Trumpets
Elaine Horsfall - Principal
I began playing the trumpet when I was 11 years of age, my tutor being Mr Edgar Whitham - for any of the older brass members out there. I played with the Huddersfield Youth Orchestras, commencing with the newly formed Primary Orchestra conducted by Kenneth Rafferty - whom I now have the pleasure of playing with in my local church Music Group - what a small world. I progressed through to the Senior Orchestra, also playing in the Wind Orchestra and the Huddersfield Youth Brass Ensemble, very happy days. I would encourage any youngster to play an instrument - and to get involved with some kind of music group.
I had a period when I stopped playing, firstly when I married and had my family - but I could never sell my trumpet which was an eighteenth birthday present from my Mother and Father. I decided to return to playing my trumpet eleven years ago, but was unsure where to start. I was told of Paddock Orchestra. Very reluctantly I rang the telephone number I had been given. Mr Humphrey Bolton answered and encouraged me to attend. No auditions required. I have to admit the Orchestra was not very good in those days but the people and the social side was wonderful.
Today I can honestly say the improvement in the Orchestra has been tremendous and the social side is as good as ever. We now have a regular attendance each week of thirty-five to 40 players and one feels the orchestra is going forward now and I am happy to be a part of that. There are vacancies in the brass section for two trombone players. We acquired two French Horn players last season and what a difference that makes. There are vacancies in other sections of the Orchestra too - so if you feel you could fill one of our places and you want a really friendly 'bunch' to play your instrument with, call our secretary!