Chairman's Report 2007

Your committee has met regularly throughout the last year. We are fortunate to have an active committee and my thanks go to all who have helped. One of the problems with the organisation of the orchestra is the fact that we are all widely spread and meetings can be difficult to organise. E-mail has certainly helped.

I think much has been achieved and many new faces have appeared to help. In this connection I must give considerable thanks to Sue Johns and her committee for all the work done in connection with the Young Musician Competition. This is a most important part of the work of the orchestra. May I remind you that we are a registered charity and as part of that charitable status there is a duty on us to promote and educate. The YMC is one of the ways that we achieve that and it is vitally important that such competition is continued and developed. Those sponsoring us have complained at the lack of support particularly from the members of the orchestra themselves. Whilst the event can be promoted by advertising etc support on the day for the competitors makes their participation all the more enjoyable and increases their sense of achievement. It is vital that next year more of us attend.

A new venue will have to be found. MGC was a good location but the layout of the rehearsal facilities and other restrictions imposed on us did not entirely suit the competitors

I say this each year but thank you to Roger Clift for his untiring work on our behalf. Without him much that is now done would not be done. However he has reached the point where he needs some help and support. He cannot be expected to carry the burden indefinitely.

Our continuing problem is publicity. David Etheridge has taken on dealing with the media but the lack of interest from our local paper is worrying. Despite his best efforts we will have all noticed the lack of pre concert publicity and in particular concert reviews. We get far more support from Birmingham! The best form of promotion is by you the members. Nag your friends, ask local traders to advertise in the programme, add a rider to your e-mails and put up the occasional poster.

It has been suggested that a fourth concert in the year might be done e.g. a string concert. How do people feel? Let the committee have your views.

I have thoroughly enjoyed the last years music making and hope that applies to you all, despite finding November's Stravinsky a little stressful. As always a huge thank you to Michael for his incredible patience and guidance.