MELLOW TONES RECORDER ORCHESTRA

For many years I’ve been heavily involved in the UK recorder orchestra scene, working with groups such as the Thames Valley Recorder Orchestra, Hampshire Recorder Sinfonia and the Phoenix Recorder Orchestra.  

Inspired by a session at the Autumn Recorder Orchestra Weekend course I created a new ensemble, the Mellow Tones Recorder Orchestra (METRO for short). This is a recorder orchestra which utilises the larger sizes of recorder, from the humble tenor right down to the imposing subcontrabass, to play a mix of arrangements of music from the last thousand years and original repertoire.  I’ve been involved with several similar 'eight foot' recorder orchestras on courses over the years and the reaction from players has always been positive when they've heard the gloriously voluptuous sound these large recorders make en-mass.

Our logo was designed for us by the late Ray Mathews, and we have several resident composers who regularly write new pieces for us to play.

Joining METRO

METRO currently has a membership of more than seventy enthusiastic recorder players so space for new members is limited. If you are interested in joining please send me a message via my contact page.

The information below will be updated regularly as a reference resource for current members.

METRO meets to rehearse for a whole day (10.30am to 4.30pm in December & March, 10.30am- 5pm in June & September), once a quarter, evenly spread through the year.  Our future dates are:

2025

Sunday 2nd March

Sunday 1st June

Sunday 7th September - Conducted by Ann & Steve Marshall

Sunday 7th December

Our rehearsals take place at Aston Village Hall, New Park Lane, Aston, Hertfordshire. SG2 7DY - directions to the hall can be found by clicking here. If you use the What3Words website or app you can also find it by using the following location: purchaser.clearly.wing

Aston is a small village, approximately three miles from Stevenage.  It is close to the motorway network and has ample parking.

Tea, coffee, juice and biscuits will be provided at break times but members will need to bring their own lunch with them. Membership costs £17 per day rehearsal, payable on arrival at Aston Village Hall.   

A selection of photos from our rehearsal in June 2023, taken by Kevin Webb

Click on any image to see it bigger!