Crawley Accordion Orchestra
C.A.O. was founded in 1976 by a local accordion teacher Richard Seagar. The Orchestra thrived with both a Senior and Junior Orchestras becoming well known during the 1980’s and 1990’s through many performances and concerts in Sussex and Surrey. In addition C.A.O. formed links with accordion orchestras in France and Germany and enjoyed many exchange visits with them.
Fast forward to today and there is one Orchestra still actively performing on Bandstands in Horsham, Guildford and Woking and in Concerts throughout Surrey and Sussex (see the C.A.O..facebook page for future events). C,A,O. plays a wide variety of music from classical, easy listening, movie and musical themes, Latin American, classic pop, and marches.
Musical Directors have changed over the years and but since 2017 the Orchestra is privileged to have Nigel Pasby as Musical Director and Conductor. Nigel is well known as a Leading accordion player/ Teacher and Competition Adjudicator.
CAO is now based in Merstham, Nr. Redhill, Surrey, where the players meet every Thursday evening from 7.45- 10.00pm for practice at the Age Concern Centre.
C.A.O. wants more player members and so prospective orchestra members are very welcome to visit on any practice evening – just to listen or play with the orchestra.
Look at www. facebook.com/crawleyaccordionorchestra
You tube: Crawley Accordion Orchestra
Tillingbourne Accordion Orchestra
The Tillingbourne Accordion Orchestra (then known as the Tillingbourne Accordion Band) was founded in 1988, meeting for rehearsals in Albury Village Hall. In 1992 it moved to its present venue, in the annexe to Ripley Village Hall, where it still meets on Tuesdays at 8pm and potential members are always welcome.
In April, 1990 the Orchestra founded Guildford Accordion Club, open to all , both players and non players. The Club meets on the third Friday of every month in Ripley Village Hall.
Since its foundation 17 years ago the orchestra has played at many venues, often in support of charities, in Nursing Homes and at a variety of functions, in Surrey, Kent and London locations. The Musical Director at its inception was Mike Naido who was followed by Pete Denham and then a number of others, the present baton holder being Marion Szuman. We are available to accept bookings. large or small.