenging, varied and enjoyable programmes including choral works, and we welcome enquiries about membership from interested players, especially strings. We have a long tradition of commissioning new works from Scottish composers, and are keen to encourage young musicians in all aspects of orchestral life - playing, conducting, and solo performance as well as composing.

A branch of the national Society of Recorder Players, we play a varied programme from modern and jazz, to baroque and early music. All players of any standard are welcome, though you do need to be able to read music.

Open to all players of retirement age and over. We rehearse and give concerts between September and May. We number around 55 players, including retired professional musicians, as well as keen amateurs! Anyone interested in joining should contact the secretary in the first instance. There is no audition, but some sections, especially wind, may be full.

If you live in, or around the Glasgow area and are interested in joining up, please contact us by email. Although we are an amateur orchestra, our standard is quite high, so ideally players should have passed Grade 7 or above.

We are a 65 piece orchestra specialising in film, stage and light music. We have concerts 4 or 5 times a year, with 'splinter' groups (strings for example) occasionally performing as an ensemble. Our repertoire is fun, challenging and exciting and a bit different from the norm! We're always interested in new players, especially in the viola section! Most of our members are music teachers and instrumental instructors, so our standard is pretty high. We're looking for players around the grade 7 mark. Get in touch!

3 Concerts per year. We pride ourselves on being a very friendly outfit and have a wide range of ages and backgrounds. We are currently looking for players especially in the string sections of the orchestra

The Glasgow Wind Band (originally called The Glasgow Youth Band) was formed in 1972 to provide an opportunity for senior school pupils, students and adult members of the public to participate in a symphonic wind band of the very highest calibre.

For a list of vacancies visit our web site.

GCO is a friendly and informal community orchestra, which rehearses and performs all year round. We welcome new players Grade 6 or above on any instrument - no auditions.

Membership is open to all levels of players who like playing Scottish Traditional Music. Instruments accepted are: violin, viola, cello, double bass, accordion, guitar, flute, whistle, mandolin, banjo, concertina and clarinet. Interested parties may join us for two weeks trial without commitment. Interested players need to either read music or be familiar with Scottish music.

An excellent amateur orchestra which plays a range of classical and modern music. Membership is open to anyone who plays at approximately Grade V level or above, no auditions necessary. Vacancies exist for all string players, especially violins and violas, trombones, trumpet and French horn. The orchestra puts on 2 or 3 concerts a year in Helensburgh and sometimes further afield.

Founded in 2000 to provide orchestral music throughout the Highlands, this orchestra has professional and amateur members. We present two seasons of concerts annually, in May and late August / early September. Pairs of concerts are usually in widely-separated venues, examples being Kingussie, Inverness, Strathpeffer, Ullapool and Wick. The orchestra welcomes new members – particularly in the string sections. We currently have a strong wind and brass section, but players of these instruments are welcome to make contact with a view to joining our ‘reserve’ list. We do not audition, but if you play to around grade 8 standard, we’d be pleased to hear from you – please contact the orchestra for further details. We have a play-through day each year – this is a good opportunity for potential new players to come and try us out! We also organise occasional composers' days for new works to be tried out by the orchestra.

Inverurie Wind Band is an inclusive community wind band and we are looking for all woodwind, brass and percussion players to join us. We play a range of standards, classical and film music. All ages and abilities welcome.

Inverurie Orchestra is a community orchestra that mainly comprises amateur players from Aberdeen Shire and City. The orchestra was founded in 2007 and puts on 2-3 concerts a year. Led by Musical Director, Chris Gray, we explore a variety of orchestral repertoire that is fun and sometimes just a little bit challenging! We are always keen to recruit musical talent, particularly strings and brass, so if you are interested in becoming a member please get in touch.

Experienced amateur or professional instrumental players are always welcome to come and play with us. Please contact us via the website or email via the link.

 

The student-run orchestra of Glasgow University. We're happy to hear from any students in Glasgow who want to play.

A community orchestra for adults who like to play their instruments in a group. Handy if you read music. No auditions, all welcome

No audition necessary,we are either late starters or returnees and play easy arrangements of music like Singing in the rain, movements from Pictures at an Exhibition and a wealth of extracts from Handel's Water Music.

We are growing in numbers, ability and audiences, performing three main concerts per season with additional projects to interested members. We have our own composer and play a great mix of music from Baroque to 21st century contemporary original works. We have a wide age range of players from teens upward. No auditions, although an expected standard of Grade 5/6+ is advised. All new players will receive a warm welcome and we would particularly love a 2nd bassoon, trombones and violas. We are on Facebook.

Lanarkshire’s only amateur orchestra warmly welcomes new members! At the moment we are actively recruiting and would very much like to hear from any string players, particularly viola and double bass. We are also looking for French Horns and Trombones. We play a wide repertoire of pieces, from light, popular and film music through to symphonic works. We work towards three performances a year: a festive Christmas concert, a classical concert and a concert comprising of favourites from film/musicals. We are a friendly orchestra and we look forward to hearing from potential new members.

The Learig Orchestra has long been one of the most popular amateur orchestras in North East Scotland. We pride ourselves on our friendliness and welcome players of all instruments, at all standards. In a typical year we give three concerts, all supporting charities. Recent concerts have included works as diverse as the symphonies and overtures of the great classical masters to the sound tracks from popular films and arrangements of comic operas or popular dance music.

Leith Baroque was established in 2016 to practise and perform baroque music for small string orchestra. We occasionally add a little wind. Our core instruments are five modern, violin-family at 440. The costumed dancers Les Danses Antiques have shared stages with us at Stirling Castle and Holyrood Place. Violin and viola players of at least grade 5 or equivalent are sought to swell our numbers a little.

Playing days for 'ego-free' adult amateur players ! (sight reading level gr.6+) No concerts - we play purely for pleasure. Specialise in music from the Baroque & Classical Eras.

The Royal Burgh of Linlithgow Reed Band is one of very few civilian bands in Scotland which has a military configuration, in that it includes reed, brass and percussion instruments. We undertake a wide variety of marching jobs across central Scotland and have two concerts a year in April and December. We have also undertaken a number of other jobs to help local and national charities raise money. The band are currently recruiting new members - particularly experienced bass, trombone and flute players.

An orchestra for players aged 13+ (or under 12 accompanied by an adult player) based in Linlithgow which plays music approximately Grade 5 standard+. New members are always welcome from Linlithgow and the surrounding areas. Please email for more information

The orchestra is for all orchestral instruments, all abilities and all ages from primary school to pensioners - all that is needed is one year's playing experience, an instrument, music stand and a willingness to play music and enjoy yourself! We play a wide range of music from classical to modern with public performances at various times throughout the year, especially at Christmas. We're really in need of string players, oboes and bassoons at present - and we'd like additional adult members. We don't hold auditions - everyone is always welcome.

The MCO has performed regularly and with critical acclaim to audiences in Edinburgh and many parts of Scotland for since 1972

We welcome over 18s of all abilities, including adult beginners and rusty players, and we have professional-led sectionals each term because education and development are fundamental to the orchestra’s raison d’etre. We play classical music with an element of lighter material, and offer an enjoyable, welcoming and inclusive environment to discover or rediscover the pleasure of ensemble playing. Brass players are particularly welcome! We have a summer and a winter session each year, and give a concert at the end of each.

The Musselburgh and Fisherrow Trades Band (the Toun Band) are a brass band who have been playing here in Musselburgh for nearly 120 years. We are a non-contesting band who are always looking for new players so get in touch or just come down and have a go.

All welcome! Next Concert Saturday 25 th March 2017 Inverness Cathedral

The NEO is a friendly orchestra which performs 3 concerts a year which include new works, some commissioned by or written for the orchestra, as well as established classical repertoire.

2 - 3 concerts per year. New players of woodwind, brass and percussion welcome. New members are always welcome to 'try before you buy'!

There are vacancies in the String and Brass sections.

Established in Paisley for over 50 years, we are a friendly orchestra with members of all ages. We currently have vacancies for upper strings and trombones but other vacancies arise from time to time so contact our Secretary.

Formed in 2008 by Mr Daniel T Ward we are a friendly band open to brass, woodwind and percussion players, no audition required (brass/percussion needed, but all instruments welcome). We play 2 main concerts a year, plus occasional other events.

Peebles Orchestra was founded in 1976. It is essentially a community chamber orchestra for players of all abilities drawn from the surrounding area and further afield. We present two main concerts each year in the autumn and the spring, though we also put on occasional concerts at other times. We welcome new players across the instrumental spectrum; please contact us through the website.

We are always happy to welcome new members, especially brass and string players. No audition is necessary but we do ask for commitment to regular attendance at rehearsals and concerts. We perform two regular concerts each season in November & February.

The Portobello Chamber Music Group is an open chamber music workshop based in Edinburgh’s seaside town of Portobello. We play a wide range of music from early baroque to modern works with something new every week. Sight reading skills are required, as is a sense of humour when it all goes wrong. The music we select is not advanced or highly challenging and is generally playable by average musicians. We welcome players of all ages (over 18).

" the Really Terrible orchestra has rapidly become one of the highlights of the Edinburgh Fringe. Why this group of [very] modestly talented musicians should presume to perform in public is beyond anybody "

Join us for rewarding weekends of intensive rehearsal of large-scale symphonic repertoire in central London, plus a week-long residential course during the Edinburgh Festival, with professional conductors and string section principals. Each course ends with an open rehearsal/play-through. Players should be grade 8-plus and competent sight-readers.

The orchestra is always interested to hear from potential new players: strings, wind, brass etc. (although we cannot always guarantee vacancies in all sections).

St Vincent Baroque Players need a violinist, and double bass player. We meet every Thursday night in St Vincent Crescent and have fun. Players come when they can - we have music for all combinations. We do a lot of sight reading of trio sonatas and concertos and play for charity organisations and events.

The SFO, founded in 1980 is Scotland's foremost traditional music orchestra. It has 120 members, comprising violins, 'cellos, basses, accordions, flutes, percussion and piano. The SFO plays about 6 concerts per year in major concert halls of Scotland and the UK, and occasionally tours overseas. Entry is by audition when vacancies arise.

60 players of recorders of all sizes up to contrabass at 8 foot pitch play varied repertoire with a rich orchestral sound. A good standard of playing and sight-reading is necessary, but auditions are not held. There are one or two concerts each year, occasionally jointly with the Dortmund Recorder Consort in Germany.

The orchestra is a mixture of professional players, instrumental teachers and amateurs, who aim to make music to the highest standard of which they are capable. The orchestra is organised concert by concert, and changes in size according to the programme requirements.

Scratchy Noises is a ceilidh band with a difference. Our purpose is to let us beginner/improvers practice playing together and have fun. We do 'gigs' which are very raw as the ethos is if you can play the tune well you are probably too good for Scratchy Noises. Our group aims to be inclusive for beginners/improvers players of any instrument.

Founded in 2004, and now has 30-40 members. We give two concerts a year, in December and March/April, with the December concert being a fund-raiser for local charities. Full details can be found on our website (http://slo-skye.org.uk/) and news, etc. on our Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/skyeandlochalshorchestra/)

Founded in 1997 and drawing members from round the Solway estuary, we give two concerts a year, one in Dumfries and one elsewhere in the region. Our website, www.solwaysinfonia.org.uk gives full details of our history, concerts, rehearsals etc.

The SSCO is Edinburgh’s only afternoon orchestra. The orchestra is a friendly group catering for players of all ages and abilities, performing a wide variety of classical music . Grade 4 standard or above – no auditions required. We’re particularly keen to recruit more string players, and we also have some brass vacancies.

We are an award winning community symphonic wind band, open to players of any age. We do not hold auditions but the general standard is grade 5 upwards. Stewarton winds compete in competitions yearly as well as our enjoyable season finales.

Stirling Orchestra is a friendly amateur orchestra of around 70 players. We usually perform 2-3 concerts a year in the Albert Halls, Stirling. Please visit our website for current section vacancies and future concerts.

Friendly for-fun group working to 2 - 3 concerts per year. Grade 3+, no audition. Currently recruiting strings (especially 'cello and viola) and brass.

New members welcome, no auditions, sense of humour essential, good players will be drummed out (if we can find the drum and its sticks at the same time).

A hit-and-run one rehearsal orchestra with a broad and interesting repertoire, giving ten main concerts in 2011, with a related wind ensemble. Last Orchestra in Scotland!