First Violins
John Parker - Principal
I began playing the violin when I was 10 years old. I was trained as a Physics teacher and during my period of study I ceased to play the violin seriously. When I began teaching in 1962, I joined Batley Concert Orchestra and I also played in the orchesta pit for many musical shows around West Yorkshire. In 1974 I joined Slaithwaite Philharmonic Orchestra and continue to be a playing member of the 1st violin section of the orchestra. I joined Paddock Orchestra in 1997 with the purpose of taking our younger daughter Jane to play in the violin section of the orchestra. Some time later I was asked to lead the Orchestra in 2000 and thoroughly enjoy being a playing member of the orchestra.
At the present time I am the chairman of the committee, which consists of a group of dedicated people who attempt to give the playing members an opportunity to make live music. The Orchestra is both educational and social for there is an extremely warm and friendly atmosphere. Tuesday nights are very special for the playing members enjoy rehearsal time and the time during the interval when they have a drink of tea or coffee and a biscuit. The purpose of giving concerts is a means of giving a focus for all the playing members and to give them a goal to aim for.
Margaret Bates
Tuesday night is special. Each week an eclectic group of around forty people meet to make music together. Not all of us are stars, but most orchestra sections have their share. This nucleus is the backbone of the orchestra, providing a wonderful opportunity for the less gifted.
We meet under the baton of our conductor, Alfi, who each week spends two hours to coax, cajole and challenge us to give our best. This orchestra, apart from improving our musicality, is fun. Young and old alike share a commpon purpose. At half time, we have a fifteen minute break to socialise over a cup of tea or coffee.
I have been a member of this orchestra for about twenty years, under several different conductors and leaders. When I joined the orchestra, I had not picked up a violin for fifteen years, owing to the responsibility of a young family. The orchestra was originally part of th adult education system. Teachers were provided for each of the sections. Due to government cuts in funding, the orchestra decided to become independent. We now average 3 or 4 concerts annually, often held in churches. Sometimes other groups (eg. vocal) are included in our programmes.
Why not give the orchestra a try? We especially require string players. You will be sure of a warm welcome.
Paula Berry
Pat Fairclough
John Allt
Margaret Shaw
I have been and still am, a member of the Slaithwaite Philharmonic Orchestra for 26 years where I have to play increasingly difficult music. In the SPO I sit on the 2nd desk of the first violins with John Parker - leader of the Paddock Orchestra. John had tried many times to persuade me to join Paddock but I resisted because I felt my life was busy enough. Then the crunch came in the year 2000 when SPO's October concert programme included Josef Suk's 2nd Symphony. I immediately disliked it - it didn't even begin to 'grow on me', moreover, I found it impossible to play and I was getting no pleasure at all from my fiddling. I dreaded going to reharsals! I considered leaving SPO but didn't - instead I joined Paddock to try to provide a little light relief from Suk. This it did - and more.
At Paddock we play a huge variety of playable, enjoyable music, with lovely people in a very friendly atmosphere. I certainly have no regrets about joining - and would urge anyone thinking about it to JUST DO IT!