We have circulated all the schools we can with participating members the following information. Please also check the Birkdale website on Friday before travelling ( www.birkdaleschool.org.uk ):

During the cold and icy weather, we understand that there may be some days when it might be unwise for you to travel to Birkdale in order to attend a SISTO rehearsal. If you are in doubt as to whether or not to come, please do not take unnecessary risks - we will understand if you cannot make it.

It is, however, important that parents and members of the orchestra know exactly what each other are planning to do if it becomes necessary to vary the usual arrangements. In particular, no child should make a different arrangement (to go directly home instead of to a rehearsal, for example) without the agreement of his or her parents or whoever else may be responsible.

If you are able to let us know at Birkdale Prep School that you cannot make a rehearsal, that, too, would be helpful. Our telephone number is 0114 267 0407. Store the number in your mobile phone if you carry one - in case you ever need it.

In the unlikely event that you or any member of the orchestra should get into difficulty on the way to a rehearsal or are unsure of what to do, please try first to contact the person who is responsible for you, or else a member of staff at your own school or telephone the Birkdale number and ask for any assistance or advice you may need.

Fantasia on Easter Themes - click here for music
click here to listen

Next Concert: Friday 12th March 2010 at 4.45pm
(Birkdale Preparatory School Hall)

Dates for the current term:

EASTER TERM 2010
Rehearsals:
January 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th
February 5th, 12th, 26th (No rehearsal on 19th Feb)
March 5th, 12th
Easter Concert: March 12th 2010 4.45pm

SISTO exists to enable young musicians aged 7 and over who are approaching Grade 1 standard or higher to enjoy learning the skills of playing together.

Rehearsing every Friday afternoon from 4.10pm until 5.10pm under the conductorship of Stephen Vickers, the orchestra has close links with the Sheffield Youth Orchestra. Rehearsals take place in Birkdale Preparatory School, Sheffield.

Originally, the orchestra was founded so that the boys and girls who had performed individually in the Birkdale Festival of Music and Performing Arts could have a regular opportunity to make music together. Today we are pleased to extend a welcome to anyone who is educated in the Sheffield area, either privately or in any local independent or state school.

Membership of SISTO is free.

We welcome players of the following instruments:
STRINGS: Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass
WOODWIND: Oboe, Flute/Piccolo, Clarinet, Bassoon
BRASS: Cornet/Trumpet, French Horn/Eb Tenor Horn, Euphonium/Baritone/Trombone/Tuba (Treble/Bass Clef)
PERCUSSION: Pitched and Unpitched Orchestral Percussion, including Timpani

If you would like to join, please send an e-mail to Douglas Jones, Birkdale's Director of Preparatory School Music at the following address:

sisto@douglaspjones.co.uk

To go to Douglas' other Music Pages please follow this link:

http://www.douglaspjones.co.uk/index.html