The recently formed orchestra is currently made up of 35 musicians, eight of whom are students at the University’s London College of Music (LCM). As part of the arrangement, LCM provides a venue for rehearsals as well as use of percussion instruments.

Musical Director and Orchestra Conductor Dave Gordon-Shute is an Ealing-based classical musician. He and another local musician had the idea of starting a wind orchestra and contacted LCM Lecturer and External Engagement Coordinator Esther Sheridan. She was enthusiastic.

LCM is delighted to host the Ealing Wind Orchestra. It is wonderful for our students to work with such a brilliant musician and conductor, to understand the value of a community ensemble and to help to develop it. It gives them vital, transferable skills and experiences.

In addition, the opportunity to welcome the local musical community into UWL and LCM and work with them in this way is exactly the type of cultural partnership we are keen to build on,”

explained Esther.

The orchestra began with a taster day in June 2023 and started rehearsals in early October. It now rehearses every Wednesday at 7pm in Vestry Hall. They play a mix of film music, arrangements from musicals and classic wind band music from all over the world.

I want to broaden our repertoire. I think it is important that we get underrepresented groups not only playing in but writing for the orchestra,”

said Dave.

A piece by one of their own saxophonists is already part of their repertoire and Dr Litha Efthymiou, Lecturer in Composition at LCM, has asked five of her students to submit a draft piece, one of which will be chosen to perform.

Professor Nicholas McKay, Director of the London College of Music, said:

London College of Music has a strong tradition of supporting creative ideas, perspectives and voices. Music is one of the most wonderful and meaningful ways we can do this not just for students but the wider west London population.”

Ealing Wind Orchestra aims to perform two concerts a year and the next is scheduled for 7pm on Saturday 11 May in Weston Hall.

The orchestra is looking to recruit new members from the local community. Read more about them and get in touch via email at ealingwindorchestra@gmail.com